By Samuel Yuang
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on the United Nations Security Council to ensure those responsible for destabilising peace in South Sudan are held accountable.
Speaking for the first time in a virtual address to the UNSC, RJMEC interim chairperson, Ambassador Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow, warned of a “substantial deterioration” in South Sudan’s political and security environment, saying the fragile peace has now been shaken.
According to Ambassador Owinow, repeated violations of the permanent ceasefire has caused a devastating impact on livelihoods and the economy, leading to casualties, displacement of tens of thousands of civilians and a negative impact on the economy.
On the other hand, the RJMEC chief noted that the armed clashed between the national army, SSPDF and opposition troops are directly violating the R-ARCSS and represent serious breaches of the agreed-upon security arrangements under the peace deal.
The peace monitor flagged off several alarming incidents, including the unilateral deployments by armed groups without coordination or consent from peace monitoring bodies; localized inter-communal violence in parts of Jonglei and Warrap States and; increased political tensions and rhetoric that undermine trust and unity within the peace process.
In light of these violations, RJMEC recommended that the government of South Sudan to undertake urgent and credible actions to hold individuals and entities accountable for violations of the R-ARCSS. Failure to address impunity risks undermining the entire peace process.
It also urges for the revitalization of transitional security arrangements, including the full redeployment and unification of armed forces under a single command structure.
The commission further recommends continuous and inclusive dialogue among the peace parties and stakeholders to resolve disputes amicably and prevent armed confrontation.
Ambassador Owinow concluded by calling on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to consider “all possible measures” to support the implementation of the peace agreement and to enforce accountability against those who sabotage peace efforts.
“As the peace monitor, RJMEC reaffirms its position: spoilers of peace must be held accountable,” he said.
As South Sudan edges closer to the long-awaited elections, RJMEC’s latest report serves as a stark reminder that without political will, meaningful dialogue, and accountability, the hope for a peaceful democratic transition remains in jeopardy.