The Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has endorsed the extension of the transitional period for the revitalized peace agreement.
In its extra ordinary meeting on Thursday, RJMEC moved to support the parties’ decision to prolong the lifespan of the 2018 peace deal for 2 more years.
On August 4, 2022, the ITGoNU, SPLM-IO, SSOA, FDs, and OPP signed an extension roadmap “to ensure the parties complete the implementation of the remaining provisions in the agreement.”
The previous transitional period was expected to an end by February next year although most of the provisions in the peace deal have not been implemented.
Crucial reforms unrealized in the 2018 peace deal include institutional reforms, enactment of permanent constitution, graduation of unified forces, funding of reparation and reconciliation bodies, among others.
The slow pace of the implementation of the 2018 peace deal has been attributed to a lack of political will and funding by the unity government. Its partial implementation has largely been attributed to the lack of political will from the leaders.
But President Salva Kiir in his remarks last month said they “will redouble our reforms to complete this (extended period) to lead you to a successful election and build an effective government.”
On Thursday, RJMEC moved to endorse the extension after the government’s Cabinet Affairs Minister presented the rationale of the parties.
The decision in the extraordinary meeting was arrived through voting by show of hand.
“37 out of 42 members present today voted in favor [of extension by 24 months]. 5 did not vote while one was absent,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Gituai, chairperson of RJMEC.
The next transitional period will begin on 23rd February 2023 to 22nd February 2025.
Following the endorsement by RJMEC, the roadmap will be tabled before the Transitional National Legislature for endorsement.
“I will be submitting our decision and the accompanying resolution to the RTGoNU to consider RJMEC’s position and recommendation in this regard,” Maj. Gen. Gituai stated.
Among many other recommendations, the peace monitoring body asked the RTGoNU to commit to the implementation of the roadmap that they have written and signed.
“I urge the RTGoNU to demonstrate full and unwavering political will and commitment to implement all the priority tasks set out in the roadmap. In accordance with letter and spirit of the revitalized peace agreement tom implement additional interim measures including an economic recovery plan to improve the current business environment,,” Maj. Gen. Gituai underscored.
