Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 20 December 2018, Juba, South Sudan   

RJMEC CONDEMNS ASSAULT ON CTSAMVM TEAM IN LURI

RJMEC strongly condemns the assault on the CTSAMVM team in the area of Luri Training Center on 18 December 2018. Three international members of CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Team and their driver were denied access to the Luri Training Centre and they were arbitrarily detained, robbed of their money and valuables, blinded folded , handcuffed  and physically assaulted by members of the National Security Service. 

The assault on the team incuding a female member is appalling and unacceptable. The anger and disappointment this incident provokes is compounded by the fact it is entirely contrary to the letter and spirit of the hard-won peace agreement upon which so many South Sudanese people are relying.

It goes without saying that the work of CTSAMVM is critical for the success of the peace agreement. It is a mechanism consisting of brave and committed South Sudanese and international staff who monitor and verify that the ceasefire is holding and the transitional security arrangements are proceeding as required. Without CTSAMVM’s vital and constructive service, we would lack the facts needed to be able to talk of peace in South Sudan.

We expect that a full and transparent investigation is conducted immediately by the Government, and that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. We also expect that the Government will take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such kinds of violations as the South Sudan’s peace continues to take root. We honour the ongoing bravery and commitment of CTSAMVM by refusing to allow this incident to shake our commitment to peace in South Sudan.