
The signatories of the R-ARCSS in South Sudan is working slow with the implementation of it. That has been known for a year or so. That the SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO has made things difficult is very clear. As well, as the Presidential Decrees and appointments without consultation of the all parties in the R-TGoNU. This is why things seemed dangerously not long ago…
The newest security agreement and appointments in the national army only shows that. This shows how fragile and everyone is in it to eat. That is not only about SPLM-IO, but about SPLM-IG. This could be directed the SSOMA and other signatories. We know there are plenty of stakeholders who needs to assess their work and what is needed. Since, that seems to be put on the back-burner… and isn’t a vital part of the governance of today.
This is why R-JMEC can come with their rebukes and their reports, but the R-TGoNU doesn’t seem to be so concerned about their slow progress, if any. Since, they are just awaiting their turn to eat and that’s why this is repeating itself and comes on by month basis.
Just read these parts of the R-JMEC report which as released today:
“It is to be noted that with just over two years since the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), progress made towards implementation of the R-ARCSS, remains relatively slow. During the first quarter of 2022 the most notable progress was made with the swearing in of the state assemblies, which completed the formation of the government structures at the national and state levels. Incremental progress was realised in the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA), drawing attention to the management of the country’s resources and launching of the process for truth, reconciliation and healing” (R-JMEC, 11.04.2022).
“With regard to the permanent Constitution making process under Chapter 6, there has been no progress to report during this quarter. The Constitutional Making Process Bill is still pending tabling and consideration by the reconstituted TNLA. However, even as the timeline for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement is fast running out, considerable efforts have been made by RJMEC to emphasise the centrality of the permanent Constitution making process to the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period under the Agreement, as well as for the sustainability of peace in South Sudan. This message was communicated clearly to the parties to the Agreement, the RTGoNU, the regional guarantors and to the AUPSC and the UN Security Council” (R-JMEC, 11.04.2022).
“With just a little over eleven months to go to the end of the Transitional Period it is not surprising that increasing attention is being paid to the question of the holding of elections. It is critically important that any such elections are seen to be free, fair and credible. To get to this stage the Parties to the Agreement must carefully consider the outstanding activities and agree on a Roadmap that can be successfully negotiated to the end of the Transitional Period. This Roadmap should ideally prioritise activities that must be achievable and the requisite resources obtained to ensure that the tasks are carried out. On the heels of the progress made by the Parties in agreeing on the way towards the completion of the TSAs this same spirit of collaboration must continue to hold. Indeed, the people of South Sudan long weary of conflict and yearning for sustainable peace continue to look towards reaping any such dividends. Now is the time for the RTGoNU to recommit to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS, commit the necessary level of resources and work tirelessly to take the country down the road to lasting peace and prosperity” (R-JMEC, 11.04.2022).
These statements says what is needed. The R-JMEC report is also going into detail about the lack of implementation and issues that is not settled. Also, the well known attacks on bases, which caused the stir of late. We know the volatile ceasefire needs to be strengthen and not pushed, which seems to be the key aspect of the current climate between parties right now. That they are testing the boundaries and their ability to get ahead. While also testing the R-ARCSS itself for their own benefits.
This sort of report states important facts about the current regime and how they operate. How they are lacking and not addressing things in due time. Where there is lack of mechanisms and implementations, as the deadline is getting closer. We can only anticipate an extension and then another one. There shouldn’t be a hurry or a grand push for elections. Since, these parties are already in-fighting about plum-jobs as it is. They will not make things free or fair, as that would expose and possible take away their current power.
Instead, the stakeholders and everyone else should focus on the institutionalization of the Republic and the need to go away from the personalization of the state. Which will strengthen the state and gives more reason for a broader base and possible relief. It could also by accordance to itself, make way for promising elections down the line. Alas, maybe with characters and parties, which isn’t former militias and armed rebels, but instead civilians wanting to represent their nation or state. Peace.













