Peace monitors raise fresh alarm over ceasefire violations
JUBA – The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Thursday raised fresh concerns over recurring ceasefire violations across South Sudan, warning that continued breaches, delayed security reforms, and chronic funding shortfalls are jeopardizing the implementation of the country’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
The concerns were presented CTSAMVM during the monthly plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) in Juba.
Presenting the monitoring body’s latest assessment, CTSAMVM representative Gilbert Ozuo said repeated violations of the permanent ceasefire continue to undermine confidence in the peace process and threaten progress toward the country’s political transition.
“The delay in deployment of the necessary unified force, inadequate financing of security mechanisms, and recurring allegations of ceasefire violations continue to pose significant risks to the peace process,” Ozuo told the meeting.
Although the overall security situation remains volatile, he said localized armed confrontations and military activities inconsistent with the ceasefire remain widespread, weakening implementation of the agreement.
“They continue to undermine confidence in the full implementation of the agreement and could adversely affect preparations for the country’s transition,” he said.
Ozuo called on all military actors to immediately cease hostilities, refrain from provocative actions, protect civilians, guarantee humanitarian access, and resolve disputes through established mechanisms.
He also cited continued movement of armed forces in violation of ceasefire provisions and the presence of military personnel in civilian areas.
According to CTSAMVM, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) continue to occupy three civilian locations in Nasir County of Upper Nile State and Yei River County in Central Equatoria State.
“Overall, the security environment across South Sudan remains volatile. In most parts of the country, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated,” Ozuo said.
Beyond battlefield violations, CTSAMVM identified slow progress in implementing Chapter Two of the peace agreement, which provides for transitional security arrangements, as another major obstacle.
Ozuo said political disagreements among the parties have delayed agreement on a unified command structure for the Necessary Unified Forces, while persistent financial and logistical challenges continue to weaken security mechanisms.
He said inadequate salaries, food shortages, lack of clean water, medicine, shelter, and transport have forced many graduates to abandon cantonment and training centres in search of alternative livelihoods.
The monitoring body also questioned whether the second batch of unified forces could be deployed before the first batch has been fully integrated, citing continued uncertainty over budget allocations and implementation timelines.
According to Ozuo, personnel already deployed continue to operate under existing SSPDF command structures rather than a unified national command, making it difficult to verify the status of the Necessary Unified Forces envisioned under the peace agreement.
“The delay in operationalizing unified security institutions remains one of the most significant implementation gaps under Chapter Two,” he said.
CTSAMVM has repeatedly identified implementation of the security arrangements as one of the most critical benchmarks for sustaining the peace agreement and creating conditions for South Sudan’s transition.