Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, Chairperson of RJMEC, addressed the AU, stating the R-ARCSS faces serious challenges. Recent armed clashes in South Sudan have escalated tensions, necessitating immediate constructive dialogue among leadership. He emphasized the importance of restoring security mechanisms and proceeding with critical phases of peace implementation and electoral processes.
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Owinow, expressed serious concerns regarding the situation in South Sudan during a virtual address to the African Union Peace and Security Council on Tuesday. He highlighted that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is currently facing its most significant challenges since the agreement was signed in September 2018.
Amb. Owinow reported incidents of armed conflict occurring among the signatory parties in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States earlier this year, followed by clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. These events have significantly intensified political tensions in Juba and throughout the nation, necessitating immediate action to prevent further escalation.
To address the escalating tensions, Amb. Owinow emphasized the importance of the leadership of the R-ARCSS parties refraining from provocative actions. He advised the need for constructive dialogue and for the parties to present a united front. He urged the AU Peace and Security Council to encourage these parties to cease all actions that erode trust in the peace process and to restore the functionality of security mechanisms.
Additionally, Amb. Owinow called on the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to prioritize the completion of Phase I unification of forces and to initiate Phase II, including Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). He asserted the importance of progressing with the constitution-making process and preparing for the conduct of free and fair elections in December 2026.
Lastly, he suggested that existing mechanisms, such as the Panel of the Wise, should be activated to engage with the conflicting parties moving forward, fostering a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the remarks by Amb. Maj. Gen. Owinow underscore the critical situation in South Sudan regarding the R-ARCSS. The need for cohesive leadership, proactive dialogue, and the activation of peace-building mechanisms are vital for reducing tensions and fostering stability. The emphasis on completing military unification and proceeding with electoral preparations signifies a commitment to peace and governance in the near future.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
