Trust deficit, insufficient political will slowing peace implementation: RJMEC
October 31, 2024 (JUBA) – The implementation of South Sudan peace deal has been slowed down by many recurring challenges such as insufficient political will, trust deficit, lack of sufficient, dedicated and predictable funding and capacity gaps, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said.
He was speaking during the RJMEC’s 38th monthly meeting held in the country’s capital, Juba on Thursday.
“There is an unprecedented need to do things differently,” Amb. Gituai said, adding “A clear demonstration by the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to mobilize sufficient resources to implement the Agreement would be a strong indication of political will and commitment.”
He called on the RTGoNU and the various institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement to align and deliver their tasks within the extended Transitional Period.
“These should include action plans, budget, timelines, and resource mobilization, and proactive engagement with the various other Agreement institutions and mechanisms,” Amb. Gituai said.
He added, “Securing predictable funding and making early progress with the implementation of these outstanding tasks will therefore send a positive signal across the country that the Parties are making good on their promises and would attract timely support.”
The peace monitoring body’s chairperson warned over the “continuation of an endless cycle of transitions”.
“This is a tight timeline, which requires deliberate planning and a sense of urgency, to have all the critical pending tasks accomplished for the elections to take place as scheduled,” he stressed.
Amb. Gituai appealed to the parties “to expeditiously implement the critical pending tasks, especially the constitution-making and electoral processes, and the unification of forces” by replicating the spirit of collegiality, consensus, and urgency exhibited in extending the transitional period.
“It is important to observe that South Sudan has friends and partners who are willing to support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, provided the RTGoNU leads the process by providing the bulk of the funding,” he noted.
Meanwhile the chairperson urged an increase of women’s representation in the executive and legislative appointments up to and beyond the 35 percent minimum threshold given the centrality of the roles of women in achieving lasting peace and security in the country.
“It is important to remind the Parties that when replacements in appointments take place, they should not reduce the overall count of women in these positions. Instead, women’s representation should be increased in executive and legislative appointments,” said Amb. Githuai.
He added, “Women’s leadership and full inclusion in peacebuilding and political processes is central to achieving lasting peace and security in South Sudan.”
(ST)