JUBA – The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday urged South Sudan’s parties to exercise restraint as the security situation remains unpredictable in several parts of the country.
Speaking at the 60th CTSAMVM Board Meeting in Juba on Monday, CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Endashaw Atomsa said renewed confrontations involving organized forces, armed youth mobilization, and intercommunal violence continued to affect communities.
“The security environment has remained unpredictable in some parts of the country, particularly in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Central Equatoria States,” Endashaw said.
Endashaw said the situation was particularly concerning in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Central Equatoria states, where violence has resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, restrictions on movement, and challenges to humanitarian access.
“Although the situation varies across different areas, three recurring patterns have become evident: renewed confrontations involving organized forces; continued mobilization of armed youth and intercommunal violence; and increasing impacts on civilians, including displacement, restrictions on movement, and challenges to humanitarian access.”
“The first report examines the armed confrontations between the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO in Burbiey and Jikmir, Nasir County, Upper Nile State,” he said.
The second concerns the reported SPLM/A-IO attack in Atende Boma, Central Equatoria State, including the reported looting of property and the abduction of a Boma sub-chief and four youths.”
In Central Equatoria, he said road insecurity continued to pose risks to civilians, citing reported attacks on civilians and mourners travelling along the Mundri-Juba main road on September 26 and 27.
“As the country advances toward the elections, it is our hope that the security situation remains peaceful and calmness prevails,” Endashaw said.
In Upper Nile State, Endashaw said the situation remained particularly concerning in Ulang and Nasir, where reported clashes involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), SPLM/A-IO, and the White Army had resulted in casualties, displacement, and restrictions on civilian movement.
He also reported continued violence involving armed youth in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
In Unity State, the reported shooting of civilians at the Bentiu Protection of Civilians site highlighted what he described as ongoing civilian protection concerns.
In Warrap State, Endashaw said intercommunal violence in Tonj North, alongside further killings in Gogrial East, demonstrated the continued risk of retaliatory violence and renewed clashes.
He recommended that the caretaker government and signatory parties exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further deteriorate the security situation.
He also called for strengthened measures to protect civilians, guarantee freedom of movement, and secure key civilian and humanitarian routes.
According to him, these measures would help enhance public confidence and facilitate humanitarian access to affected communities.
