Western nations condemn ceasefire violations in South Sudan

JUBA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's international peace partners, the United States, Britain and Norway, have condemned ceasefire violations after both parties signed the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) in December last year.

In a joint statement issued in Juba on Saturday, the Troika group of international partners called on all parties to immediately and fully implement the CoH in letter and spirit and ensure humanitarian access throughout the country.

"The Troika has seen strong evidence of violations of the CoH by Government of South forces in Unity State and by forces associated with opposition groups, including Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), in Unity State and the Greater Upper Nile region, as witnessed by ceasefire monitors," it said.

The Western nations said they are seriously concerned by continuing reports of the movement of forces by all sides in violation of the CoH which was inked in Ethiopia on December 21, 2017, including the movement this week of hundreds of government troops into Jonglei state.

The Troika also noted with grave concern the strong evidence from multiple sources linking the attacks in Gudele, Jubek State, on Jan. 4 to former SPLA Chief of Defense Paul Malong and forces under Lt. Colonel Cham Garang, an SPLA-IO commander.

"We remain committed to holding to account all those who obstruct the realization of lasting peace for the people of South Sudan, whether or not they are participating directly in the Forum," Troika warned.

It called on partners of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc which brokered the ceasefire deal to rapidly investigate all violations and to immediately hold those responsible to account.

"We will continue to work closely with international and regional partners to ensure full accountability with respect to the CoH and stand ready to impose consequences on those who violate the agreement," Troika warned.

South Sudan has been embroiled in four years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people, creating one of the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016. Enditem