Concerns Raised Over Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan

Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow of RJMEC condemned the escalating challenges to the R-ARCSS in South Sudan, citing recent armed conflicts and heightened political tensions. He called for constructive dialogue among parties and urged proactive measures to bolster peace and stability, including the completion of military unification and electoral preparations.

On Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, expressed grave concerns regarding the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). He disclosed these insights during a virtual address to the 1265th African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), indicating that the Agreement is currently encountering serious challenges since its inception in September 2018.

Amb. Owinow highlighted recent reports of armed clashes involving parties that are signatories to the Agreement, particularly in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States, followed by violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. He noted that these incidents have escalated political tensions in Juba and across the nation, thereby necessitating immediate measures to avert further turmoil.

To the Council, the Chairperson advised the parties involved in the R-ARCSS to refrain from actions that could heighten existing tensions and instead engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of unity. Furthermore, he urged the AU Peace and Security Council to compel the parties to cease actions that compromise trust in the peace process and to reactivate security mechanisms essential for maintaining stability.

Additionally, Amb. Owinow recommended that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) should focus on completing Phase I of the unification of forces and initiate Phase II, alongside efforts on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). He also urged for advancements in the constitution-making process and preparations for conducting free, fair, and credible elections slated for December 2026.

In summary, the RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Owinow, has underscored the critical state of the Revitalized Agreement, advocating for immediate action to enhance dialogue among the involved parties and mitigate rising political tensions. He has laid out several recommendations aimed at fostering trust and stability, which include completing the unification of forces and pursuing a democratic electoral process.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org