JUBA—South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors have urged signatories to the peace agreement to uphold the permanent ceasefire and strengthen civilian protection amid continued armed clashes, road ambushes, and intercommunal violence in several parts of the country.
Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Endashaw Atomsa, chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), said Thursday that the security situation in the country remained mixed, with some areas relatively calm while others continued to experience violence.
“Since our last meeting on 22 September, the security situation across the country has remained mixed, with some areas experiencing relative calm, while others have witnessed localized armed clashes, road ambushes, and intercommunal violence,” Hailu said during the mechanism’s Technical Committee Meeting in Juba.
He said clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Mugwo Payam, Central Equatoria State, have displaced civilians, while continued fighting in Panyume in Morobo County has also restricted civilian movement and humanitarian access, contributing to severe food shortages.
In Western Equatoria State, Hailu cited ambushes targeting civilians and commercial vehicles along the Mundri–Juba Highway, saying the attacks had heightened insecurity and restricted movement.
The incident occurred on September 27, when more than 20 passengers were abducted and vehicles burned. The passengers were subsequently released.
Hailu also cited an attack on an SSPDF barracks in Wunkur, Ruweng Administrative Area, involving SPLM/A-IO forces and White Army fighters. The incident resulted in fatalities and injuries and further restricted movement along major roads.
The SSPDF claimed that 13 SPLA-IO fighters were killed during the clashes on October 3–4, 2026, and that one wounded combatant was captured. The opposition gave a conflicting account, claiming it had captured the position and inflicted casualties on government and allied forces.
Meanwhile, intercommunal violence in Lakes and Warrap states has caused civilian deaths and injuries, with particularly heavy fighting reported in Rumbek Town on October 8 and 9 that left about 60 people dead and 78 wounded, while at least 500 families were temporarily displaced
Hailu, however, said the security situation in Rumbek had improved by mid-October following the deployment of SSPDF forces.
Beyond the fighting and attacks on roads, the CTSAMVM chairperson also expressed concern over the detention of humanitarian personnel and restrictions on non-governmental organization activities in Wau South, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
Calls for ceasefire compliance
Against this backdrop of continued insecurity, Hailu called on all signatories to the 2018 peace agreement to reaffirm their commitment to the permanent ceasefire and fully comply with Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which covers transitional security arrangements.
He urged the parties to adhere to the agreed security arrangements and refrain from offensive, provocative or retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions.
Incidents under review
In addition to the incidents cited in his security assessment, Hailu said CTSAMVM was monitoring incidents in Akobo, Jonglei State, and Riwoto, Eastern Equatoria State.
According to him, the incidents underscore the need for renewed commitment by all signatory parties to uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation.
He said the mechanism would continue to monitor, verify, and report on security developments and ceasefire compliance under Chapter II of the R-ARCSS.
Hailu urged the signatories to translate their commitments into concrete action and accelerate implementation of the security arrangements as South Sudan approaches the conclusion of its extended transitional period.
“Together, let us work towards a more peaceful, stable, and secure South Sudan,” he said.
The renewed call for ceasefire compliance comes as South Sudan prepares for its first democratic elections, scheduled for December 22, 2026, amid growing concerns that insecurity across the country could jeopardize the electoral process.
Although President Salva Kiir has directed defence leaders to help ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the polls, clashes between armed groups and the SSPDF have continued in several parts of the country.
The African Union has also warned that insecurity, disagreements among signatories to the peace agreement and funding shortages pose challenges to holding credible and inclusive elections.