The RJMEC chairperson, Ambassador Charles Tai Gituai, indicated that the South Sudan peace agreement’s implementation is hampered by trust deficits and insufficient political commitment. Key solutions involve mobilizing resources, expediting the completion of major tasks, and increasing women’s representation in leadership positions. The urgent need for a cohesive approach during the transitional period was emphasized to ensure timely elections and sustained peace efforts.
During the 38th monthly meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), held in Juba, South Sudan, on October 31, 2024, the Chairperson, Ambassador Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, highlighted the significant challenges hindering the effective implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement. Key issues impede progress, notably insufficient political will, a pervasive trust deficit, inadequate and unpredictable funding, and existing capacity gaps within government structures. Ambassador Gituai emphasized the urgent need for the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to take definitive actions in resource mobilization to demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling the peace agreement. He stipulated that a robust alignment between the various institutions tasked with implementing the agreement is essential during the ongoing extended Transitional Period. This alignment should comprise actionable plans, budgets, timelines, and proactive engagement strategies. He underscored that securing reliable funding and advancing the completion of outstanding tasks would send a constructive message across South Sudan, instilling confidence that the parties involved are adhering to their commitments and attracting necessary support. The RJMEC chairperson expressed concern over the potential for an endless cycle of transitions, stressing that the timeline is critical and requires meticulous planning to ensure all essential tasks are accomplished satisfactorily to facilitate scheduled elections. Ambassador Gituai urged the parties to expedite the completion of pivotal projects, including constitution-making, electoral processes, and the unification of armed forces, by fostering a collaborative spirit and urgency that was demonstrated in extending the transitional period. He further noted the importance of increasing female representation within executive and legislative appointments, advocating for levels above the established minimum threshold of 35 percent. Ambassador Gituai reaffirmed that women’s involvement in peacebuilding and political processes is crucial for achieving sustainable peace and security in South Sudan, asserting, “Women’s leadership and full inclusion in peacebuilding and political processes is central to achieving lasting peace and security in South Sudan.” This reiteration underscores the necessity of ensuring that as appointments are revised, the overall number of women in these positions should not decline, but should rather increase.
The South Sudan peace deal, established to resolve ongoing conflicts within the region since its independence in 2011, has faced numerous setbacks since its inception. The RJMEC plays a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the peace agreement, advocating for political commitment from the government, and ensuring adherence to protocols that promote stable governance and inclusive representation. Amidst these efforts, the integration of women into political leadership has emerged as a significant focal point, highlighting the need for gender parity in all levels of governance to foster long-term peace and security.
In conclusion, the current trajectory of implementing the South Sudan peace agreement faces significant impediments due to a lack of political will and trust among key stakeholders. The RJMEC chairperson’s call for resource mobilization and increased women’s representation highlights crucial areas requiring immediate attention. If the RTGoNU can successfully align its efforts with the overarching goals of the peace agreement while addressing the critical tasks swiftly, it may revive support from domestic and international partners, paving the way for a more stable and peaceful South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
