RJMEC urges MPs to safeguard peace, cautions against amendments

Members of the peace monitoring body, RJMEC have called on Members of Parliament in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to support full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, warning that proposed amendments could weaken its integrity and risk renewed conflict.

The appeal was made on Wednesday during the presentation of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) ’s quarterly report covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2026.

RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. (Rtd)  George Aggrey Owinow said implementation of the agreement had faced serious challenges and progress had slowed in key areas.

“Implementation of the R-ARCSS has considerably faltered during the reporting period,” he said, adding that in some cases “peace dividends achieved over the first seven years of the Agreement have been eroded.”

Owinow cautioned MPs that the proposed amendments under consideration could have wider political and institutional consequences.

“Concerns were raised regarding the context of the amendments, including ongoing systematic violations of the Agreement and the exclusion of some key Party signatories,” he said.

He added that any changes that weaken oversight mechanisms could undermine the role of regional and international guarantors.

“The proposed amendments could weaken the oversight role of IGAD and the African Union,” he said, referring to the regional bodies supporting the peace process.

Owinow further told lawmakers that the agreement remains the main framework for peace and political transition in South Sudan beyond elections.

“The R-ARCSS is not limited to elections, but also includes critical peacebuilding and democratic governance reforms that remain essential before and after elections and must not be abandoned,” he said.

He warned MPs and other stakeholders against actions that could destabilize the country’s political environment.

“Abrogation of the agreement could lead to political fragmentation and renewed large scale violence in the country,” he said.

RJMEC said it continues to engage the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the provisions of the peace agreement as implementation progresses.