The peace monitors of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) on Thursday expressed concerns about communal violence in three states in South Sudan.
Speaking during the 37th Monthly Meeting of the R-JMEC at the Beijing Hotel in Juba, the Interim Commission Chairperson, Charles Tai Gituai, said reported incidences of violence and abductions in different states were concerning.
“The permanent ceasefire continues to hold, but sporadic episodes of inter-communal violence such as in Unity, Jonglei and Lakes states continue to be concerning, compounded by some security related incidences in Juba in Central Equatoria State. CTSAMVM report indicates an increase in the abduction of youths allegedly by National Salvation Front (NAF) of Gen Thomas Cirillo,” Gituai said
He also expressed concerns on the slow pace of the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces since they were graduated in August 2022.
“There has been little progress regarding the deployment of the remaining Phase One graduates and the commencements of Phase Two Necessary Unified Forces and Training,” he said.
On the recently approved National Security Service Bill 2024 by Parliament, the R-JMEC chair expressed concerns on Articles 54 and 55.
“The issue of the National Security Bill 2024 is concerning. This Bill was passed by TNLA with the contentious articles 54 and 55 retaining the powers of the National Security Service to arrest without warrant and detain suspects. It was forwarded to the President who I understand requested the legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,” he said.
On elections, Tai said very little clarity exists on the position of the R-TGoNU and the parties over the conduct and the implementation.
“The High Level Standing Committee of parties signatory to the agreement confirmed that it had submitted its review and progress on implementation to the Presidency, which is expected to announce the way forward,” Tai said
“I am informed that the national elections commission has conducted an induction of its newly reconstituted state high committees. However, some concerns were raised regarding the process and a lack of adherence to the 35 percent minimum threshold of women representation.”
“According to the R-ARCSS, the NEC was expected to complete and publish the voter register within six months to the holding of elections, a deadline that has already passed. I wait for an update from the Chair of the NEC,” he reiterated.
The RJMEC Chairperson welcomed the report from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, that the Presidency is expected to meet on Wednesday 14 August, to deliberate on the way forward.
It is important, therefore, that the Principals of the Parties to the Agreement meet, consider the report of the High Level Standing Committee, and provide clarity on the way forward,” he concluded.
Under a road map to complete South Sudan’s transition to elections and a new government, which was extended in August 2022, the parties agreed to hold general elections after 24 months in December 2024.
However, observers believe that South Sudan is facing the prospect of a second extension of the transition period, owing to the delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement.