The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday said the two-year extension of the transitional period of the 2018 revitalized agreement should be used by the parties to meet commitments to the people of South Sudan.
The Presidency last Friday extended the transitional period of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) by 24 months until February 2027. The resolution was passed by the Council of Ministers last Saturday and endorsed by the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Wednesday.
“We note with concern that it has been necessary to extend the transitional period of the R-ARCSS for a second time due to the failure to implement outstanding critical benchmarks. Regrettably, none of these extensions, since the R-ARCSS was signed on 12 September 2018, have helped to achieve their objectives,” the press statement reads in part. “However, we also recognize that the decision was reached through dialogue and consensus and expect this same approach to continue to ensure the full implementation of the R-ARCSS that is required in order to give the people of South Sudan the opportunity they deserve to elect their leaders.”
“It is imperative for South Sudan’s leaders to put the interests of the nation and its people first; rebuild public trust and confidence; engage and accommodate all voices and viewpoints, including non-signatory parties who continue to participate in the Tumaini Initiative, to break the perpetual cycle of transitions in South Sudan, and pave the way towards an inclusive and sustainable peace,” the statement added.
The three entities said that in this regard, it is important that the parties and the Transitional Government should commit and put the necessary mechanisms, guarantees, and resources in place that can ensure the timely and full implementation of outstanding tasks.
“Finally, AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS underscore their ongoing commitment to work together and support all efforts to avoid a return to widespread violence, by completing a peaceful transition towards durable peace and inclusive governance through the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections,” the statement concluded.