Peace monitors urge government to fund elections, unified forces
December 7, 2023 (JUBA) – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai has urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to show its commitment to the country’s upcoming elections.
The call was made during the 33rd monthly meeting held in the capital, Juba on Thursday.
Gituai called on RTGoNU to allocate the necessary funds for the electoral process, support newly reconstituted elections-related institutions, including the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission, and the National Constitutional Review Commission. Additionally, he stressed the urgency of completing the unification of forces, underlining the pivotal role it plays in the democratic transition.
“Next year, elections are slated to take place, but there is a significant need for progress in implementing various aspects of the Agreement across its chapters. A major obstacle to this progress is the insufficient funding allocated to the Agreement’s institutions and mechanisms,” he emphasized.
Gituai stressed the critical importance of collaborative efforts among the parties to the agreement.
He urged them to work together in a unified manner to develop a comprehensive plan for the elections.
The RJMEC chairperson expressed concern about reported military defections among armed parties to the peace agreement.
These defections have been contributing to instability, leading to the loss of life and displacement of civilians. Addressing these security issues is crucial for maintaining stability in the run up to elections.
“Military defections starkly contradict the principles outlined in the Revitalised Agreement, severely undermining the implementation of both the Transitional Security Arrangements and the Agreement as a whole,” said Gituai.
“In the ongoing process of unifying forces, military defections prove to be counterproductive,” he added.
Gituai further emphasized the paramount importance of a constitution driven by the people to solidify South Sudan’s peaceful and democratic aspirations.
He stated, “The delay in activating the National Constitutional Review Commission and the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the National Constitutional Conference is a cause for concern. These institutions play a crucial role in advancing the development of a permanent constitution, which will serve as the guiding framework for the upcoming elections at the conclusion of the transitional period.”
On the humanitarian aspects, the Interim Chairperson said, “Regarding humanitarian assistance, amidst anticipated reduced funding from the international community, the influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan has heightened the number of vulnerable individuals in South Sudan.
These include populations affected by food insecurity, intercommunal violence, persistent flooding, children facing critical malnutrition risks, and women and girls exposed to gender-based violence.
“It is crucial for the RGToNU to establish the Special Reconstruction Fund and Board to facilitate the Pledging Conference, as mandated by the Agreement. The Fund, with its focus on reconstruction and service delivery, will play a pivotal role in supporting South Sudan’s overall development,” Gituai noted.
(ST)