Amb. Maj. Gen. George Owinow of RJMEC warned of serious challenges to the Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan due to recent armed conflicts and rising political tensions. He advised immediate constructive dialogue to prevent escalation and emphasized critical reforms needed for peace and stability, including security mechanisms, DDR, and electoral preparations.
The current circumstances in South Sudan are troubling according to Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). He highlighted the serious challenges faced by the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) since its inception in September 2018, during a virtual address to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
Reports from January and February indicated armed clashes involving signatory forces in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States, subsequently followed by conflicts in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. These events have exacerbated political tensions in Juba and across the nation, necessitating immediate preventive actions to curb further unrest.
Amb. Owinow urged the signatory Parties to the R-ARCSS to avoid actions that could escalate tensions and to engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing the need for unified communication. He called upon the AU Peace and Security Council to ensure that the Parties cease actions undermining trust in the peace process and to reactivate the security mechanisms.
Furthermore, the Chairperson recommended that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) focus on completing Phase I of the force unification, initiate Phase II, and advance Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). He also stressed the importance of proceeding with the constitution-making process and preparations for credible elections scheduled for December 2026.
Amb. Owinow concluded by suggesting the activation of existing support mechanisms in South Sudan, such as the Panel of the Wise, to foster dialogue and reconciliation among the Parties moving forward.
Amb. Owinow’s remarks indicate a crisis in South Sudan’s peace process, with rising tensions following armed conflicts. Collective dialogue among the Parties is crucial to prevent further escalation. Furthermore, significant steps such as force unification, DDR, and preparations for future elections are necessary for stability. The activation of existing support mechanisms may be beneficial in promoting reconciliation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
