JUBA, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan peace monitors on Thursday urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to define clear consequences to punish ceasefire violators in the wake of the warring parties' violation of the Dec. 21 agreed Cessation of Hostilities (CoH).
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Chairperson, Festus Mogae, implored the Council to define clear consequences to be faced by those who willfully violate, spoil or derail the peace agreement in South Sudan.
"For the (peace) revitalization process to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are enforced," Mogae said while addressing the UNSC via video tele-conference from Juba.
"We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorize or allow its violation with impunity the next," he said.
Mogae added that the urgent need to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption of efforts to deliver peace.
He also cited the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the East African bloc IGAD Heads of State and Government, communique issued on November 7, 2014, which listed enactment of asset freezes, regional travel bans, and the denial of the supply of arms and ammunition as consequences against violators of the then signed cessation of hostilities agreement.
"Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU (Transitional Government of National Unity) and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process," JMEC said in the statement.
Mogae expressed disappointment that within days of the signing of the CoH in Ethiopia fighting and troop movements had been reported in the northern Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians.
"I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance," he said.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to fighting between mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Enditem