South Sudan army requests UN, U.S. to provide ceasefire monitors
September 5, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s army chief of staff, Gen. Paul Malong Awan, on Saturday requested the United Nations and United States of America to monitor the permanent ceasefire till regional countries set up a military observers’ team.
“The SPLA called upon the members of the international community, particularly the UN and the U.S. to provide a joint monitoring and verification mechanism,” the SPLA spokesperson Col. Philip Aguer, told reporters when he read a statement signed by Gen. Malong in Juba on Saturday.
“This interim joint monitoring and verification from the UN and U.S. will help fill the gap created by IGAD compromise peace agreement,” said Aguer.
President Kiir signed the agreement on August 26, nine days after his former vice-president turned rebel leader Machar and former detainees leader Pagan Amum inked the agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
On 27 August President Kiir who was followed by Machar a day later, declared a permanent ceasefire. But both sides continue to accuse each of carrying out attacks.
The SPLA said the rebels attacked military ships travelling to Juba to Malakal this week, denying claims that they carried out attacks on the rebel positions.
“It is worth stating clearly that these ships left Juba before the peace was signed and never attacked any rebel held area along the way,” said Aguer.
“By the time the President signed the agreement, the ship had already covered more than 80% of the journey from Juba to Malakal,” he added.
The SPLA chief described the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediated peace document as “flawed” when it comes to the creation of the ceasefire monitoring and verification team.
“It is therefore important that this gap is closed by having an interim monitoring mechanism in place,” the statement added.
“The existing IGAD MVM shall transition to become the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), responsible for reporting on the progress of the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA); says the peace deal.
It further provides that the CTSAMM shall be chaired by a representative of IGAD, adding that representatives from the warring parties and South Sudanese parties and civil society groups as well as the AU, China, EU, Troika, and UNMISS, shall participate in the monitoring mechanism.
SPOILERS OF PEACE
The SPLA did not blame the SPLM-in-opposition led by Machar but pointed an accusing finger at the splinter rebel commanders that declared defection from the mainstream rebel group.
“There are spoilers of peace and it is a well unknown fact that part of the rebels of Riek Machar publicly said they will not honour the agreement,” said Aguer.
The SPLA calls upon those groups to join the IGAD mediation o address their grievances and give peace a chance,” he added.
(ST)
