CTSAMVM convened its monthly Technical Committee to address critical issues affecting the peace process in the Republic of South Sudan.
Outgoing CTSAMVM chairperson Maj. Gen. Hailu Gonfa Eddosa opened the meeting by introducing the incoming chairperson Maj. Gen. Yitayal Gelaw Bitew to the CTC members, stating, “ We are happy to have him at CTSAMVM and are fully confident that he will contribute positively to CTSAMVM and the peace process. I kindly request that you accord him the same support I received.”
Maj. Gen. Yitatyal commended the CTC members for the work they have done so far, saying, “With God, we will do our best, and with the collaboration of all of you, we can strive to bring about lasting peace to South Sudan and the region.”
During his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Hailu said that CTSAMVM continues to conduct its mandate in monitoring, verifying, and reporting on the progress of implementation of the R-ARCSS while diligently reporting to IGAD and RJMEC. He added that CTSAMVM performs its mandate in challenging places in South Sudan.
Maj. Gen. Hailu further remarked that CTSAMVM remains concerned about reports of tensions in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State that have put the lives of many innocent South Sudanese at risk. He welcomed the decision of the WES Governor to deploy a security force to de-escalate the tension in that area.
On the issue of Necessary Unified Forces, Maj. Gen. Hailu stated that the Head Secretariat of the Joint Defence Board provided details of the deployment during the last CTSAMVM Board Meeting. “There was not much more than what was already known. No police, NSS, prisons, and wildlife graduates have deployed”, he added. He welcomed the decision of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President H.E. Riek Machar Teny, who agreed to initiate the training of unified forces in phase two within the next two weeks.
The report discussed during the CTC meeting involved the alleged recruitment of soldiers by SSPDF in Mathiang Barracks in Aweil town, North Bahr el Ghazal State.
Maj Gen Hailu requested the party representatives to focus on the information and reports presented and discuss them cordially and professionally. “Let us come up with realistic solutions to protect the ceasefire and most importantly, the people of South Sudan, ” he said.