The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) which oversees the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement, has expressed deep concern about the prevailing situation in the country.

In a statement, the group condemns the latest armed confrontation between the SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO.

“Operations targeting opposition leadership risk violence on an unprecedented scale and must stop immediately,” it said.

JMEC issued the statement at the conclusion of its third high-level meeting that was held in Khartoum, Sudan on 31 July.

It called for a full investigation of the recent clashes between government and opposition forces in Juba, noting that fighting had also been reported in other parts of South Sudan. In the statement, JMEC demands “accountability for those who bear responsibility for violations of the ceasefire and atrocities that have been committed.”

JMEC also calls for the immediate cantonment of forces throughout the country, and for effective implementation of the transition security arrangements.

The statement of JMEC endorses calls for the deployment of an international protection force “to guarantee the protection of civilians, the return of Dr Machar to Juba, and the resumption of the implementation of the peace agreement.”

Troubled by the humanitarian situation arising from the latest fighting, JMEC is urging the government of South Sudan to “ensure full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian workers and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need.”

The group strongly condemns what it calls the continuing obstruction of the work of international organizations in the country, including the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). It demands that the government issues directives allowing these international organizations free movement.