South Sudan: R-JMEC has asked the Government to provide it a roadmap on how to end the Transitional Period

Yesterday Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gitaui, the Chairman of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commisison (R-JMEC) delivered his statement on the progress of the R-ARCSS and the implementation of the process to the United Nations Security Coucil (UNSC). As this would prove how the R-TGoNU and all the stakeholders are coordinating and working together to facilitate all the articles of the agreement. However, the R-JMEC is stating what we already knew, but shows that the time and the current movement is to slow.

The Government of South Sudan, the leadership and everyone in Juba is clearly not moving ahead. The Head of State and the Ministers are not motivated or having the ambition to finish the stipulation of the R-ARCSS. Since, it is not like they have tried and unknowingly, there is always a crisis and a scandal, which comes as an excuse to postpone or hold later conferences or meetings to ensure all stakeholders are approving of the steps forward.

That’s why Maj. Gen. Gitaui is speaking the truth here:

Overall, progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has generally been very slow from the beginning, and there are several recurring challenges facing it. The challenges include lack of sufficient resources (both financial and material) needed for the implementation of the Agreement; insufficient political will and commitment of some actors; trust deficit amongst the Parties; capacity gaps; subnational violence and activities of the holdout groups; military defections from one signatory party to another; flooding; and the COVID-19 pandemic” (STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 08.03.2022).

What is striking is that the state doesn’t have enough funds to implement it, but has a huge staff of cronies and nepotism. There are so many Vice-Presidents, but not working hospitals or schools for the citizens to use. Neither is there other government institutions to help the citizens. That should be the priority, but the state prefers to pay for SUVs and majestic titles for the insiders. If not ensure shady deals and lavish spending on VIPs. Therefore, the teachers and civil servants are not paid, but they got to bribe other state employees to get the help they need. That is what is reported, but not supposed to be told.

It doesn’t make it better that R-JMEC has to ask about this now:

Given the challenges facing implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry, RJMEC has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to review the status of the implementation of the Agreement and develop a clear roadmap and strategy within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on how to implement the outstanding critical tasks as the end of the Transitional Period approaches. The roadmap should be consensus-based, with verifiable benchmarks and timelines” (STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 08.03.2022).

This is telling the stakeholders, the government and everyone involved to sit down. Meet and greet, nod their heads and make lists of things they need to fulfil. While they have to make a time-line and deadlines to finish it. Alas, they have to gather, hold conferences and meetings. These most likely has to happen in Khartoum, Entebbe or in Rome. The warlords and the ones in-charge has to trust each other and settle grievances across the table. The opposition as well as the In-Government parties. All of them has to join forces, talk and negotiate. They have to make things possible and show goodwill.

That’s why this is worrying sign, after all of this time… that the R-JMEC has to ask for this now. Shows the current affairs isn’t moving along or trying it even. Just like they are not interested in it. Because, that means it has to sincere elections and possible changes of leadership.

If things are staying as now and with the ones in power. Things are not possibly moving, if anything at all. That is risking the ones who has an office and finally gotten power. They are seemingly happy with that and bashing in the glory of it too. While the limbo and transition seems to be a steady unit and not a temporary gig. It seems like it is stagnate and only keeping everyone worried with caution. With that being said, this is better than war and conflict. It is better to be stagnate and have lack-luster results. However, you cannot deliver that on the regular and expect to be praised either. Mediocrity isn’t something to aspire too and being self-imposed leaders aren’t that inspirational either.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, FVP Riek Machar and the others have a torch to carry and light a flame that be an eternal one. They can bring the peace and a representative government to the Republic of South Sudan. That is, if that is of interest and if they have will to do it. The ones in-charge and leading the nation has the opportunity and ability to make it happen. However, their will haven’t been there…

I doubt the nod and the wink of deadlines or roadmaps will make a difference. Only add stress and cause a stir. As that makes the leaders more edgy and they know they actually has to finalize the “transition” which they hoped could be semi-permanent. Since that is how it’s looking to me. Peace.

South Sudan: OCHA – Abyei clashes – Flash Update No. 2 (09.03.2022)

Opinion: President Kiir will not surrender to an election

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018 and Khartoum Declaration of Agreement Between the Parties of South Sudan of 2018. Later the parties involved also signed another agreement in the Rome Declaration of 2020. While we cannot deny the importance of the Entebbe Declaration on the Operationalization of the Arusha Agreement on the Reunification of the SPLM, which was signed and agreed upon in 2017.

We are now in 2022 and the R-ACRSS haven’t been fulfilled or implemented within the boundaries of time. The R-JMEC and stakeholders are seeing the possibilities of extending the transitional period. Which seems to make sense at this point. As the stipulations in the R-ARCSS for a free and fair election isn’t there. Neither, is all the parties or involved all in agreement on how to move forward at this point.

The SPLM/A-IG, SPLM/A-IO, R-SPLM, SSOMA, NDM and NAS. There are plenty more, but it shows the reality on the ground. The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). This government haven’t succeeded or been able to ensure the articles being meet in time. There been push-back and lack of concern, as the importance of holding on to power seems more important than actually implementing the R-ARCSS.

We are seeing leaders, war-lords and whatnot is moving between the main parties within the R-TGoNU as it is preparing for an election. However, I have doubts that it will even happen. If it will happen, it will be a pre-selected game-plan, where the ones involved will ensure longevity and secured victory without any shadow of a doubt. The ones who has negotiated and secured offices with perks and salaries will not back-down now. They took these offices with guns and ammo. These folks will not give way to the public will. I cannot see it now, as there is only a chosen few who might retire or give way to others. They are the noble ones and the ones who has integrity, but don’t expect a huge portion of the R-TGoNU to willingly do that now.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit seems not interested in losing power. He has run the nation by decree and orders. He decides who to appoint and who to promote. It is all within his ranks and power to do so. I cannot see him stepping down or retire as a head of state. No, he will prolong his terms and ensure “legitimacy” for his time there. If it means postponing elections and use the slowly implementation of the R-ARCSS. It is just favouring him and his allies.

The other parties also have stakes in this. They might risk losing out and they have now safe offices because of the agreements. This being SPLM/A-(IO) or SSOMA who could have valid concerns and ability in a possible election. The sentiments will spark and they have to sell policies. As they are now part of the same project and has position to regain. That might be sold, if they are running an election. That is something Kiir can trade-off, as the leverage of up-keep and retaining positions is more viable in the current regime. However, that still make it seem far-fetched to have a representative and civilian government. Since, this is the war-lords, militia leaders and former rebels who are in power now.

That’s why I doubt Kiir will offer an election very soon. He can use the R-ARCSS and hold talks with stakeholders. He can issue an extension and ensure his passing legacy as a President for Life in South Sudan. It is not like he will risk losing power or waste this opportunity. If he is in doubt or fears the loss control. Kiir will call Museveni and get help from the UPDF to cease the opposition usage of skirmishes within the Republic. That’s the sort of thing he does and it wouldn’t shock anyone.

I have doubt that Kiir will issue an election now. Unless, he will re-issue a possible selection and ensure total control of the Transitional National Assembly and Cabinet. Where he will not loose a thing and crowned King yet again. Peace.

South Sudan: Sharp decline in violence against civilians (18.02.2022)

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 18, 2022 – Reported incidents of violence against civilians fell by around 42 per cent in 2021 compared with the previous year, according to a new report released by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday.

The UNMISS Human Rights Division’s annual brief on violence affecting civilians, documented 3,414 civilian victims subjected to killing, injury, abduction, and conflict-related sexual violence, out of 982 recorded cases.

Mostly male victims

Some 75 per cent of the victims were men, while 14 per cent of cases involved women, and 11 per cent, children.

This compares with 5,850 civilian victims documented in 2020. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence declined slightly from 211 in 2020, to 194 in 2021, but remained “unacceptably high”, said UNMISS in its press release.

Subnational conflict accounted for most victims in 2021. Warrap remained the state with the highest number of reported incidents, accounting for 24 per cent, followed by Western Equatoria (19 per cent), and Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) (17 per cent each).

Militia attacks

Many of the victims were killed or injured during attacks by armed community-based militias across Jonglei and the GPPA.

In May last year, violence surged with at least 230 killed, 120 injured, 178 abducted, and 14 women subjected to conflict-related sexual violence.

A concerning surge of fighting was also documented in Tambura, Western Equatoria, between ethnic militias who are allegedly affiliated with conventional parties to the conflict, said the report.

Such violence resulted in 440 deaths, 18 injured, 74 abductions, 64 victims of sexual violence and an estimated 80,000 people displaced.

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

Abuses must be investigated

The Mission established 116 temporary operating bases last year which enhanced the protection of civilians through sustained long and short distance patrols.

At the same time, UNMISS engaged in political and community consultations at the local, state and national level, adopting a Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus approach.

UNMISS is urging the Government of South Sudan to investigate human rights violations and abuses wherever they are taking place, and to hold all perpetrators accountable, particularly as violence continues to surge in several parts of the country.

South Sudan: Statement by Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan on attacks on civilians and aid workers (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: OCHA – Abyei – Flash Update No. 1 (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: MSF staff member killed in intercommunal violence in Agok (16.02.2022)

MSF has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the hospital, with the 24 patients that were receiving medical treatment transferred to a hospital in Abyei.

JUBA, South Sudan, February 16, 2022 – It is with great sadness that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirms the death of David Deng Aleu, a South Sudanese nurse that worked in the MSF hospital in Agok. David was killed inside his home on Thursday 10 February when intercommunal fighting broke out in Agok, a town 38km south of Abyei in South Sudan.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and express our heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends”, said Gouranga Manna, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan. “We strongly condemn this act of violence which has led to the tragic loss of lives in the community.”

As fighting broke out, locals have fled to the surrounding bush and other towns for safety. Among them were several members of our staff that work at the MSF Hospital. As a result, MSF has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the hospital, with the 24 patients that were receiving medical treatment transferred to a hospital in Abyei.

MSF remains committed to delivering medical assistance to the people of Agok. We are continuing to maintain a presence in the community to ensure access to essential medical care.

“MSF’s principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality means that we provide medical care to any person in urgent need, regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliations or any other factor”, said Gouranga Manna. “We call for respect and safety of our medical teams so that we can continue to provide these life-saving services”.

South Sudan: Save the Children suspends work in Agok and relocates staff (16.02.2022)

South Sudan: Warrap State-Kuajok – Governor’s Office – Press Statement (13.02.2022)

South Sudan Youth Society for Peaceful Co-Existence: Press Release on the Current Conflict between Twic and Abyei Community (13.02.2022)