South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Simon Deng
The Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang Gatwech, has condemned the recent fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Western Equatoria State.
“CPA is deeply disturbed by this conflict, which casts a negative shadow at the beginning of 2025.CPA urges the commanders of both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to understand the principles of international humanitarian law, international law, and international human rights law before making decisions that undermine peace implementation efforts,” said Gatwech on Monday in a statement.
Gatwech said that Chapter 2 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement prohibits offensive, provocative, or retaliatory actions, including the dissemination of hostile propaganda.
In addition, he noted that under chapter 2, any movement or activities that may jeopardize the peace agreement must be reported to the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verifications Mechanism (CTSAMVM).
“CPA calls on peace mechanisms such as the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) and CTSAMVM to conduct thorough investigations and hold accountable those who violate the R-ARCSS for their unlawful actions,” he said.
Gatwech said the country cannot afford to lose more citizens in reckless confrontations between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO, adding that armed confrontation is tarnishing the country’s image abroad.
“CPA reminds all parties that the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement is a collective responsibility, including the soldiers who are being used by politicians for their personal gain,” he said.
On January 11, 2025, SSPDF forces clashes with SPLA-IO in Nagero County following disagreement over the removal of Kubri Bou check point.