Our Operations
CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) monitor compliance by the Parties and armed groups, either under their control or invited to support them, to the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements.
The MVTs patrol their areas of responsibility and gather information on potential violations, which they immediately report to the CTSAMVM Headquarters in Juba.
Potential violations can include reports of military fighting, movements of forces, blockage of aid routes, forced recruitment of child soldiers, and attacks on civilians, as well as inciting propaganda, movement of troops, and other activities prohibited by the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH 2017).
CTSAMVM can initiate investigations based on its own findings. Allegations of violations can also be submitted to the CTSAMVM by the Parties, by members of the public and communities, or by third parties such as non-governmental and multilateral organizations.
Upon receipt of an allegation, the CTSAMVM Chairperson initiates a preliminary investigation and may task an MVT with carrying out further inquiries. This can include site visits and interviews with military forces, civil authorities, members of the public, and humanitarian organizations. The MVT is entitled to visit any location and speak to anyone without hindrance.
Once an investigation is completed, the MVT compiles an investigation report, which is sent to CTSAMVM Headquarters. Headquarters staff, including investigative and legal experts, then compile a violation report for the Chairperson, who determines whether the report is forwarded to CTSAMVM’s Technical Committee and CTSAMVM’s Board for further discussion.
The CTSAMVM Board, which includes members of the Signatory Parties, the international community, and non-political South Sudanese stakeholders, reviews the report’s findings and recommendations. Party members can be asked what action they are taking to avoid further conflict. The CTSAMVM Chairperson also sends the reports to RJMEC and the IGAD Council of Ministers. RJMEC then publishes the reports.
