Juba, December 22, 2018 (SSNA) — The Troika countries, namely the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States have condemned South Sudan’s government over peace monitors detainment, describing the move as “abuse of monitors,” saying the young nation national security sector should not be used to harass people, a statement obtained by the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) shows.
“The Troika (United States, Norway, and the UK) join IGAD in condemning the harassment and abuse of monitors from the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mission (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday 18 December. We are deeply concerned at reports that the attack on the monitors was carried out by the South Sudanese National Security Service,” the document reads in part.
In the text, the three-nation bloc says any action that impedes the movement of peace monitors is not acceptable and calls on the government to investigate and punish those who detained and assaulted the monitors.
“It is imperative that the Government of South Sudan investigate and hold accountable those found responsible. Any action that compromises the safety, integrity, and free movement of the CTSAMVM mission is unacceptable and a breach of the September 12 peace agreement, to which the Government of South Sudan is a party. CTSAMVM’s verification mission is essential to ensuring accountability for actions that undermine peace. In doing so, it plays an essential role in building the confidence needed if a lasting peace in South Sudan is to be realized,” the statement explains.
On Tuesday, South Sudan’s national security agents detained and illegally assaulted peace monitors. The monitors were on their way to Luri when they were suddenly stopped by security forces. Government agents also attacked, blindfolded, kicked, robbed, stripped, and handcuffed the monitors.
A senior government official told the SSNA on December 19 that the detained peace monitors were heading to Luri to investigate an alleged violation of the peace implementation.