04/09/2024
CTSAMVM – CHAIRPERSON COMMENTS
Opening Statement
by
Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew
Chairperson CTSAMVM
At the
45th CTSAMVM Board Meeting
Beijing Juba Hotel
3 September, 2024
CTSAMVM – CHAIRPERSON COMMENTS
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Your Excellencies,
Ambassadors,
General Officers,
Distinguished Participants,
The Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning.
I welcome all the distinguished attendees to the 45th CTSAMVM Board
Meeting. Again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your
contributions in addressing the issues affecting the peace process in the
Republic of South Sudan.
We shall adhere to the outlined agenda for the Board Meeting, focusing on
discussions regarding the Permanent Ceasefire, progress of
implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements and updates
since the previous board meeting convened on 25 July 2024.
The ceasefire continues to hold in the areas to which CTSAMVM
Monitoring Verification Teams have access. This is encouraging and due
in no small part to our collective commitment to the peace process. We do
however, have several updates that require our collective consideration.
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Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
CTSAMVM is gravely concerned about reports of clashes between armed
youth and SSPDF soldiers in Nasir County. To date this has reportedly led
to the death and wounding of individuals from both sides. CTSAMVM is
currently preparing to conduct an investigation, and is in consultation with
UN Air Ops to facilitate movement.
Additionally, on 25 July 2024, CTSAMVM received a press release from
the SPLM/A-IO alleging that SSPDF forces had attacked a SPLM/A-IO
defensive position at Motot Payam, Uror County, Jonglei State. The
potential for this incident to escalate is obvious, as is the need for
constructive mediation between the parties to address sources of conflict.
The CTSAMVM investigation in Motot Payam is currently suspended.
This investigative area lies within the area of responsibility of a previously
closed Monitoring and Verification Team, namely Bor, this area was
subsequently reassigned to Malakal. Currently, there is no consensus
between the signatory parties and CTSAMVM regarding the reallocation
of the areas of responsibility of the closed MVTs. Until a consensus can be
reached, the national monitors will no longer contribute to monitoring and
verification activity within areas previously assigned to the three closed
Monitoring and Verification Teams. The Monitoring and Verification
Teams previously based at Aweil, Bor and Torit were closed due to
budgetary constraints.
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This is severely limiting CTSAMVM investigative capability, and I appeal
to our senior party representatives to engage in constructive dialogue that
promotes operational monitoring and verification capability across the
whole of South Sudan.
To date CTSAMVM has been informed of the deployment of eight military
Battalions of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). CTSAMVM
Monitoring Verification Teams (MVTs) have received anecdotal accounts
of additional NUF deployments to multiple locations. These accounts
included much encouraging and complimentary testimony regarding the
conduct and impact of NUF forces. It is therefore necessary to
acknowledge and recognise the positive contribution of such deployments,
and CTSAMVM welcomes the opportunity to do so.
CTSAMVM urges that the positive impact of the NUF placements be
reinforced with the necessary resourcing to enable a wider deployment
footprint across the country. Ongoing CTSAMVM inspections of the
Training Centers and Cantonment Sites have identified critical logistical
deficiencies.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to emphasize the importance of this Board. We convene to offer
guidance and support to CTSAMVM activity. CTSAMVM forms a pivotal
role in the peace process, providing IGAD, R-JMEC and the Parties with
verified information and accounts of R-ARCSS violations if proven. As
discussions continue regarding the future political journey of South Sudan,
CTSAMVM will continue to provide substantiated reports on the progress
of security arrangement implementation.
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Today’s presented information has been prepared in collaboration with
National Monitors, using multiple sources to corroborate individual
accounts. It has been discussed at the Joint Monitoring and Coordination
Office with the active participation of the Senior National Liaison Officers
and with Senior Party Representatives at the CTSAMVM Technical
Committee meeting on 27 August 2024.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan remains complex and
multifaceted. While there have been some positive developments,
including ongoing peace talks and efforts to stabilize the region, significant
challenges persist. Continued intercommunal violence and humanitarian
crises hinder progress toward sustainable peace. It is crucial that we remain
committed to supporting the peace process, enhancing dialogue among
stakeholders, and addressing the urgent needs of the South Sudanese
people. Together, we can foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for
South Sudan.
I now welcome your active contributions and candid discussion. We share
a common goal to enable sustainable peace in the Country and a much
deserved peace dividend for the people of South Sudan. I hereby declare
the meeting open.
Thank you for your attention!
