South Sudan peace monitors urge gov’t to open civil space to exercise political rights

JUBA – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has urged the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to open political space for South Sudanese to fully engage in governance.

The call came as the world’s youngest country marks 4^th anniversary of the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in September 2018 in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

“We urge it to bear in mind that more confidence and trust building across society is needed, and that improved inclusivity and extending and protecting the political and civic space for all South Sudanese to participate in their governance is also needed,” read part of a statement issued by R-JMEC on Monday.

The peace monitoring body stressed the need to allow political space for the citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to participate in political decisions that affected them.

The Peace monitors urge momentum in the South Sudan peace deal.

“The unification of forces is the backbone of the Agreement, and one of the key building blocks promoting national unity, reconciliation, and community cohesion.

It hailed the government for the recent graduates of the first batch of the unified forces, describing the unification of forces as the backbone of the agreement.

“The momentum generated should be maintained and Phase II of unification should commence as quickly as possible,” it said.

It said instability in the African youngest nation is set aback by gains made in peacebuilding.

“Laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law and this is truly a laudable goal which must apply to each and every citizen of South Sudan equally.”