S. Sudan Fragile peace deal on the decline as SPLA-IO pull out of the security mechanisms meetings.
NCMP
March 22, 2022
The SPLA-In Opposition has halted its participation in security mechanism meetings in response to reported SSPDF assaults on its bases.
The R-JMEC, the key peace monitoring group, has likewise postponed its sessions.
The SPLA-IO said in a letter to the interim chair of R-JMEC that it has been presenting breaches of the cessation of hostilities agreement committed by the principal peace partner from the start of peace implementation.
The violations are unprovoked strikes on SPLM/SPLA-IO territories, cantonment locations, and united forces training camps, according to the statement.
Morota training facility in Kajo-keji County, Kaljak training center in Rubkone County, Turu cantonment site in Maiwut County, Liengji cantonment site in Maban County, and Pieri cantonment site in Uror County are the sites mentioned by the party.
Others include the Namatina cantonment location in Najero County and the Mir-Mir cantonment site in Koch County.
The SPLA-IO claimed that the assaults had led in human displacement and property loss.
It further said that former government officials attend most security mechanisms meetings on an irregular basis and occasionally send personnel who are not members of the security mechanisms.
The letter, written by the SPLA-acting IO’s chief of general staff, Gabriel Duop Lam, said that the group would not attend any R-JMEC or security mechanisms meetings until the concerns are handled.
The SSPDF spokeswoman disputed the claims in response.
However, Major-General Lul Ruai Koang said that the SPLA-IO’s decision to withdraw from the conference would have a negative impact on the execution of the renewed peace accord.
“I believe that dropping out or suspending SPLA-IO involvement in all security mechanisms is a hasty choice.” It will not help to stabilize the precarious security situation in all of the locations indicated.
“The best thing is for discussion to continue, and I’m certain that the SPLA-political IO’s leadership will triumph over the officers who decided to halt their participation in processes since it should have been a political choice, not a military one.”
“It should have been addressed at the presidential level by the SPLA-political IO’s leadership.” It is a hasty move that will do more damage than good to the peace agreement’s implementation.”
The revised peace deal forbids any kind of vengeance, retaliation, or breach of the permanent ceasefire under any circumstances.
It further states that all parties must abstain from engaging in insulting, provocative, or retaliatory behavior.
Thousands of SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and Opposition Alliance personnel are stationed in different cantonment camps around the nation, with some opting to depart before to graduation.
