Lack of adequate elections preparedness causing anxiety in South Sudan, says RJMEC
August 8, 2024 (JUBA) – Inadequate election preparedness and lack of progress in the unification of forces is causing anxiety among the population with barely five months before elections in South Sudan, the peace monitors said on Thursday.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) chairperson Ambassador Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai was addressing its 37th monthly meeting held in the capital, Juba.
“With barely five months left before elections as scheduled in the Roadmap, the lack of adequate elections preparedness and the lack of progress in the unification of forces is causing anxiety among the population of South Sudan,” he said.
As such, the RJMEC Chairperson welcomed the report from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Hon. Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, that the Presidency is expected to meet on Wednesday 14 August, to deliberate on the way forward.
In its updates on the status of implementation of the Revitilised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the chairperson said the permanent ceasefire continues to hold.
“However, sporadic episodes of intercommunal violence, such as in Unity, Jonglei, and Lakes State, continue to be concerning,” he said.
The RJMEC Chairperson also informed RJMEC members about the lack of sufficient funding for the full deployment of the graduated forces, and the commencement of Phase II training for the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
“As troops wait in Training Centres and Cantonment Sites, they lack food, medicines, shelter and clean water. As a result, most troops have left their bases in search of food and other necessities. Also pending is the finalization of the unification of the middle command echelon of the NUF.”
Amb. Gituai called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide the Agreement institutions and mechanisms with the requisite resources and logistics to enable them to discharge their mandates, including completion of the redeployment of the unified forces.
He further encouraged the parties to the agreement to pay due consideration to the 35% minimum threshold of women’s representation in the executive and other decision-making bodies as stipulated in the Revitalised Agreement.
The chairperson of RJMEC earlier warned that delays in implementing key tasks could jeopardize the upcoming elections, stressing that swift progress is needed on crucial issues such as drafting a permanent constitution, refining the electoral process, and actualizing the unification of forces.
The commission noted that without timely action on these fronts, the elections could face significant obstacles.
Observers say the situation remains precarious, with many obstacles to overcome before South Sudan can hold its first post independence elections.
(ST)