The RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Owinow indicated significant challenges facing the Revitalized Agreement on South Sudan. He reported armed clashes and heightened tensions, urging leadership to engage in constructive dialogue. Recommendations include completing force unification and active participation from the AU to support peace efforts before the elections in 2026.
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, expressed serious concerns regarding the state of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). During a virtual address to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), he noted that the agreement is facing unprecedented challenges since its inception in September 2018.
Amb. Owinow highlighted recent reports from January and February detailing armed clashes among signatory forces in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States, culminating in further unrest in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. He emphasized the urgent need to mitigate escalating political tensions in Juba and across the nation.
In his recommendations to the Council, he urged the leadership of the R-ARCSS to avoid actions that might heighten tensions. Furthermore, he advocated for constructive dialogue among the Parties and unified communication to address the crisis effectively.
The RJMEC statement included a call for the AU Peace and Security Council to encourage the Parties to cease actions undermining trust in the peace process. Amb. Owinow underscored the importance of reactivating security mechanisms and prioritizing the completion of Phase I of the unification of forces while moving toward Phase II, Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), along with establishing a constitution-making process and preparing for credible elections set for December 2026.
Amb. Gen. Owinow also suggested mobilizing existing mechanisms, such as the Panel of the Wise, to support ongoing dialogue and reconciliation efforts among the Parties involved, fostering a collaborative spirit toward peace in South Sudan.
The current situation in South Sudan is alarming, as articulated by Amb. Maj. Gen. Owinow of RJMEC. He emphasizes the necessity for dialogue and unity among the Parties to the R-ARCSS to avoid further deterioration of the political landscape. Essential measures include completing the unification of forces, commencing DDR, and ensuring proper electoral preparations. The involvement of the AU and existing mechanisms is pivotal in navigating these challenges toward achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
