JUBA — The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) warned on Monday that South Sudan is on the brink of returning to civil war as the 2018 revitalized peace agreement falters.
Addressing lawmakers during the tabling of the quarterly report on Monday, Amb. Maj. Gen. Aggrey George Owinow, RJMEC Interim Chairperson, warned that the 2018 peace agreement is at risk of collapse, citing deepening political mistrust between Kiir and his long-term rival, Machar.
“Right Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members. In conclusion, South Sudan reached a lapse to arm the conflict, thus requiring the concerted efforts of all stakeholders,” Gen. George said.
Gen. George urged the parliament to take the lead in the effort to reach an agreement that would facilitate a return to stability and peace.
“The R-ARCSS continues to be the best means through which life and peace can be accomplished,” he said.
He stated that the house arrest of Machar and key SPLM-IO officials effectively leads to the collapse of the fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended five years of conflict.
“In terms of governance under Chapter I of the R-ARCSS, the ongoing house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President and Chairperson of the SPLM/A-IO, coupled with the detention of several senior SPLM/A-IO officials—including key members of Agreement institutions—has negatively affected the implementation process,” Gen. George said.
“Furthermore, the absence of direct dialogue between the leadership of the parties, particularly between the SPLM and SPLM-IO, reflects deeper underlying mistrust and unresolved grievances that continue to hinder effective implementation of the Act.”
A retired Kenyan general urged the August Assembly to protect the interests and integrity of the Revitalize Peace Agreement and to ensure that the peace deal is implemented in both letter and spirit.
“The RJEMC report and prevail upon all the parties to our Act and the Act to renew the implement; therefore, recommended remedial actions,” he said.
He urged the parties to promptly comply with the permanent ceasefire and transitional agreement and to avoid any acts of violence.
“Urge parties to the R-ARCSS to desist from all actions that escalate tension by demonstrating leadership. Embrace dialogue and return to inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS towards the path of stability and prosperity,” he said.
He stressed the need for the leaders to urgently resolve the issue of the detained leaders and those in hiding to enable them to participate effectively in the peace implementation.
“Engage the RTGoNU to renew to ensure the functionality of all agreement implementation institutions and mechanisms, especially the transition security mechanism,” he said.
Machar had been held at his home since March, accused of supporting the White Army militia, which clashed with the military in Nasir, Upper Nile State, killing Gen. Majur Dak and several soldiers.
Machar’s party denies ongoing links with the White Army, which it fought alongside during the war.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit suspended Dr. Riek Machar Teny, leader of the main opposition group, SPLM-IO, last week after he and his key allies were charged with murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets, and crimes against humanity by the Ministry of Justice.
The charges stem from a violent incident in March when a militia known as the White Army overran a garrison of government troops in Nasir County, Upper Nile, killing its commanding officer, Gen. Majur Dak, and several soldiers.
The Justice Ministry asserted that the attack in Nasir was influenced by Machar and others through “coordinated military and political structures.”
