By Sabri Dibaco
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called for urgent dialogue, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and strict adherence to the Revitalised Peace Agreement to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in South Sudan.
Presenting the RJMEC First Quarterly Report of 2026 before the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba on Tuesday, Aggrey George Owinow warned that implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has “considerably faltered,” with some of the peace gains achieved over the past seven years already being eroded.
“Without these steps, the risks of further political fragmentation and renewed large-scale violence will continue to increase, with serious implications for national and regional stability,” the statement reads.
The RJMEC report covering January to March 2026 highlighted rising political tensions, continued ceasefire violations, humanitarian challenges, and slow progress in implementing key provisions of the peace agreement.
Despite concerns over proposed amendments to the peace agreement and the transitional constitution, RJMEC emphasised that peace and inclusivity must remain at the center of any political process leading to the planned December 2026 elections.
“The R-ARCSS remains the most viable peacebuilding framework for lasting peace, stability, unity, and democratisation in this country. I implore all South Sudanese leaders and stakeholders to uphold their integrity and ensure a peaceful and democratic end to the Transitional Period,” the statement reads.
The commission revealed that consultations with signatory parties, regional guarantors, and international partners raised concerns over ongoing political divisions and a lack of inclusive consultations on proposed amendments to the peace agreement.
RJMEC stressed that any amendments should only be undertaken through consensus among all parties and guarantors to preserve trust and stability in the peace process.
The report also documented continued clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in parts of Jonglei State, with 133 alleged ceasefire violations recorded during the reporting period.
The violations included armed confrontations, attacks against civilians, displacement, and occupation of civilian areas by armed groups.
According to RJMEC, renewed insecurity in Akobo and surrounding areas worsened the humanitarian situation, disrupted aid operations, and exposed civilians to further suffering.
The commission urged lawmakers to support inclusive political dialogue in line with the African Union C5 Plus Declaration and prioritise measures that protect civilians and strengthen humanitarian access.
RJMEC further called on the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to ensure election-related reforms and legislation are passed in time to facilitate peaceful, credible, and democratic elections in December 2026.
In his remarks, Owinow also paid tribute to the late former Botswana President Festus G. Mogae, who served as the first Chairperson of JMEC, and former Chief Justice Ambrose Riiny Thiik, describing their passing as a great loss.
RJMEC welcomed the appointment of Jakaya Kikwete as the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, expressing hope that renewed regional engagement would help strengthen peace efforts in South Sudan.