RJMEC clarifies Amendment Procedures for the R-ARCSS

[John Ashworth]

This press release from RJMEC is important because it reminds us that
there are legal procedures governing amendments to the Revitalised
Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South
Sudan (R-ARCSS), as indeed there are to any agreement signed by two or
more parties. One signatory party cannot unilaterally make amendments,
nor dismiss another signatory, without any consultation or due
process, as President Salva Kiir has done by dismissing Dr Riek
Machar. ­ ­ ­

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RJMEC presents Quarterly Report to RTNLA, clarifies Amendment
Procedures for the R-ARCSS and TCRSS, 2011 (as Amended)

RJMEC Press Release
Monday, 20 April 2026, Juba, South Sudan

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
today, 20 April 2026, presented its quarterly report to the
Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (RTNLA).

The quarterly report, covering the period from 1 October to 31
December 2025, was presented in accordance with Article 7.9 of the
R-ARCSS, which mandates the RJMEC to report quarterly to RTNLA and
provide detailed updates on the status of implementation of the
Agreement.

In his address to the Members of Legislative Assembly, Amb. Maj. Gen.
George Owinow, RJMEC Interim Chairperson also clarified on the legal
procedure governing amendments to the Revitalized Agreement on the
Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)
and the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan
(TCRSS), 2011 (as amended), during the Transitional Period.

Under Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS, the Revitalized Agreement may be
amended by the Parties, provided that at least two-thirds of the
members of the Council of Ministers of the Revitalized Transitional
Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) approve the amendment, and at
least two-thirds of the voting members of RJMEC consent to it. Only
thereafter, can such an amendment be ratified by the Transitional
National Legislature in accordance with the constitutional amendment
procedures set out in the TCRSS, 2011 (as amended)

“While Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS provides for the amendment of both
the Agreement and the TCRSS during the Transitional Period, such
amendments must be properly initiated in accordance with Article 1.9.4
of the Agreement,” Amb. Owinow stated.

He further explained that Article 1.9.4 stipulates that the amendments
to the TCRSS (2011) and the R-ARCSS may be initiated by the President,
the First Vice President, or any of the Vice Presidents, and shall
require the agreement of the others. Once properly initiated in
accordance with these provisions, amendments to the R-ARCSS and the
TCRSS (2011), as amended, shall follow the procedures outlined under
Article 8.4 of the Agreement.

In his recommendations, Amb. Owinow asked the RTGoNU to adhere to the
provisions of the R-ARCSS, including Articles 1.9.4.1 and 8.4 of on
the initiation and approval of any amendments to the TCRSS 2011 (as
amended) and the R-ARCSS, through consultation, consensus and
agreement of all the principals to the R-ARCSS.

Amb. Owinow emphasised that unless urgent measures are undertaken to
restore inclusive dialogue, uphold the sanctity of the R-ARCSS, and
ensure inclusivity, South Sudan risks sliding back into instability,
jeopardising the hard-won gains of the peace process.

He further urged the signatories to the Revitilised Agreement to
abandon all actions that undermine the R-ARCSS, particularly
unilateral decisions and breaches of the ceasefire resulting in loss
of life, property and displacement, in order to guarantee humanitarian
access and civilian protection.

For further information, please contact co...@jmecsouthsudan.org

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______________________
John Ashworth

ashwor...@gmail.com

+254 725 926 297 (Kenya mobile, WhatsApp and Signal)

PO Box 403 - 00206, Kiserian, Kenya