PRESS RELEASE

07 FEBRUARY 2023

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) condemns the killing of over 20 people in Kajo Keji, Central Equatoria State, on 2 February 2023. The violence and displacement of civilians is unacceptable, particularly when the strong hope of the people of South Sudan is that the messages of peace delivered by the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage will inspire implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement at greater pace and scale. RJMEC urges the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to investigate, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

The events in Kajo Keji fit into a larger and very concerning picture of violence at the subnational level across South Sudan, and RJMEC reiterates its position recently given at its monthly Plenary: 

“There is a very serious picture of escalating violence, negatively impacting the environment in which the R-ARCSS is being implemented. RJMEC therefore appeals to the Parties involved and the RTGoNU to address the root causes of these armed conflicts and find lasting solutions to resolve them and ensure accountability for crimes committed.”

ENDS