According to RJMEC, repeated violation of the permanent ceasefire, particularly from clashes between the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO soldiers, have led to casualties, displacements and an escalation of humanitarian crisis.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, has warned that the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan risks collapsing unless urgent action is taken.

Delivering his first briefing to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) since assuming office in March 2025, Owinow painted a concerning picture of the political and security landscape in the country, citing armed clashes in Nasir County, arrests of political figures (including the house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny), and widespread displacement of civilians as key issues back-peddling the peace process.

“Since March, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The permanent ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, opposition leaders arrested, and humanitarian operations disrupted. If not urgently addressed, South Sudan risks sliding back into full-scale armed conflict,” Owinow warned.

According to RJMEC, repeated violation of the permanent ceasefire, particularly from clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO soldiers, have led to casualties, displacements and an escalation of humanitarian crisis.

“Already, an estimated more than 130,000 people are reported to have been displaced in Upper Nile State alone since March 2025, and the forecast of heavy rain and flooding is expected to worsen the situation,” Amb. Owinow said.

In his urgent call to action, the RJMEC chief appealed to the international community to intervene decisively.

“We urge this Council to use its leverage to de-escalate tensions, address the plight of detainees, and ensure full implementation of the 2018 peace accord. It will be tragic if the gains made so far are lost beyond restoration.”

Regional bodies including IGAD and the African Union have echoed similar calls, but with little breakthrough so far. In light of the situation, RJMEC has proposed various recommendations to prevent the collapse of the peace agreement and restore stability to South Sudan.

In its recommendations, RJMEC suggested to the Council to endorse the call by the IGAD Summit and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to the South Sudanese Government to de-escalate tensions, address the issue of the First Vice President and all the other detainees, embrace dialogue, and return to full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS and adhere to its letter and spirit.

RJMEC also proposed that the Council considers undertaking an urgent high-level diplomatic mission to Juba to assess the situation and directly engage the Parties to the R-ARCSS, and to Support the regional efforts towards assisting the Parties to commence dialogue and expedite implementation of the critical pending tasks towards a permanent constitution-making and the conduct of elections in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, the Commission called on the UNSC to call upon the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO commands to cease all hostilities and to urgently restore full adherence to the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, and refrain from acts of violence; and to consider all possible measures to hold peace spoilers of the R-ARCSS accountable.

While pointing to the gains made in South Sudan’s clamour for peace and stability, RJMEC interim chair urged the international community to hold hands, act promptly and decisively to support the implementation of the peace agreement and prevent further deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation.