By William Madouk
A rising wave of attacks by unknown armed groups on individuals in communities worries peace monitors.
According to the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), attacks could put 2018 revitalized peace agreement in jeopardy.
Chairperson of CTSAMVM, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Bitew expressed the concern while speaking during a meeting on Thursday.
“Since the last CTC meeting, a wave of attacks by unknown armed groups on individuals in communities has been on the rise,” Bitew said.
He pointed one of the occurrences involving an attack on the Ezo County Paramount Chief, as an example.
“On top of which there has also been an upsurge in intercommunal violent conflicts between youths, such as the conflict between Nuer Rubkona County and Leer County communities, all of which continue to affect the peace process,” he noted.
Besides, CTSAMVM reported that there are suspected activities by the National Salvation Front (NAS) allied to Gen. Thomas Cirilo, including recruitment of young people in Yei.
“CTSAMVM has further noted that activities suspected to be conducted by NAS have increased around the area of Yei County, where recruitments of young energetic youths to enroll as their forces have been reported,” CTC boss revealed.
“Additionally, suspected NAS elements ambushed a commercial vehicle at Loca Boma in Lainya County, killed its driver, and injured a soldier from the SSPDF who was escorting it,” he continued.
According to Bitew, there are three types of people who are causing insecurity in Western Equatoria and Bahr El Ghazal state respectively and they include Ambororo, Dinka Bor cattle keepers and unknown gunmen.
“The first group is Dinka Bor cattle keepers who move while armed with guns. Secondly, Central African nomads called Ambororo and they move with guns,” he stressed.
“Thirdly, there is an unknown group of people who are moving with guns and not putting on uniforms. These are not good indicators of the peace process,” Bitew lamented.