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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission
<
co...@jmecsouthsudan.org>
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2026 at 13:01
Subject: RJMEC releases its latest Quarterly Report,warns South
Sudan's peace implementation at a critical juncture as elections
approach
To:
PRESS RELEASE (FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION)
Wednesday, 29 July 2026, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC releases its latest Quarterly Report, warns South Sudan's peace
implementation at a critical juncture as elections approach
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
has today released its latest Quarterly Report on the Status of
Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the
Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), covering the period
1 April to 30 June 2026.
The report presents a comprehensive assessment of progress made in
implementing the peace agreement, noting that while some institutions
continue to function and limited advances have been recorded, it
wanrns that the peace process remains under significant strain due to
persistent political, security, humanitarian and economic challenges.
The report notes that the continued political and security impasse
since March 2025 has weakened trust among the Parties to the
Agreement, undermined responsibility-sharing arrangements and slowed
implementation of key provisions of the R-ARCSS.
One of the report's principal concerns is the decision by the
Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to
submit proposed amendments to the R-ARCSS to the Transitional National
Legislative Assembly without first obtaining the consent of RJMEC as
required under Article 8.4 of the Agreement. Although the Government
subsequently withdrew the proposed amendments to Articles 8.2 and 8.3
following the RJMEC's recommendations, the report emphasizes that the
prescribed legal procedure for amending the Agreement was not
followed.
With general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026, the report
acknowledges progress made by the National Elections Commission in
announcing the election date, advancing civic and voter education and
strengthening institutional preparedness.
However, RJMEC cautions that major challenges remain unresolved,
including incomplete Transitional Security Arrangements, unresolved
legal and political issues, insecurity, restrictions on civic and
political space, inadequate funding, and the continued displacement of
millions of citizens. These challenges raise serious concerns
regarding the prospects for credibility, inclusivity and peaceful
conduct of the elections.
The report further highlights the deteriorating security situation
across several parts of the country. Continued clashes between the
South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO forces in
Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity and parts of Equatoria have resulted in
continued ceasefire violations, while critical security mechanisms
remain non-operational. Implementation of Phase II of the Necessary
Unified Forces, the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration
(DDR) programme and broader security sector reforms remain stalled.
The humanitarian situation also worsened during the reporting period
with more than 7.8 million people projected to face crisis or worse
levels of food insecurity, while internal displacement exceeded 2.5
million people. Renewed violence, restrictions on humanitarian access
and the continued influx of people fleeing the conflict in
neighbouring Sudan have significantly increased humanitarian needs and
present additional challenges to the implementation of the peace
agreement and preparations for elections.
Meanwhile, the permanent constitution-making process registered
encouraging progress with the National Constitutional Review
Commission completing civic education and public consultations across
all ten States and three Administrative Areas and commencing
consultations with national institutions.
Against this backdrop, RJMEC reiterates the urgent need for an
inclusive South Sudanese political dialogue, consistent with the AU C5
Plus Declaration of February, to restore trust among the Parties,
resolve the prevailing political impasse and build consensus on the
peaceful conclusion of the Transitional Period.
The report calls upon all Parties to immediately cease hostilities,
recommit to full implementation of the R-ARCSS in both letter and
spirit, complete the Transitional Security Arrangements, refrain from
unilateral actions, and ensure meaningful participation of women,
youth, displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in political and
electoral processes.
RJMEC further urges the RTGoNU to restore confidence among the
Parties, expedite implementation of outstanding provisions of the
Agreement, adequately fund Agreement institutions, remove impediments
to humanitarian access and accelerate preparations for peaceful,
credible and inclusive elections.
As South Sudan enters the final months of the Transitional Period, the
report underscores that renewed political commitment, adherence to the
Peace Agreement and inclusive dialogue remain indispensable for
safeguarding the gains achieved under the R-ARCSS and ensuring a
peaceful democratic transition.
Finally, RJMEC reiterates its continued commitment to supporting the
Parties to the R-ARCSS and accompanying the peace process in
accordance with its mandate, and appeals to all peace stakeholders to
work collectively towards lasting peace, stability, and successful
completion of the transition in South Sudan.
Full report is attached at:
https://mcusercontent.com/b7d9a70ab6e575fcce301de0d/files/97f0011d-dffd-adf8-2679-1f795a10b9bc/RJMEC_2nd_Qtr_Report_2026_Final.pdf
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______________________
John Ashworth
ashwor...@gmail.com
+254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile, WhatsApp and Signal)
PO Box 403 - 00206, Kiserian, Kenya