In a press statement released on Saturday the Commission said it is “dismayed” by reports that ten aid workers, working for UN agencies and NGO’s and supporting people in need, have gone missing from around Yei town in Central Equatoria. 

“JMEC condemns this latest violation of the two-signed Agreements, which demand unimpeded access for humanitarian aid workers in South Sudan,” read the statement in part.

“JMEC expects this deplorable situation to be resolved as quickly as possible and that the aid workers are found and released immediately and unconditionally.”

The commission said the violent clashes are reportedly causing an influx of internally displaced people, especially women, children and the elderly, seeking sanctuary.

The areas are Unity, Jonglei and Central Equatoria.

The ceasefire monitor said these incidents of apparent violations of the Agreement “must be investigated before any pronouncements can be made but all violence is unacceptable and potentially damaging to the on-going revitalisation process.” 

JMEC has asked CTSAMM to undertake the necessary investigation as stipulated in the 2017 Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH).

“JMEC further calls upon all signatory parties to cease fighting, avoid confrontation and protect civilians from harm or displacement and fully comply with the provisions of the ACoH in both letter and spirit,” the commission has said.