Ceasefire monitors downsize staff due to funding shortfall

By Awan Achiek

The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Thursday downsized the number of staff from 9 to 8 due to financial constraints.

Maj. Gen. Hailu Gonfa Eddosa, Chairman of CTSAMVM said that the number of the Monitoring and Verification Team (MVT) employees will further be reduced from 8 to 6.

“We have already downsized from 9 to 8 and we will be further downsizing to 6,” Gonfa said during the board meeting held in Juba.

Gonfa said that the reduction will create further challenges for the Monitoring and Verification Team.

“You should all be aware that CTSAMVM is facing challenging times. Although some donor support has been secured to enable the Mission to operate throughout this year, it is far less than we have previously enjoyed. We have to work within this new reality, and learn to manage with significantly reduced resources,” he said.

Gonfa said that the ceasefire monitoring body is also facing significant challenges caused by the shortage of UN helicopters.

He said that despite the good will and cooperation of the UN, planned patrols are postponed or cancelled.

“Despite these challenges, however, I am confident that with the continued dedication and hard work of our National and International members, and the support and help of the CTSAMVM Board and CTC, the Mission will be able to continue to fulfill its mandate,” Gonfa said.

In 2021, the government took over the responsibility of paying the national monitors in CTSAMVM.

The government disbursed $295,200 to CTSAMVM to clear arrears of its national monitors after the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) -body which mediated the peace deal declined to pay South Sudan nationals on ceasefire teams.

On July 15, 2022, the U.S. government cut off its financial support for RJMEC and CTSAMVM due to lack of progress on the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.