R-JMEC ‘concerned’ by SPLA-IO withdrawal from security mechanisms

JUBA — South Sudan’s Reconstituted Joint Momitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) has said that it is concerned by the SPLA-IO withdrawal from security arrangements implementation mechanisms.

Yesterday, South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny suspended its participation in the security mechanisms over attacks by SSPDF.

South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has been attacking SPLA-IO positions since the late last year only worsening this week following the capture of SPLA-IO base in Maiwut by forces belonging to the South Sudan army.

In a statement, the R-JMEC stressed the importance of the participation of the signatories to the revitalized peace agreement in the security mechanisms which oversee the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement’s chapter two.

“The security mechanisms, which are composed of representatives from across the different parties to the agreement, are an integral component of implementing the Transitional Security Arrangements of the peace agreement,” the body said the statement.

“RJMEC has stressed in many recent public statements, and in meetings and interventions at the highest political level in South Sudan and regionally, that right now is a critical time in the implementation of the peace agreement as we now have under 11 months of the Transitional Period left with much remaining to be done,” it added.

It said the commission “take note of reports from CTSAMVM, the ceasefire monitors, which indicate a range of localized incidents of violence in different parts of the country which are a serious cause of concern for the overall implementation of the peace deal.”

“Each training center in South Sudan is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified force, and any threat to this is unacceptable,” R-JMEC warned.

The body said the recent attacks are 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 cantonment sites and training centers. 

“Such divisive activity complicates the unification process, lowers morale, and breeds mistrust among troops who should be building togetherness,” RJMEC said.

“A unified force depends on cohesiveness for its ability to function for the greater good of the South Sudanese people. This insecurity also increases the number of displaced people, and strains the already scarce humanitarian support,” the body added.

It said “Defectors must be held accountable for their actions following a transparent investigation. RJMEC further urges the RTGoNU to ensure the protection of civilians at all times.

“RJMEC reminds all Parties that full engagement and inclusive dialogue within the framework of the R-ARCSS is the only way of resolving disagreements.”