JUBA, South Sudan– The latest quarterly report from the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) paints a grim picture of South Sudan’s ongoing political and security crisis, despite efforts to implement the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The report, covering the period from January to March 2025, warns that recent events, including armed conflicts, arrests, and political tensions, have jeopardized the peace process.
Stalled Peace Process and Political Instability
The report highlights that since the start of 2025, political and security conditions in South Sudan have deteriorated, with armed violence escalating across the country.
The situation worsened following the arrest of several senior political and military leaders, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, who was placed under house arrest in March.
Other prominent figures, such as Puot Kang Chol, Minister for Petroleum, were also detained, exacerbating tensions between the peace partners.
RJMEC officials noted that these actions severely undermine the peace agreement’s core principles, particularly the inclusivity and political power-sharing arrangements outlined in the R-ARCSS.
The removal of key officials without due consultation and the unilateral decisions on military deployments, including the controversial arrival of Ugandan troops, have further compounded the challenges facing the country’s leadership.
Ongoing Violence and Humanitarian Strain
Armed clashes have continued to disrupt the fragile peace, with notable violations of the Permanent Ceasefire Agreement.
These include attacks between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and opposition forces in several regions, such as Bo Bridge in Western Equatoria and Ri Rangu in Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Violations of the ceasefire have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians and the security of humanitarian workers.
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with thousands displaced due to ongoing violence.
According to RJMEC, the conflict has led to the displacement of over 20,000 individuals in just the first two months of 2025, many of whom are women and children.
This has further strained the country’s already fragile health system, worsened by the spread of diseases like cholera.
Stagnant Progress on Key Transitional Tasks
The report also sheds light on the stalled implementation of critical transitional tasks, particularly those related to security sector reform, the unification of armed forces, and the establishment of a permanent constitution.
Despite the extension of the transitional period to 2027, there has been minimal progress in uniting the country’s warring factions under a single command, a key requirement of the R-ARCSS.
The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process remains stalled, and there are concerns that the unification of forces will not be completed before the scheduled elections in December 2026.
The delays in implementing the security sector reforms and the lack of clarity in the transitional justice framework also hinder the stability needed to ensure free and fair elections.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
The report calls for immediate and comprehensive action from the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), including:
- An immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to the Permanent Ceasefire Agreement.
- The release of detained political and military leaders, including those from the SPLM/A-IO, unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings.
- Strengthened dialogue between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to resolve political differences within the framework of the R-ARCSS.
- The completion of the unification of armed forces, including the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), and the implementation of the DDR process.
- Increased support for the National Constitution-Making Process and the finalization of critical legislation, such as the National Security Services (NSS) Act and the review of the Judiciary Act.
Regional and International Support
The report emphasizes the crucial role of regional and international partners in supporting the implementation of the R-ARCSS.
The involvement of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations is critical to maintaining pressure on all parties to adhere to the peace process.
In March 2025, regional leaders convened in a virtual summit to address the escalating situation in South Sudan.
IGAD’s efforts to engage the leadership of South Sudan, including the appointment of Kenya’s Special Envoy Raila Odinga, were recognized as vital steps in mediating the crisis.
However, the ongoing tensions and violations continue to undermine the peace process, and there is a growing sense of urgency for a unified approach to resolving the conflict.
Despite the bleak situation, the RJMEC affirms that the R-ARCSS remains the most viable framework for peace and stability in South Sudan.
However, the ongoing political and security challenges present significant obstacles to its full implementation.
The report concludes with a call for renewed efforts from the Government of South Sudan, the peace partners, and the international community to ensure that the R-ARCSS remains the cornerstone of the country’s transition to peace.
