The PCCA criticized IGAD for misrepresenting the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) as effective, asserting it is a deterrent to peace. They raised concerns about ongoing political instability and violence, highlighting the need for new strategies to address current challenges rather than relying on outdated frameworks. The Coalition calls for inclusive dialogue and decisive action to establish a true political transition and address the grievances of the South Sudanese people.
The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) expressed profound discontent regarding the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) following its report and communiqué pertaining to the situation in South Sudan. In a statement released to Radio Tamazuj, the PCCA criticized IGAD for asserting that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) serves as the bedrock of the peace process, labeling such claims as false and detrimental to true peace efforts in South Sudan.
The PCCA highlighted several critical concerns regarding the efficacy of the R-ARCSS. They referred to consistent reports from the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) that document the failure of parties to implement the agreement. They pointed out examples such as President Kiir’s violations of the R-ARCSS, including unilateral dismissals of officials and ongoing military defections, undermining claims of unity under a single command.
The Coalition stated that ordinary South Sudanese view the R-ARCSS as a detriment to their safety and security. They questioned IGAD’s rationale for promoting the agreement as the cornerstone for peace when the people continue to suffer. The recent violence in Nasir, reflecting broader frustrations with the R-ARCSS, has drawn attention to the political elites in Juba, prompting IGAD’s involvement.
PCCA refuted IGAD’s assertion that the implementation of the R-ARCSS has curbed conflict and allowed for development, emphasizing that it failed to achieve peace and has severely damaged the nation’s economy and political transitions. They criticized the vague mandate issued to the newly formed IGAD Ministerial-level sub-committee on South Sudan, arguing it lacks a strategic approach to addressing the core issues of conflict and instability.
According to PCCA, unrest in South Sudan is fueled by succession politics rather than the R-ARCSS’s effectiveness. Speculations surrounding President Kiir’s succession strategy have escalated following his appointment of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as Vice President. The PCCA accused IGAD of neglecting these pertinent issues that impact the stability and prosperity of South Sudan, instead fixating on an outdated narrative about the R-ARCSS.
The PCCA contended that both the R-ARCSS and the Tumaini Initiative have failed to keep pace with South Sudan’s evolving political landscape. They emphasized the necessity for new frameworks that address current realities rather than prolonging an ineffective process. The coalition insists that South Sudanese citizens have voiced their desire for a political transition that excludes both President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar from future governance.
In conclusion, the PCCA urged IGAD to play a proactive role in dismantling private militias, facilitating the formation of a national army, and organizing an inclusive national dialogue aimed at establishing a constitutional framework for elections. They cautioned that failing to address these issues could lead to further chaos and regional instability, stressing the importance of a clear timeline for political transition.
The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) remains committed to mobilizing the people of South Sudan towards establishing a peaceful and democratic society based on nonviolent means.
The PCCA’s response to IGAD emphasizes significant shortcomings in the promotion and implementation of the R-ARCSS as a framework for peace in South Sudan. They advocate for a reassessment of existing agreements and a focus on addressing underlying political issues rather than continuing failed political transitions. The call for an inclusive national dialogue and restructuring of the national army highlights their urgent demand for lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
