(JUBA) – Peace Deal in Limbo as RJMEC Flags Stalled Implementation and Growing Tensions in South Sudan
The implementation of South Sudan’s Revitalised Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) has largely stalled, according to a new report by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). The delays and breaches in the agreement, signed to end years of civil conflict, are increasing the risk of renewed violence in a country still struggling to stabilise politically and economically.
The quarterly RJMEC report, released on Thursday and covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2025, states that the political and security situation across South Sudan has deteriorated significantly. The report highlights ongoing armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), including clashes involving allied forces.
RJMEC noted that these repeated violations of the permanent ceasefire pose the most serious threat to the full implementation of the peace deal, originally signed in 2018. The armed clashes, which continue despite diplomatic engagement, have severely compromised the fragile calm that the agreement was intended to enforce.
Political tensions have also remained high during the quarter. One of the most serious concerns is the continued house arrest of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, who also leads the SPLM/A-IO. The detention of other senior SPLM/A-IO officials further undermines the already strained relationships between the peace partners. RJMEC warned that such actions deepen mistrust and erode the confidence of the South Sudanese people, as well as regional and international stakeholders, in the parties’ commitment to the peace process.
In addition to arrests, the report criticised recent unilateral dismissals and appointments by government officials without proper consultation or consensus. RJMEC states these decisions violate the power-sharing arrangements outlined in the peace agreement’s governance chapter and contribute to the breakdown of the implementation process.
Despite various regional and international diplomatic initiatives, including efforts by the African Union and IGAD, the report concludes that no significant political or security breakthrough has occurred. A lack of direct dialogue between the leadership of the Transitional Government of National Unity (ITGoNU) and SPLM/A-IO is a key obstacle. According to RJMEC, this reflects deeper unresolved grievances and a growing lack of trust.
The commission does, however, acknowledge ongoing diplomatic efforts as important gestures that reflect some political goodwill. RJMEC calls on all leaders to place the hopes of ordinary citizens—namely, peace, dignity, and stability—at the heart of political negotiations and public service.
RJMEC issued several recommendations aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring the stalled peace process. Chief among these is the immediate resolution of issues surrounding Dr Machar’s detention, as referenced in the Communiqué of the 1283rd Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The body also urged the reactivation of all institutions and mechanisms created under the peace deal, especially the Transitional Security Mechanisms.
To achieve this, RJMEC stressed the importance of releasing all SPLM/A-IO political detainees and allowing full and inclusive participation in all agreement institutions. Restoring confidence between parties, the report concludes, is essential for moving the country forward and preventing the fragile peace from collapsing completely.
