The interim chairperson of the peace monitoring body, R-JMEC, has urged the UN Security Council to consider sending an urgent high-level diplomatic mission to Juba to assess the current situation and engage directly with the parties involved in the revitalized peace agreement.
George Aggrey Owinow has raised concerns that the ongoing situation in the country, if not promptly addressed, could jeopardize the progress made and potentially lead to a collapse of the agreement, resulting in a return to armed conflict.
He highlighted that since the extension of the transitional period in February 2025, the political and security situation in the Republic of South Sudan has significantly worsened, highlighting the incidents in Nasir.
The monitoring body reported multiple violations of the permanent ceasefire, including aerial attacks on SPLM/A-IO-held areas by the SSPDF, even targeting cantonment areas and training centres.
There have also been reports of violent clashes between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO, along with their affiliated groups and forces in various parts of the country.
George mentioned that the deployment of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) under a bilateral agreement has been a point of contention among some parties to the agreement.
He emphasized that these developments, along with unilateral changes in official positions at the national and state levels by the government, have made the implementation of the agreement extremely challenging and necessitate urgent interventions.
The Kenyan national further noted the lack of progress in addressing critical pending tasks and preparations for the scheduled elections in December 2026.
He called on the council to support regional efforts to facilitate dialogue between the parties and expedite the completion of critical pending tasks towards the development of a permanent constitution and the timely conduct of elections.
George emphasized that despite its challenges, the R-ARCSS has brought relative peace to the country since its signing in September 2018 and serves as a foundation for lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
He warned against the risk of losing the progress made under the R-ARCSS, stressing the importance of the council’s intervention to salvage the agreement’s implementation.
George also appealed to the council to use its influence to support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and to closely monitor the situation in South Sudan.
