The U.S. Embassy in Juba is deeply concerned by reports of renewed fighting in and around the Moroto training center in southern Central Equatoria, which has impacted trainees for the unified forces and civilians. We call for an immediate end to the fighting, and urge the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), led by the Joint Defense Board, to resolve tensions in the area and restrain forces for whom they are responsible. We understand the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) is urgently seeking to conduct an investigation; we call on all parties to fulfill their responsibilities to enable access by CTSAMVM. Furthermore, we urge CTSAMVM to complete its investigation as quickly as possible.
We see no reason for defections at a time when parties have committed themselves to working together to implement the peace agreement, including the establishment of a unified force. The continued defections and the fighting that has ensued underscore the urgency of peace agreement implementation — including the need for progress on security arrangements and state and local power sharing. We call upon the leaders of South Sudan to work together to build trust, address challenges, and bridge differences. The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less.
