The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has urged the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to help end the ongoing conflicts in parts of Upper Nile Region.
Since 2021, there have been military clashes in the area invoking the armed forces of SPLM-IO Kitwang factions of Simon Gatwich and Johnson Olony, SPLM-IO of Dr. Riak and SSPDF – which have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands.
On Monday, the SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction led by Gen. Simon Gatwech clashed with the SPLA-IO forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar in Tonga, Upper Nile State.
CTSAMVM says it is concerned by the risks that these incidents pose to the peace process and called for external intervention.
“We call upon IGAD and RJMEC to urge the parties involved to take the necessary steps to avoid clashes and adhere to the provisions of the Agreement especially the Ceasefire as well as the protection of civilians.” said Lt Gen Asrat Denero Amad, CTSAMVM chairperson.
The chair briefed the technical committee on Tuesday, saying the IGAD Council of Ministers meeting in Khartoum, which he attended on 30 November 2022, discussed the continuous clashes in upper Nile region.
The Council urged the R-TGoNU to “redouble efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue and implementation of relevant provisions of the Transitional Security Arrangements”.
The ceasefire monitoring body also condemned the recent fighting between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces in Maiwut County of Upper Nile State.
The clashes, which took place last week, claimed a life and left two others wounded.
