By Aguok Chok

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has issued a strong appeal to the SPLM/A-IO and all parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), urging them to de-escalate tensions, adhere to the permanent ceasefire, and resume full and inclusive implementation of the peace agreement.

This came in response to a letter from Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/A-IO and First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), dated 2nd July 2025, in which he expressed concern over RJMEC’s recent meeting with the High-Level Adhoc Committee. He viewed the meeting as an attempt to “change the position of the RJMEC and the narrative on the political and security violations of the R-ARCSS, rather than addressing them.”

However, in an official statement dated July 3, 2025, seen by The City Review, RJMEC clarified that the meeting was in line with its mandate and efforts to resolve current political and security challenges.

“Please rest assured that this meeting was in furtherance of RJMEC’s mandate and its effort to seek for urgent resolution of the current political and security violations to enable resumption of full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS,” the Commission said.

The peace monitor noted that it regularly engages with all stakeholders involved in the peace process, maintaining consistent messaging and positions. “Our messages and position remain the same, a clarion call for urgent de-escalation of tensions, adherence to the permanent ceasefire, dialogue and full commitment to the implementation of the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.”

RJMEC reiterated its concern about the continued violations of the peace agreement and reaffirmed its commitment to verifying and recommending appropriate remedial measures through engagement with relevant parties, institutions, and mechanisms.

“RJMEC further takes note of the several allegations of violations of the R-ARCSS as enumerated in your letter and will engage all the relevant parties, institutions and mechanisms to verify and recommend appropriate remedial measures, as it has always been the practice,” it stated.

The letter also underscored the importance of collaborative peace efforts and called for constructive engagement. “In this regard, RJMEC reiterates its call to the SPLM/A-IO and to all Parties to the R-ARCSS to de-escalate tensions, adhere to the permanent ceasefire, embrace dialogue, and resume full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.”