South Sudan ceasefire monitors express concerns over US suspension of funding  

JUBA – South Sudan ceasefire monitoring body, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), on Wednesday expressed concerns over withdrawal of the U.S support.

Speaking during the board meeting in Juba on Wednesday, Lt Gen Asrat Denero, the chairperson of the CTSAMVM, said the U.S aid cut will greatly affect the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.

“I also want to take this opportunity to formally inform the members of this CTC meeting that, the Government of the United States of America which is the number one donor in-kind has demobilized and withdrew its logistical and personnel support to CTSAMVM effective 3^rd July 2022,” Denero said.

Denero, head of the body tasked to monitor the ceasefire between the country’s rival armed said the U.S aid cut had happened at a very critical stage when the mechanism needed more support.

“The withdrawal of the U.S government had happened at a very critical stage when the mechanism wanted it so much. Especially lack of Aviation support will greatly hamper the proper functioning of CTSAMVM and will result in delayed investigation and reporting,” he said.

Ethiopian retired general said the lack of aviation support will greatly hamper the proper function of the CTSAMVM.

“However, I want to assure this meeting that CTSAMVM will continue to do all that is possible and within the available means to fulfill its mandate.”

Last month, the US pulled out of South Sudan’s peace process monitoring mechanisms.

The US government was a major donor to the process – providing aviation services and logistics.

The US State Department accuses political leaders of failing to meet key reform milestones of the agreement they signed in September 2018 to end five years of conflict.