By Yiep Josep
The Revitalised Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on the African Union (AU) to urge South Sudan’s government to halt attempts to amend the 2018 peace agreement.
The appeal came during a visit by an AU delegation to Juba to assess the implementation of the peace agreement.
Speaking after addressing the delegation, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to stop the amendment process and instead pursue inclusive consultations.
“Urge the RTGoNU to abandon the push to amend the R-ARCSS, without due process, and to engage in inclusive consultations and build consensus with all signatory Parties, stakeholders, and guarantors pursuant to Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS,” the statement partly read.
Owinow emphasised the need for parties to urgently resolve the current political stalemate and address the deteriorating security situation.
He called for genuine and inclusive dialogue to restore full adherence to the agreement and accelerate its implementation.
The RJMEC leader further appealed for an immediate halt to hostilities, de-escalation of tensions, and full respect for the permanent ceasefire.
He urged all parties to recommit to the implementation of the agreement in both letter and spirit.
The commission also called on the AU to mobilise regional and international support to facilitate an all-inclusive South Sudanese dialogue aimed at reaching consensus on the nature, sequencing, and modalities for conducting elections.
RJMEC raised concerns over ongoing political developments, including unilateral changes in responsibility-sharing arrangements within the RTGoNU and the continued detention and trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and other SPLM/A-IO officials.
According to the commission, these actions have stalled progress in governance arrangements and undermined confidence in the peace process, contributing to rising violence in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, and parts of Western and Central Equatoria states.
On the security front, RJMEC noted that the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements has stalled, with continued violations reported between government forces and opposition groups despite repeated calls for de-escalation.
The commission warned that the overall political, security, and humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate. Although some progress has been recorded in areas such as economic reforms, transitional justice, and constitution-making, these gains are being overshadowed by persistent insecurity, political deadlock, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
RJMEC reiterated the need for inclusive dialogue, restoration of trust among parties, and full implementation of the peace agreement to ensure lasting peace and stability in the country.