South Sudan: Government of Jonglei State – Press Statement (12.04.2022)

South Sudan: Ministry of Water Resources & Irrigation – On Current Speculation of the Dredging of the Rivers and Proposed Jonglei Canal Development Project (12.04.2022)

South Sudan: R-JMEC wants the R-TGoNU to recommit to full implementation of the R-ARCSS…

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.

World Food Programme: New assessment confirms deteriorating food security across South Sudan; UN agencies urge scale up in assistance to stave off hunger (09.04.2022)

UN organizations are renewing the call for more humanitarian and livelihoods assistance to stave off looming hunger and enhance resilience.

JUBA, South Sudan, April 9, 2022 – Food insecurity is likely to rise by seven percent across South Sudan in the coming months, compared to last year, according to a new United Nations report on food security. UN organizations are renewing the call for more humanitarian and livelihoods assistance to stave off looming hunger and enhance resilience.

Climatic shocks (floods and droughts), conflict, economic downturn, displacement and disrupted livelihoods are driving the worsening trend in food security with 7.74 million people (62.7 percent of the population) across the country slated to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse levels of acute food insecurity during the lean season between April and July 2022, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis.

The most affected states are Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Lakes, Eastern Equatoria (Kapoeta East) and Warrap. More than 80 percent of the entire food-insecure population are from within these states.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that greater humanitarian assistance and livelihoods support is needed immediately to save lives and prevent the collapse of livelihoods in the worst-affected locations across South Sudan.

Those locations include Fangak, Canal/Pigi and Ayod counties in Jonglei State; Pibor County in Greater Pibor Administrative Area; Cueibet and Rumbek North counties in Lakes State; and Leer and Mayendit counties in Unity State where a combined total of 87 000 people are expected to be in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) acute food insecurity.

Recurring flooding creates new challenges

“FAO is concerned by the rising number of food-insecure people driven by the additional burden of heavy flooding that has occurred in the country for the last three consecutive years,” said Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan.

“To tackle acute hunger, we need to produce more food where it is needed most. FAO will continue to provide seeds, tools and fishing kits to people in urgent need of assistance. We also need increased investment to allow us to find innovative ways to help South Sudanese farmers adapt to climate change so they can grow enough food to meet their nutritional requirements,” added Malo.

In response to flooding, FAO has been assisting vulnerable farmers to build dykes and water channels, providing trainings on eco-friendly best agricultural practices and post-harvest handling, and is also promoting increased use of flood-resistant food crops such as rice.

Children among the most affected by food insecurity

The IPC report shows that in 2022, about 1.34 million children under five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition based on the results of SMART nutrition surveys, the Food Security and Nutrition Monitoring System (FSNMS) survey, and programme admission trends.

Children in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity and Western Bahr el Ghazal States are the most affected.

The major factors contributing to acute malnutrition include high prevalence of diseases such as diarrhea and inadequate feeding practices of infants and young children due to a lack of dietary diversity and infrequent meals.

“As access to those in need improves due to the peace process, we have been making significant progress in treating severe malnutrition in children, but floods and other climate-related shocks leave more children vulnerable. More than 90 percent of children under five put into therapeutic feeding programmes fully recover, and yet funding for this life-saving response is increasingly a challenge,” said Jesper Moller, Acting UNICEF Representative in South Sudan.

Increased assistance demonstrates results

The latest IPC report shows that in Pibor, where WFP was able to scale up its life-saving food and nutrition assistance throughout 2021, the number of people in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) declined from 33,000 in 2021 to less than 10,000 in 2022, showing the benefits of increased humanitarian food assistance.

Despite this improvement, the total number of projected food insecure people in South Sudan increased from 7.2 million in 2021 to 7.74 million in 2022. Three consecutive years of increased flooding, the loss of livelihoods, destruction of farmland and livestock and subsequent displacement have deepened the dire hunger crisis engulfing South Sudan, pushing millions into abject poverty as food becomes scarce and millions struggle to survive.

Without consistent humanitarian and agricultural assistance to help communities cope and tackle hunger by supporting those who grow their own food – severe humanitarian consequences are inevitable.

Urgent collective action needed to reduce hunger during the height of the lean season

“We are extremely concerned with the findings that point to a continued deterioration in the food security situation and a sharp rise in the number of people facing hunger,” said Adeyinka Badejo, Acting Country Director for WFP South Sudan.

“The 2022 IPC report represents a successful and collaborative multi-stakeholder process led by the Government of South Sudan. Its findings compel us all to take urgent steps to alleviate severe hunger and prevent a further deterioration in the coming months, while simultaneously building resilience to future shocks,” added Badejo.

FAO, UNICEF and WFP are united in their call for greater funding to allow for increased humanitarian assistance and emphasize the importance of the continued implementation of the peace agreement to address the root causes of insecurity across the country.

South Sudan: President Salva Kiir Mayardit – Remarks at the Launch of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) – (05.04.2022)

South Sudan: Unity State – Bentiu – Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports – Press Release (05.04.2022)

South Sudan: Jonglei State – Ayod County – Declaration of Allegiance from SPLM/A-IO to SPLM-IG (03.04.2022)

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-(IO)) – Press Release (03.04.2022)

South Sudan: A new security pact signed today between the stakeholders of R-ARCSS

The peace parties have reached an agreement on the Command structure of the forces. The parties have signed a road map to chart a way forward for the implementation of security arrangements of the Revitalised peace Agreement” (Government of South Sudan, 03.04.2022).

Parties reach agreement on unified force command: Parties to R-ARCSS have agreed on command of unified forces mediated by Sudan govt current chair of IGAD. According to the deal President Kiir to make decree within a week to appoint new command members of all forces” (Juba Daily News, 03.04.2022).

SPLM-IG and Opposition (SPLM/A-IO and SSOA) agree to 60:40 allocation in unified military command structure following mediation by Sudan” (Radio Miraya, 03.04.2022).

After rising tensions and the SPLM/A-IO suspended participation in the R-JMEC and CTSAMM Technical Committee Meetings, as they felt violated by the recent actions of attacks on SPLM/A-IO bases in Upper Nile and Unity State. While there was also reports that the SPLM-IG had decree appointees without negotiations or talks with the other stakeholders.

Therefore, today is a settlement after President Salva Kiir Mayardit did that and Dr. Riek Machar removed himself from the 2018 R-ARCSS agreement. This was clearly done in a move to show seriousness and such. While it was also frightening to see that Dr. Machar’s house was sealed off and he seemed to be house-arrested too. It was not giving hope of a peace-agreement or working together.

Its good news that the parties went together to Khartoum and found common-grounds. As they have yet another agreement and deal to uphold. These have signed so many declarations, agreements and such. That they have so stipulations and articles to adhere too. While the R-ARCSS isn’t getting any closer to fulfilment and will most likely postpone beyond the due-date. Therefore, the stakeholders needs to be calm and work collectively.

The President and First Vice President haven’t won here. They have just ensure the fragile peace and that they still don’t trust each other. That’s why Dr. Machar went to ask for mediation and secured that in Khartoum. While someone was able to leak the reports of the former planned coup d’etat’s that lead to civil war in the past.

This is why the parties, the stakeholders and everyone else has to focus and find measures that they all approve off. The Presidential Decrees and one-man ordering the state cannot work. Especially, when there is so many parties involved and they all want a piece. This is man-eat-man society and also “my turn to eat” syndrome. As the longevity isn’t in the picture, but the current affairs.

While this has salvaged the R-ARCSS and possibly gotten SPLM/A-IO back to the table. There is still many hurdles ahead and it is seemingly very easy to revolt or resist participation. That should worry anyone and the gun-slingers would be easy to order to the front.

This is why today’s agreement is important, but also show the selfishness of everyone involved. They are still staking out for positions and not for building directly institutions. It is still the “mine, mine, mine” sentiment and that’s not just the opposition, but everyone. As it has to be written and ensured. In such a manner that one party has to suspend and stop the works of all bodies to ensure the R-ARCSS gets implemented. Which we for certain can say will not be on time, but will be prolonged. The agony of not having willing hands to build the state, but only self-interest is clear by the day. That’s what the stakeholders are showing the world and their own citizens too. This is what they are fighting for and willing to jeopardize a fragile peace deal for. Peace.

South Sudan: A Joint Press Statement – AUMISS, UNMISS, IGAD and RJMEC Appeal for Calm and Urge South Sudanese Leaders to Pursue Dialogue and Complete Implementation of the R-ARCSS (01.04.2022)