Concerns Raised Over South Sudan’s Political Tensions and Peace Process

The RJMEC Chair, Amb. George Owinow, raised serious concerns regarding the Revitalized Agreement on Conflict Resolution in South Sudan, citing escalating political tensions and armed clashes. He urged Party leaders to engage in dialogue and halt actions that jeopardize peace. Proposals also include completing force unification and preparing for elections by December 2026 while activating support mechanisms for reconciliation efforts.

The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Ambassador Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, expressed grave concerns regarding the state of affairs in South Sudan. During a virtual address to the 1265th African Union Peace and Security Council, he stated that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) faces serious challenges since its inception in September 2018. There have been reports of armed clashes in regions such as Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, continuing even into Upper Nile State.

Ambassador Owinow remarked that these incidents have escalated political tensions in both Juba and the broader nation, necessitating immediate actions to mitigate further escalation. He urged the leadership of the signatory Parties to the R-ARCSS to refrain from provocative actions and emphasized the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue while unifying their messages to foster cooperation.

Furthermore, he advised the African Union Peace and Security Council to pressure the Parties involved in the Revitalized Peace Agreement to halt actions that erode trust in the peace process, and to reinstate effective security mechanisms. The Ambassador suggested that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) should focus on completing Phase I of the unification of forces, initiate Phase II, and advance the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process, alongside preparations for credible elections in December 2026.

Ambassador Owinow also recommended activating existing support mechanisms for South Sudan, such as the Panel of the Wise, to help encourage dialogue and reconciliation among the factions involved in the peace agreement.

The current situation in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for cohesive leadership and dialogue among the signatories to the Revitalized Agreement. With rising tensions and armed conflicts, proactive measures are essential to restore trust and confidence in the peace process. The emphasis on completing military unification and advancing constitutional preparations highlights the pathway towards achieving lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org