December 24th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The Troika countries (United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom) has condemned last week’s attack by South Sudanese soldiers against regional peace monitors in Luri west of the capital Juba.
Last week, South Sudan army attacked and detained members of the peace monitoring body, the Cease-fire and Transition Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) forcing a female Ethiopian officer to walk naked.
The individuals consisting of three international observers and one driver, were reportedly blindfolded and handcuffed, kicked and stripped of their clothing forcing the IGAD and United Nations Mission in South Sudan, including the government of Kenya issuing statements to condemn the attack.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Troika said they have joined the regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in condemning the attack which it said is a breach to the September 12th agreement.
“The Troika (United States, Norway, and the UK) join IGAD in condemning the harassment and abuse of monitors from the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mission (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday 18 December,” they trio said in a statement seen by the Nyamilepedia.
The statement further said the world powers who are also South Sudan’s peace guarantors are deeply concerned specially on the reports that the attackers are from the country’s National Security Service.
“We are deeply concerned at reports that the attack on the monitors was carried out by the South Sudanese National Security Service,” it said.
The statement further urged the government to carry out investigation and hold those responsible accountable saying the attack is a breach of teh agreement signed in September by the government and opposition groups.
“It is imperative that the Government of South Sudan investigate and hold accountable those found responsible,” the statement said adding that “Any action that compromises the safety, integrity, and free movement of the CTSAMVM mission is unacceptable and a breach of the September 12 peace agreement, to which the Government of South Sudan is a party.”
“CTSAMVM’s verification mission is essential to ensuring accountability for actions that undermine peace. In doing so, it plays an essential role in building the confidence needed if a lasting peace in South Sudan is to be realized,” the statement added.
