JUBA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan ceasefire monitor on Thursday urged the SPLA-in opposition (SPLA-IO) rebels and other armed groups to end ambushes and attacks on civilians amid ongoing ceasefire violations by both the warring parties.
The head of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) Maj.Gen Molla Hailemariam told leaders and diplomats in Juba that the warring parties need to do much more to end continuous ceasefire violations and allow access for CTSAMM teams.
"CTSAMM urges the parties to respect the ceasefire as continued hostilities will not bring about an end to the conflict. CTSAMM also urges the SPLA-IO faction and other armed groups to stop ambushes and attacks on civilians and respect the ceasefire," he said.
There have been hundreds of brutal civilian killings by armed groups along major roads like Juba-Nimule, Bor and Yei roads since the renewed July violence last year which the government blames on rebels.
Hailemariam revealed they have prioritized visiting areas of concern including Yei, Boma, Fashoda,Raja, Mundri and the rebel stronghold of Pagak where the UN reported last week fighting between government troops (SPLA) and rebels forcing over 5,000 people to flee as refugees in neighboring Ethiopia.
"The security situation in the country, despite some cessation of hostilities, continues to witness conflict, fighting is evident in the areas of Pagak and some of the Equatorias. As the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, the ceasefire continues to be violated by all opposition factions and the government," he said.
Hailemariam added that plans were underway for the ceasefire team to reach out to the warring parties and other armed groups in order to facilitate monitoring and verification activities and also collaborate with the regional protection force to monitor the implementation of the transitional security arrangements.
"CTSAMM plans to deploy additional monitoring and verification teams to new sites in Mundri, Kapoeta, Raja and Yei in coordination with UNMISS and Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC)," he disclosed.
But, he also decried obstruction of ceasefire monitors by local authorities and field commanders, hence slowing their mission.
"In previous JMEC meetings we reported that the process for gaining access to the government is time consuming for us and we are again appealing to the transitional unity government to overcome this and allow CTSAMM to conduct its missions fully," Hailemariam said.
He added that they have completed investigation into seven alleged violations of the common ceasefire and transitional security arrangements, which will be submitted to the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for further action.
Hailemariam said that they are aware of the need to revitalize the peace process, and are now focused on how to streamline CTSAMM activities in line with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace deal revitalization process.
In addition, he said CTSAMM supported by helicopter carried out 42 patrols and held over 115 meetings with local stakeholders since April, and added they will continue to engage other stakeholders such as civil society, authorities of SPLA leadership to cooperate and coordinate on mission activities.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
