The training and redeployment of the National Unified Forces (NUF) has stalled. This follows an assessment by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). In addition, the RJMEC has noted a significant decline in the pace of implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) as envisaged in Chapter Two of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

Of critical concern, the Commission noted, are the failure of cantonment, the stalling of NUF training, graduation and redeployment, and defections / changes of allegiance, which undermine the unification process.  

Speaking during a one-day seminar organised by RJMEC that brought together the National Transitional Committee (NTC), the Revitalised Agreement security mechanisms and other key stakeholders, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen (Rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“There are also reports of morale reaching low levels in the poorly supplied Cantonment sites, and reports of trainees abandoning poorly supplied training centres in search of food. To date no graduation or redeployment plans have been published.”

“Next month marks one year of the formation of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), other chapters have progressed, however slowly, but Chapter Two (of the Revitalised Peace Agreement), critical in the overall success of the Peace process, seems to be the slowest,” he said.  

The seminar’s aim was to determine the status of the PCTSA, the current and future challenges, to set priorities and to agree on solutions and proposals to keep the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements on track.

The RJMEC Interim Chairperson continued: “The success of the implementation of Chapter Two will create the foundation upon which security of all other chapters will operate; and it is an assurance of a stable nation, as Unified Forces signifies the National Unity and a symbol of nationhood, where security forces are loyal to the Constitution and to the country with one Commander in Chief who is also the Head of State.”

As the country marks ten years of independence in July 2021, Maj. Gen. Gituai said,  “it is our hope that a strong push from all of us here and South Sudan’s political leaders will go a long way to ensuring that 9 July 2021, will see a celebration of progress in the implementation of the peace agreement.”

ENDS