South Sudan: R-JMEC calls for end to upsurge in violence
March 11, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s peace monitoring body (R-JMEC) has welcomed the recent appointment of a high-level committee to investigate clashes between communities in Twic County and the Ngok from Abyei region.
Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol heads the high-level committee appointed by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.
“All measures to support the peaceful resolution of disputes is welcome, and should be replicated across those numerous areas of South Sudan which need it,” partly read’s R-JMEC’s statement.
Recent reports from the ceasefire monitors (CTSAMVM) reportedly indicate a range of localised incidents of violence in different parts of the country which are a serious cause of concern for the overall implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and enjoyment of its dividends at community level.
According to R-JMEC, this overall picture of insecurity has a negative impact on the gains made so far in the implementation of the peace agreement at this critical time when every little bit of progress should be built upon.
“This state of affairs is exacerbated by the delayed implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements as set out in the R-ARCSS, growing military defections from one signatory party to another, and poorly-resourced structures of governance at the State and local levels,” further noted the statement.
It added, “This localised violence not only complicates implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, but also increases the number of displaced people, strains the already scarce humanitarian support, and further impacts on humanitarian access”.
Last month, two Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) vehicles were looted and burnt 8kms outside of Yei, Central Equatoria State.
The peace monitoring body said attacks on humanitarian aid workers and the delivery of humanitarian services deprives the civilian population of much-need care and assistance.
It urged South Sudan government to include a robust strategy for dealing with localised conflicts in order to create a conducive environment for implementation of the critical pending tasks such as the making of the permanent constitution and the eventual conduct of elections at the end of the transitional period.
(ST)