The peace monitoring mechanism dubbed ‘the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) disclosed that the revitalized agreement on the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is facing the most serious challenges since its signing in September 2018.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, the Interim Chairperson of the R-JMEC, Gen. Aggrey Owinow, said reports in January and February this year of armed clashes involving forces belonging to parties signatory to the agreement in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States were followed by clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
“As a result, political tensions in Juba and around the country are heightened, and there is an urgent need to prevent them from rising any further,” he said.
In his recommendations, Gen. Owinow reiterated the need for the leadership of the parties to the peace agreement to desist from actions that may escalate tensions, undertake constructive dialogue, and to speak with one voice.
He called on the AU Peace and Security Council to prevail on the parties to the agreement to cease all actions that further undermine trust and confidence in the peace process and reactivate the functioning of the security mechanisms.
Additionally, he said, the revitalized transitional government of national unity should prioritize the completion of Phase I of the unification of forces and commence Phase II, as well as Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR), and proceed with the constitution-making process and preparations for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in December 2026.
“Consider activating existing mechanisms in support of South Sudan, which could include the Panel of the Wise, to proactively engage with the Parties going forward in a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation,” Gen. Owinow added.
