South Sudan ceasefire monitors decry lack of funding

JUBA – South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors said lack of funding would likely put at risk the functioning of the body responsible for monitoring and verifying the implementation permanent ceasefire.

Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Aderie, chairperson of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), said the body has a budget deficit of 2 million U.S dollars and outstanding bills of 4 million dollars.

“To bridge this critical financial shortfall, the CTSAMVM leadership in collaboration and approval of IGAD leadership developed a resource mobilization strategy that calls upon IGAD member states to involved,” Gemechu said during the board meeting in Juba on Tuesday.

Recently, South Sudan’s government disbursed $295,200 to CTSAMVM to clear arrears of its national monitors after the IGAD, a regional block that mediated the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, declined to fund the body responsible for monitoring and verifying the implementation of a permanent ceasefire.

Gemechu expressed his gratitude to the unity government for covering the daily cost of its national monitors paving ways for smooth work of the body.

“Even though our international partners and donors continued in providing financial support, CTSAMVM still faces a financial shortfall,” he said.