The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) says they are disappointed due to lack of progress in implementing the security arrangement phase one that involves screening, training and redeployment of necessary unified forces.
R-JMEC Interim Chairperson Gen. Charles Tai Gituai made the call during the monthly plenary meeting in Juba on Thursday to reviewed the status of peace implementation.
He urges the Unity government to make financial resources available to complete the transitional security arrangement to ensure citizens elect their leaders as stated in the revitalized agreement.
“Delay in the implementation of security arrangement is a significant factor in the occurrence of defections. I, therefore, urge the RTGoNU to expedite the performance of all the transitional security arrangement, especially the graduation and unification of forces,” Tai said.
Gen. Tai also called South Sudan and African Union to establish hybrid court meant to trial those accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict.
He urges the R-TGoNU to improve transparency and accountability on public resources to ensure sustainable peace and development in South Sudan. “There is a great need for more emphasis on managing the natural resources.”
The UN Mission in South Sudan has also reiterated it called for the government to avail a timeline for the graduation of forces, their deployment, and agreement on command structure.
Guang Cong is the Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He says progress is needed on security arrangements to avoid the recycle of violence in South Sudan.
The minister of cabinet affairs, Dr. Martin Elias Lomoro, said lack of funds is delaying the graduation but expressed progress made by Joint Defense Board for completing the screening of forces in December last year.
Mr. Lomoro says the government had used the money of two crude oil cargoes, which is 40 million dollars, to expedite the implementation of the security arrangement, which he said was not enough.
“The biggest challenge that has confronted the agreement is funding. It is clear from the beginning because the republic of South Sudan is the solid funder,” Dr. Lomoro said.
Peace monitors commended the Unity government’s efforts for reconstituting the national and sates legislative Assembly, which they says is “encouraging.”
The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity will mark the second anniversary on 20th February.