By Yiep Joseph
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow, has urged South Sudan’s political leaders to fully implement the 2018 peace agreement.
Owinow made the call as the country marked eight years since the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
He said the agreement remains the main framework for South Sudan’s transition to peace and democratic governance.
Owinow acknowledged progress made since 2018, including the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity in 2020.
He, however, said key provisions of the agreement remain incomplete and that political and security tensions have also slowed the implementation process.
He called for stronger political will, compromise, and commitment from the signatories.
Owinow said preparations for the December 2026 elections must go beyond setting a polling date. He said the country needs a secure, inclusive, and credible environment for elections.
The RJMEC chairperson also called for greater political and civic space.
He said all relevant political stakeholders should be allowed to participate in the transition. Owinow welcomed the Inter-Party Dialogue launched on September 24 and said political differences should be addressed through dialogue.
He said the dialogue could help reduce political mistrust and build consensus ahead of the elections.
He also raised concerns over the continued detention and trial of Dr. Riek Machar and other SPLM/A-IO leaders.
He identified the transitional security arrangements as one of the key unfinished areas of the peace agreement.
He said a unified and professional security sector is essential for peace and credible elections.
Owinow also called for progress on constitutional reforms, transitional justice, judicial reforms, and economic reforms.
He urged the parties to preserve the integrity of the peace agreement when considering any changes.
Owinow said the people of South Sudan must remain at the centre of the transition.
He said the success of the peace process should be measured by improvements in peace, security, justice and basic services.
“Political differences are inevitable, but national division is not,” Owinow said.
He urged the parties to protect the gains of the peace process and prevent a return to violence.