Japan Commits to Ongoing Support for South Sudan Ceasefire

(JUBA) — The Embassy of Japan in South Sudan hosted a courtesy meeting on 15 July between its Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Hiromoto Oyama, and senior leadership of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM).

The event marked the handover of duties from the outgoing Chairperson, Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, to the incoming Chairperson, Major General Teshome Anagaw Ayana.

The meeting, held at the Japanese Embassy in Juba, served both as an introduction to the new leadership and a reaffirmation of Japan’s ongoing commitment to peace and security in South Sudan.

Both Major General Bitew and Major General Ayana conveyed their appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their consistent support of CTSAMVM’s work.

They also acknowledged Japan’s critical role in promoting peace efforts in the country, particularly through support for transitional security arrangements that are key to the 2018 peace agreement.

During the discussions, Mr Oyama reiterated Japan’s commitment to backing regional and international peacebuilding institutions working in South Sudan. He emphasised the importance of continuity in monitoring ceasefire violations and ensuring accountability for all parties involved in the peace process.

The CTSAMVM is a vital body mandated to monitor compliance with the permanent ceasefire and the security provisions of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The mechanism is jointly staffed by representatives from the former warring parties, civil society and international partners.

Japan is one of the key donor countries supporting South Sudan’s peacebuilding institutions, both through financial aid and diplomatic engagement.

While no new funding was announced during the meeting, past Japanese contributions to the peace monitoring process and related capacity building projects have amounted to bilions of South Sudanese Pounds (SSP).

The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of continued collaboration, especially during the ongoing transitional period which is expected to culminate in elections planned for 2026.