Peace monitors raise alarms over looming resurgence of tensions at Moroto  

JUBA – South Sudan peace monitors are expressing deep concerns over reports of renewed fighting at Moroto training centre in the country’s Central Equatoria state between SPLA-IO forces and their peace partners in the SSPDF.

The fragile security situation in Moroto begun in September last year when former opposition commander, Major General Moses Lokujo, defected from the SPLA-IO to South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) with fighting breaking out at Moroto  a few days later.

Speaking during CTSAMVM board meeting in Juba on Tuesday, Gen. Teshome Gemechu Aderie head of ceasefire monitoring body called upon the parties involved to take the necessary steps and adhere to the ceasefire and respect the lives of civilians.

“The situation in the general areas of Moroto is still fragile and this has resulted into displacement of civilians and some rape cases. We call upon the parties involved to take the necessary steps and adhere to the ceasefire and respect the lives of civilians,” Gemechu said.

Gen. Aderie revealed in a security board meeting that  another round of Rome talks will commence in February.

“CTSAMVM has been invited to participate in another round of talks in Rome, from 2-5 February 2021 to continue with discussion. We hope that these outstanding issues will be agreed upon and we look forward to further progress during the next meetings,” said Gemech during CTSAMVM board meeting in Dembesh Hotel on Tuesday.

He applauded the Parties’ delegations for their patience and commitment to pursue peaceful means to resolve the conflict.