The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a body tasked with overseeing implementation of the signed peace agreement in South Sudan, called on the UN Security Council to hasten the deployment of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to South Sudan’s capital Juba.

Addressing the 15-member council chaired by President Olof Skoog in New York on Monday, JMEC chairman Festus Mogae said the deployment of the Regional Protection Force in Juba will provide a safe, neutral and secure environment in support of the peace process in South Sudan.

He pointed out that the move would guarantee continued stability in Juba and secure environment for implementation of the peace agreement.

Mogae said this will also allow the government to redeploy the bulk of the army currently protecting Juba to the other parts of the country to restore law and order.

“Such spirit of determination, coordinated actions and uniform voices are critical for effective intervention in South Sudan,” said Mogae.

The peace monitor appealed to the UN Security Council to ensure that the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) and all the parties live up to their responsibilities.

He asked the world body to take note of President Salva Kiir’s National Dialogue initiative, adding that without genuine inclusivity and without addressing the results of the July events “there is unlikely to be sustainable peace in South Sudan”.

Mogae said estranged parties formerly within the unity government must denounce violence and embrace dialogue. He asked the Security Council to condemn the escalating violence in different parts of the country including targeted killings of civilians in the greater Equatoria region, and renewed fighting in parts of Upper Nile and Unity States.

According to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) reports, he said, there are different armed groups emerging and operating in these areas, some allied to the former parties to the peace agreement.

Mogae renewed his appeal to the UN Security Council to take whatever steps are necessary to halt senseless killings in South Sudan.

Photo: JMEC Chairman Festus Mogae with the President of the UNSC Olof Skoog in New York (credit: JMEC)