S. Sudan government urged to redouble efforts to implement roadmap
September 11, 2022 (JUBA) – The body monitoring South Sudan’s peace process (RJMEC) has urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to redouble its efforts and fully implement the roadmap in letter and spirit.
The call came as the nation marked the 4th anniversary of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signing.
“As it does so, we urge it to bear in mind that more confidence and trust building across society is needed, and that improved inclusivity and extending and protecting the political and civic space for all South Sudanese to participate in their governance is also needed,” partly reads a statement the peace monitoring body issued Sunday.
It described the roadmap as a “significant milestone” in South Sudan’s peace process.
“This is an important achievement, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), as the institution responsible for the overall oversight of the implementation of the Peace Agreement, congratulates H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, First Vice President, and the four Vice Presidents and the diverse peoples of South Sudan in general,” further noted statement.
It added, “The roadmap makes it clear that much remains to be implemented across all chapters of the peace agreement, and we cannot ignore the fact that the need for this roadmap arose directly because of the slow pace of implementation of the revitalised peace agreement
The peace monitors lauded the recent graduation of the first batch of the unified forces, describing the unification of forces as the backbone of the agreement, and one of the key building blocks promoting national unity, reconciliation and community cohesion.
“The momentum generated should be maintained and Phase II of unification should commence as quickly as possible,” stressed the statement.
RJMEC, however, said instability in states set aback gains made in peacebuilding.
It reminded the RTGoNU that the preamble of the revitalised peace agreement talks of “laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” stressing that it a goal which must apply to each and every citizen of South Sudan equally.
RJMEC was constituted under Chapter VII of the R-ARCSS and is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement and the mandate and tasks of the RTGoNU, including the adherence of the parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule.
(ST)