A group of Western diplomatic missions in South Sudan on Friday warned that any attempt to amend the 2018 peace agreement without the participation of Riek Machar is “illogical” and undermines the credibility of the country’s transitional process.
In a joint statement, the embassies of Canada, France,
Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United
States, together with the European Union delegation, said the Revitalised Peace
Agreement remains the only legal framework governing South Sudan’s transition.
“The 2018 peace agreement remains the only basis for
legitimacy of the South Sudanese transitional government. Any changes to that
agreement must be in line with the procedures set out in the 2018 peace
agreement,” the statement reads.
“It is illogical to suggest that there have been inclusive
consultations without the participation of Riek Machar, the head of the second
largest party in the country.”
The statement also backed a recent position by the
Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which
questioned claims of inclusive consultations in Juba.
Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO and First Vice President, is
currently in detention facing treason charges over the March 2025 Nasir
incident, which the government says left 257 SSPDF soldiers dead and caused the
destruction or loss of military equipment worth $58 million. His party, whose
senior members are in exile, has rejected the proposed amendments.
The statement follows cabinet approval of amendments to the
peace agreement that would separate key transitional steps, including the
census and drafting of a permanent constitution, from the holding of elections.
Information Minister Ateny Wek defended the changes on
Tuesday, citing provisions in the agreement that allow signatory parties to
amend its terms. He said the proposals would be submitted to parliament, but
did not clarify whether they would first be reviewed by RJMEC as required under
the accord.
RJMEC Interim Chair Maj. Gen. George Owinow last week told
parliament that any amendment must be based on consultation, consensus and
agreement among all signatories.
Despite this, the government proceeded on Friday to table
the amendment bill in parliament through Justice Minister Michael Makuei.
The government says the amendments are intended to pave the
way for general elections scheduled for December 2026.