Major General Dr Hailu Endashaw Atomsa, Chairman of CTSAMVM addressing journalists in Juba, 22nd of October, 2026. Photo Ezekiel Idris

By Ezekiel Idris

The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has called on all signatories to South Sudan’s peace agreement to reaffirm their commitment to the permanent ceasefire amid reports of armed clashes, road ambushes and intercommunal violence in parts of the country.

The call was made on Wednesday in Juba by CTSAMVM Chairman Major General Dr Hailu Endashaw Atomsa, who urged all signatory parties to protect civilians, prevent further escalation of violence and fully implement the transitional security arrangements.

Speaking to the media, Atomsa said security conditions across the country remained mixed, with some areas relatively calm while others continued to experience localised armed clashes, road ambushes and intercommunal violence.

“The mechanism recommends that all signatory parties reaffirm their commitment to the permanent ceasefire and full compliance with Chapter Two of the Agreement, strictly adhere to the Transitional Security Arrangements, and refrain from offensive, provocative and retaliatory actions,” Atomsa said.

He also urged the parties to protect civilians, ensure safe movement along major roads, facilitate humanitarian assistance and hold individuals responsible for verified violations accountable under applicable laws.

“I urge all signatory parties to translate their commitment into concrete actions, uphold the permanent ceasefire and accelerate the implementation of Chapter Two of the Agreement. Together, let us work towards a more peaceful, stable and secure South Sudan,” the CTSAMVM chairman said.

Meanwhile, senior representative of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, Major General Wuoi Mayom Deng, condemned an ambush on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol near Bajut in Jonglei State that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers.

Deng said seven other people were wounded in the incident, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service officers and two civilian staff members. He expressed condolences to the Ethiopian government and people, the bereaved families, and the entire UNMISS community.

“An attack on peacekeepers is an attack on peace itself. We call on CTSAMVM to work with UNMISS and the national authorities to establish the facts without delay. Those who planned and carried out this crime must be identified and brought to justice without exception,” Deng said.

Former detainee Major General Bior Leek Kuareng also condemned the killing of the peacekeepers and called for a clear investigation to identify those responsible for the ambush.
Bior said the government and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces had a responsibility to protect civilians, their property and peacekeeping personnel operating in the country.

He further expressed concern about preparations for the forthcoming elections, questioning whether restrictions under Order No. 36, which he said limited people’s movement between states and abroad, were consistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement.

“If we are going to hold elections, I don’t think that order is in place because the Constitution of this country, the 2011 Constitution, guarantees citizens the right to move. You have to move from place to place, but if citizens are restricted and are not allowed to move from one area to another, that raises doubts about the elections,” Bior said.

The statements come as South Sudan continues to face security challenges while efforts to implement the peace agreement and prepare for the forthcoming elections remain key national priorities