SSOMA granted representation at CTSAMVM table

The ceasefire monitoring body has started preparations for the inclusion of the holdout groups in the mechanism as per the Rome Declaration of Principles agreement.

The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) held a technical workshop for the inclusion of the holdout into its structure this week in Kenya.

The workshop, which drew participants from the signatories and guarantors of the revitalised peace agreement, aimed at identifying and agreeing on the steps necessary for the full integration of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) into the CTSAMVM framework.

It is also aimed at identifying the critical timelines and tasks required to integrate SSOMA representatives into the body as soon as possible to ensure inclusivity of the peace process in the country.

Furthermore, this is to assist party-signatory compliance with the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access of December 21, 2017.

“As we are going to receive SSOMA personnel at different levels of the CTSAMVM structure, we are providing this technical workshop as our first step to be taken upon the settlement of the political agreement, ” the statement read in part.

“In addition to that, the mechanism is also playing its key role at its level, cooperating with the leaders of the Community of Saint’Egidio to ensure the integration of SSOMA into all levels of its structure,” said Chairperson of CTSAMVM, Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Aderie.

Speaking during the opening session of the technical workshop on Tuesday, Gemechu said the resumption of Saint’Egidio talks will end violence in Central Equatoria, which is blamed on the National Salvation Front (NAS).

“When the peace talks were terminated, our concern was high because we know that the spread of reported NAS activities to some parts of the country affects the security of the Republic of South Sudan.”

“And it is also difficult when we do not receive SSOMA personnel who will join CTSAMVM to work with us to simplify our activities of monitoring and verification, specifically when it comes to allegations involving NAS,” he said.

The Rome peace initiative was suspended by President Salva Kiir in August over a series of attacks along the Juba-Nimule highway.  The NAS of Gen. Thomas Cirilo was accused of orchestrating the attacks that claimed lives and distracted traffic along the country’s lifeline.

In August, President Kiir demanded SSOMA to clarify to the government and people of South Sudan the reasons for laying road ambushes as a precondition for the resumption of the Rome negotiations, but, after SSOMA failed to do so, Kiir decided to order the resumption of the talks last month without a condition.

“Now that they have refused to respect and comply with the agreement that we have signed, I will, despite the challenges, order the resumption of talks,” said Kiir during his closing remarks of the one-week Governors’ Forum at Freedom Hall in Juba in November.

However, the talks are yet to commence following the request to the community of Sant’Egidio to prepare for the resumption.