SPLM-IO withdrawal from joint security mechanisms threatens peace process – SSHRC

JUBA – The South Sudan Human Rights Commission (SSHRC) said Wednesday that it was concerned and alarmed by withdrawal of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) from joint security mechanisms, saying the move threatens the implementation process of the 2018 peace pact.

On Tuesday afternoon, SPLA-IO announced that it was suspending its participation, temporarily, in the joint peace bodies following series of attacks on opposition positions in both Unity and Upper Nile states by forces belonging or allied to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

The security mechanisms, comprising representatives from different parties to the 2018 peace agreement, include Joint Defense Board (JDB), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR Board), Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), the National Transitional Committee (NTC), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

“Deeply concerned by the ongoing attacks on SPLM/SPLA (IO) cantonments and training centers in Kaljak and Mirmir in Unity State and in Jekou in Upper Nile State, the PB approved the suspension of participation of SPLM/SPLA (IO) in the security mechanisms’ meetings pending the resolution of the issues raised at the political level,” a statement signed by Machar reads in part.

In reaction, the South Sudan Human Rights Commission said it is alarmed by the decision of the SPLM-IO leadership and called it a ‘unilateral’ action that it says will jeopardize the implementation process of the revitalized peace agreement which has witnessed setbacks over lack of will from the parties to advance its implementation.

“The South Sudan Human Rights Commission is alarmed and concerned with the ongoing political and military tension amongst the major peace partners. On the 22 March 2022, the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, with dismay, learnt that the SPLM-IO political bureau approved its suspension from participation from various security mechanisms created by R-ARCSS. The move was subsequently followed by its leader’s declaration to that effect,” the body said.

“Such unilateral actions by a major peace partner, at a time when debate regarding the full and unselective implementation of the remaining provisions of the agreement is warranted, is highly likely to undermine the spirit of collegiality and cooperation reflected in the agreement, and threatens the gains that have already been achieved,” the statement added.

The SSHRC further “urges all parties to the R-ARCSS and the R-TGONU to renew their commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreement. The Commission, equally, urges the SPLM-IO and its military wing to reconsider its withdrawal from the participation from the joint security mechanisms and resume its efforts to finding an amicable solution to the impending deadlock.”