Watchdog pushes for election preparations as R-JMEC gets new head

JUBA – The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has called on the new chair of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Ambassador Major General (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, to prioritize the timely implementation of the revitalized peace deal to ensure peaceful, credible, and fair elections in December 2026.

In a statement released on Monday in Juba, the CPA emphasized the importance of timely implementation of the peace agreement for the upcoming elections. The group stressed that citizens are eager to participate in the democratic process and shape the future of their country.

“The new Chairperson should push the RTGoNU to prioritize the timely implementation of the R-ARCSS to ensure peaceful, credible, and fair elections in December 2026. Citizens are eager to cast their votes and change the narrative in the country,” the CPA stated.

The CPA expressed concern about the apparent lack of urgency among members of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) regarding the implementation of the R-ARCSS and necessary institutional reforms. The group suggested that this lack of action demonstrates an indifference to the suffering of ordinary citizens.

“The relaxed demeanor of the executive members of the RTGoNU indicates that political elites are unprepared to implement the R-ARCSS and the necessary institutional reforms needed for the country’s transition from war to democracy. Consequently, these political elites appear indifferent to the ongoing suffering of ordinary citizens,” the statement read.

The CPA urged Owinow to be proactive in advancing the implementation of the R-ARCSS, stating that the inactivity of the previous leadership had eroded public confidence in RJMEC. The group highlighted specific areas where they believe Owinow should focus his efforts.

“Ambassador Major General (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow “should focus on the graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces to allow for their deployment. He should ensure that the organization is active in the implementation of the R-ARCSS,” the CPA noted.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) appointed Owinow as the new RJMEC chair on Sunday, replacing Charles Tai, who had served as interim chairperson since August 2020.