The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) expresses its concern at fighting in the Yei River area, reportedly caused by the defection of a General from the SPLM/A-IO to the SSPDF. Furthermore, RJMEC strongly condemns all loss of life and displacement of civilians, and urges the parties involved to come swiftly to the table and resolve any issues through dialogue. In this regard, we commend the ongoing efforts of the Joint Defence Board to investigate the issue and avoid the repetition of such incidents in the future.  

Whether it is referred to as ‘defection’ or ‘change of allegiance’, the important point is that the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan has made commendable progress in the past two years since its signing and this must not be allowed to weaken because of instability caused by defections or accepting defections, which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement.  

The joint training centre at Moroto, which was also the scene of some fighting in recent days, is one of 18 functioning training centres in South Sudan. Each training centre is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified national army, and any threat to this is reprehensible. In this regard, I have requested CTSAMVM to investigate and report on its findings.

Whatever the source or driver of instability, RJMEC reminds all parties that the diplomatic architecture exists to manage all issues peacefully. In addition to the Revitalised Peace Agreement of 2018, there is the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of December 2017, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020, all of which affirm the signatories’ commitment to pursue dialogue and the protection of civilians. 

As South Sudan moves into its third year of implementation of the R-ARCSS, it is clear that much remains to be done in a short time. RJMEC condemns any action by any party which detracts from the important work of peacebuilding in the country, and joins all other voices in urging constructive dialogue. 

ENDS