South Sudan ceasefire monitors warn of rising violence ahead of December elections

This photo from Feb. 10 shows young boys, child soldiers, sitting with their rifles at a ceremony of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in Pibor overseen by UNICEF and partners. (Charles Lomodong/AFP/Getty Images)

South Sudan's ceasefire monitoring body has warned of mounting security threats ahead of the country's general elections scheduled for December 22, calling for urgent measures to prevent violence and protect the electoral process.

The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) raised concerns over continued armed recruitment, troop mobilization and intimidation of local communities as preparations for the elections continue, Xinhua reports.

Speaking at a meeting of ceasefire monitors in the capital, Juba, on Thursday, senior government representative Wuoi Mayom Deng warned that certain armed elements were attempting to undermine the electoral process.

He said increased military activity and deliberate efforts to spread fear among civilians threatened the right of South Sudanese citizens to freely choose their leaders.

Deng urged the monitoring mechanism to intensify surveillance and patrols in areas considered vulnerable to election-related violence, particularly Jonglei State.

He also emphasized the need to accelerate investigations and reporting on ceasefire violations to establish reliable information before rumors and disinformation spread.

The official called for closer coordination between CTSAMVM, the National Elections Commission, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and national security agencies to establish a comprehensive security framework for the elections.

The warning comes amid continued deadly violence in several parts of the country.

In late August, two UN peacekeepers were killed and seven other people, including three peacekeepers, were injured when a patrol was ambushed near Pajut in Jonglei State.

Earlier in October, communal clashes in Lakes State reportedly left 71 people dead.

CTSAMVM Chairperson Hailu Endashaw Atomsa described South Sudan's security situation as uneven, with some regions experiencing relative stability while others remain affected by armed confrontations, ambushes and intercommunal violence.

He reported that fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition and the South Sudan People's Defence Forces in Mugwo Payam, Central Equatoria State, had forced civilians to flee their homes.

Continued clashes in Panyume have also restricted civilian movement and humanitarian access, worsening already severe food shortages in the area.

Meanwhile, attacks along the Mundri-Juba Highway, a major transport corridor connecting the capital with Western Equatoria State, have increased insecurity and disrupted the movement of civilians and commercial vehicles.

Atomsa called on all parties involved in the conflict to reaffirm their commitment to the permanent ceasefire established under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

He stressed the importance of fully implementing the agreement's transitional security arrangements, particularly the provisions outlined in Chapter II.

The CTSAMVM chief also urged armed groups to refrain from offensive military operations, provocations and retaliatory attacks that could further destabilize the country.

South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, making security preparations and compliance with existing peace agreements central concerns for authorities and international monitoring organizations.

Source: https://news.az/news/south-sudan-ceasefire-monitors-warn-of-rising-violence-ahead-of-december-elections