The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday warned that South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement is at risk of collapse, citing widespread failures in implementation and deepening political mistrust among signatory parties.
Presenting RJMEC’s second quarterly report to the national parliament, Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Aggrey George Owinow said the continued house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar has severely undermined the governance cluster of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which Machar chairs.
“In terms of governance under Chapter I of the R-ARCSS, the ongoing house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President and Chairperson of the SPLM/A-IO, coupled with the detention of several senior SPLM/A-IO officials—including key members of Agreement institutions—has negatively affected the implementation process,” Owinow told lawmakers.
He also criticized what he described as unilateral decisions made by some parties in breach of power-sharing arrangements.
“Unilateral dismissals and appointments undertaken without the requisite consultations or consensus among peace partners constitute clear violations of the letter and spirit of the agreement, further eroding trust and undermining its implementation,” he said.
The report noted that several SPLM-IO members, including former First Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet, have fled the country due to fears of detention. RJMEC said their departure has disrupted the work of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
“Several SPLM/A-IO parliamentary representatives have either left Juba or fled the country,” Owinow said. “The absence of direct dialogue between party leadership—particularly between the transitional government and the SPLM/A-IO—reflects deeper mistrust and unresolved grievances that continue to stall effective implementation.”
Owinow urged lawmakers to protect the agreement and push parties to recommit to its provisions.
“RJMEC appeals to this august assembly to safeguard the interests and sanctity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and prevail upon the parties to adhere to its letter and spirit,” he said.
RJMEC reaffirmed its commitment to engaging regional stakeholders to help restore a conducive environment for peace implementation.
“In our efforts to de-escalate security and political tensions, RJMEC intensified diplomatic engagements with parties, stakeholders, and regional actors,” Owinow said.
He warned that South Sudan risks sliding back into armed conflict unless immediate and coordinated action is taken.
“This house, representing all parties to the R-ARCSS, must lead efforts to bring the peace process back on track. The R-ARCSS remains the best path to lasting peace,” he said.
RJMEC called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of detainees, inclusive inter-party dialogue, and accelerated implementation of the agreement. The commission said these calls are consistent with those made by regional and international actors, including IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and others during a recent joint solidarity mission to South Sudan.
Upon receiving the report, Second Deputy Speaker Parmena Awerial referred it to the parliamentary Standing Specialized Committees for Peace and Reconciliation, and Legislation and Justice, for review and submission of findings within 14 days.