The African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and a group of diplomats have called on the government to speed up the transition to avoid relapse into instability.

The group said the slow pace of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement [PCTSA] ‘may undermine security and blow nation’s hope for peace in South Sudan.’

The group visited South Sudanese training centres of Maridi, Western Equatoria, and Rajaf Central Equatoria on January 23, 2021.  They included Head of African Union Mission in South Sudan Prof. Joram Biswaro, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Amb. Ismail Waiss, Somali ambassador Hussein Mahamud, Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of Sudan Gamal Goraish, Kenyan ambassador Ali Mambo, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Ethiopia Alemayehu Chasa, Political Officer in the embassy of Nigeria Judah Ugochukwu, and Interim Chairperson of RJMEC Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai.

The training of the NUF has somewhat stalled and this was witnessed on January 23, 2021, at both Maridi and Rajaf facilities.

“…it is disheartening to note that a lack of food and other essential resources, such as medicines, shelter and separate facilities for women, has led to suffering of the trainees,” they lamented in a statement.

“We believe that the successful implementation of PCTSA is a guarantee to a permanent foundation of enduring peace in the South Sudan. Protracted delays and passing of time without progress is detrimental to the overall situation in South Sudan,”

They called for the political will to inculcate the spirit of collaboration, problem-solution and agreement to achieve the process.

They said, “Nothing durable is built without effort and hard work, which as we know requires cooperation, consensus, coordination, concession, compromise and sacrifice to ensure success in the peace process. Increased confidence-building among the parties will underpin these key elements.’’

 “We look to the government, and in particular the presidency, to drive the PCTSA forward, and to engender the political will necessary across all implementing agreement institutions and mechanisms.’’

Apart from their observations, there were recommendations they tabled to help the country achieve its leadership transition blueprints.

“Improve conditions in training centres by providing adequate food and other essential supplies; and to accelerate the graduation of the National Unified [forces] and publish their deployment plan,”

The objective of the mission, which was organised by the Interim Chair of RJMEC Maj. Gen. Gituai, was to examine the conditions of the training centres, where troops for the National Unified Forces (NUF) are trained.