The Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) has called on South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar to resume face-to-face talks as soon as possible to address the country’s political and security challenges. The commission, which oversees the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed in 2018, warned that further delays in dialogue could undermine the progress made towards lasting peace in the country.
The call for talks comes at a time of heightened tensions in South Sudan, as the country continues to grapple with insecurity and economic instability. The United Nations has warned that more than 7.2 million people in South Sudan require humanitarian assistance, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation.
R-JMEC Chairperson, Augostino Njoroge, urged President Kiir and Machar to prioritize dialogue and put the interests of the people of South Sudan first. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict and insecurity in the country have had a devastating impact on ordinary citizens, and that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through dialogue and compromise.
The peace agreement signed in 2018 was seen as a major step forward in South Sudan’s peace process, but implementation has been slow and fraught with challenges. The agreement provides for power-sharing between Kiir and Machar, and outlines a path to free and fair elections in the country. However, progress has been hampered by ongoing violence and a lack of political will.
The R-JMEC has played a critical role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the peace agreement, and has raised concerns about delays in the process. In its most recent report, the commission noted that key provisions of the agreement, such as the establishment of a transitional government, have not been fully implemented. The report also highlighted ongoing human rights abuses and violations of the ceasefire.
The R-JMEC’s call for talks between Kiir and Machar has been welcomed by the international community, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway issuing a joint statement urging the two leaders to resume dialogue. The statement emphasized the need for the parties to make progress on key issues, including security arrangements and the establishment of state and local governments.
The situation in South Sudan remains fragile, with ongoing violence and insecurity posing a threat to the country’s stability. The R-JMEC’s call for talks is a reminder of the importance of dialogue and compromise in achieving lasting peace in the country. As the commission noted in its statement, the people of South Sudan have suffered enough, and it is time for their leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a brighter future for all.