By William Madouk Garang
The ceasefire monitoring body – CTSAMVM has urged South Sudan Peoples’ Defense Forces (SSPDF) to withdraw their forces from cantonment sites designated for SPLA-IO forces in Unity and Upper Nile states.
The Chairperson of the Ceasefire Transitional Security Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, Lt-Gen Asrat Denero Amad said they are concerned about the continuing occupation by SSPDF forces.
“CTSAMVM remains concerned about the continual occupation of Mir Mir, Liang and Jekou Cantonment sites in Unity and Upper Nile States respectively by SSPDF and/or its affiliates,” Amad said.
“These Cantonments sites were designated for SPLM/A-IO and therefore CTSAMVM appeals to SSPDF to withdraw and allow SPLM/A-IO to re-occupy the areas,” he continued.
Mr. Amad said this during the opening season of the Ceasefire Transitional Security Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) technical meeting held in Juba, on October 31st.
According to the ceasefire body, the status of permanent ceasefire is significantly holding in most states though several violations were committed by ill-disciplined soldiers from both SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces.
“Violations against civilians and armed forces’ clashes between the parties continue due to lack of discipline and control by the Parties over their military personnel and armed groups under their control and influence,”
CTSAMVM further stated that there are still incidents reportedly perpetrated by elements of National Salvation Front (NAS) in Central Equatoria State.
CTSAMVM also cited a concern over the recent reports of tensions in Upper Nile State and northern parts of Jonglei State following repeated clashes between SPLM/A-IO, Agwelek forces and the armed youth which has caused deaths and large scale displacement of civilians.
“CTSAMVM urges RTGoNU to quickly implement the remaining unimplemented tasks during this extended period in order to lead to peaceful elections,”