The Troika countries have condemned the reported recent attacks on SPLM/A-IO positions by SSPDF in Upper Nile State.
The Troika which comprises the United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom, said the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) positions in Jekau and other towns in Maiwut County came under attack between 19th and 20th March 2022.
They say the incidents followed a series of reported attacks on the SPLM/IO positions across Unity State and Upper Nile by SSPDF and their aligned forces over the last two months.
The Troika has requested the security monitoring mechanisms to carry out an urgent assessment to establish if the attacks constitute a breach of R-ACRSS, and identify those responsible for these acts.
The monitoring mechanisms put in place include the Permanent Ceasefire and Peace Agreement monitoring and verification mechanisms, the Ceasefire, and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).
It warned that incidents such as these and the resulting cycles of revenge attacks risk greater violence in the country.
The Troika said it is particularly concerned about reported attacks against the training centers and cantonment sites, which portray a lack of political will to unify and graduate the necessary Unified Forces and thereby threaten to undermine the R-ARCSS.
The Troika calls on the government of South Sudan to exercise leadership and oversight of the nation’s security forces to maintain discipline and comply with the Peace Agreement.
The body further regrets the decision made by SPLM/A-IO to temporarily withdraw its participation from CTSAMVM and R-JMEC. However, it urges all parties to recommit to the R-ARCSS and re-engage in good faith in the Agreement mechanisms, stressing a dire need to have a wholehearted commitment that is critical to complete the transitional period which is bearly less than a year.
The Troika regretted the recent fights that counter the recent achievements made. It said these recent events could lead to renewed fighting and eventually bring suffering to the people of South Sudan, who have already suffered two wars in their first decade of independence.
The Troika promised to continue to support the parties in their efforts to achieve a stable, peaceful society for all South Sudanese.