South Sudan peace monitors accuse Cirilo of atrocities against army

JUBA – South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors have accused a rebel group, National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka of abducting and killing government forces in Central Equatoria State.

Gen. Teshome Gemechu, Chairperson of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring, Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), accused the NAS of carrying out targeted ambushes against members of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces.

“There have been several incidents reported allegedly involving NAS including abductions, an attack against an SSPDF position and an ambush against SSPDF soldiers,” Gemechu told reporters during CTSAMVM Technical Meeting in Juba on Monday.

Gemechu reported that tensions remain in southern Central Equatoria State although the situation appears to be improving.

“We call upon IGAD and RJMEC to urge the parties involved to take the necessary steps to avoid clashes and adhere to the ceasefire as well as the protection of civilians,” he said.

He expressed deep concern about the risk that these incidents pose to the peace process.

“We have expressed our concerns and we strongly recommend IGAD and RJMEC to urge the parties to take immediate action on these activities so that the required security arrangements can be implemented,” he told reporters in Juba.

11 May and 20 June 2021, one involves incidents of violence in Nassir, Upper Nile State between The second one involves SGBV in Central Equatoria in July 2021 and the third, recent detention of CTSAMVM aircraft.

July 2021, the second one involves SGBV in Central Equatoria in and recent detention of CTSAMVM aircraft.

According to Ceasefire monitors, rebel group, National Salvation Front (NAS), which refused to be part of the 2018 peace deal, continued to launch attacks in Central Equatoria state in the south.