South Sudan’s Government army should stop violating peace deal-Ceasefire monitors

The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has been requested to withdraw from cantonment sites in Unity and Upper Nile states to pave way for opposition soldiers.

Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero Amad, the Chairperson for the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) revealed on Wednesday that SSPDF was still occupying Mirmir, Liang and Jekou cantonment sites.

“CTSAMVM remains concerned about the continual occupation of Mirmir, Liang and Jekou cantonment sites in Unity and Upper Nile states respectively by SSPDF and its affiliates. These cantonment sites were designated to SPLA-IO,” Amad told journalists at Royal Palace Hotel during the opening of CTSAMVM board meeting.

In February, fighting erupted in Mirmir of Unity State between the SPLA-IO under First Vice President Riek Machar and armed youths allied to SSPDF.

The violence further spread to Koch, Mayiandit and Leer Counties.

Amad also disclosed that illegal checkpoints, arrests and over taxation along the Nile River in Upper Nile state could provoke hostilities.

“The activities of illegal checkpoints, arrests and over taxation along the Nile in Upper Nile state is likely to provoke hostilities from other parties and undermine the peace process,” Amad said.

The parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement are struggling to train and graduate the 83,000 unified forces currently holed up various cantonment sites.

These unified forces are charged with providing security during the ongoing transitional period that is expected to end in February 2023.