By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Chairperson of Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (RJMEC) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across South Sudan.
According to the committee’s third quarterly report, presented to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, by AMB. Maj. Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai CBS, 52 cases of attacks on humanitarian workers were recorded by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the past three months.
Most of these attacks occurred in August 2024 in Upper Nile State, particularly in Malakal, Longochuk, Maban, and Old Fangak in Jonglei State, and the southern part of Unity State. These incidents have significantly hindered humanitarian response efforts.
The increased frequency of road ambushes has forced humanitarian organizations to rely heavily on air and water transport resulting in delays in aid deliveries affecting over 400,000 people who are now deprived of essential assistance.
Furthermore, the influx of over 800,000 South Sudanese returnees and refugees from Sudan has placed a significant burden on the affected regions, particularly Upper Nile State, northern Unity State, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. These individuals are in dire need of food, shelter, and healthcare.
RJMEC highlighted the absence of the Non-Governmental Organization Bill as a major obstacle to the effective delivery of humanitarian aid, urging Transitional National Legislative Assembly to swiftly pass the bill to create a more conducive environment for NGOs to operate in the country.
The report also noted that ongoing insecurity, particularly the clashes between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed militia linked to the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Lt. Gen. Thomas Cirillo in Central Equatoria State, poses a significant threat to the peace process.
Despite signing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in December 2017, NAS leader Lt. Gen. Thomas Cirillo remains inaccessible, hindering RJMEC’s efforts to fully engage his forces in the peace process and investigate reported clashes.
While acknowledging the parties’ adherence to the permanent ceasefire, the RJMEC Chairperson expressed deep frustration over the persistent intercommunal violence in Lakes, Jonglei, Unity States, and Juba.
The committee criticized the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces and the Chairperson of the Joint Defense Board (JDB) for failing to implement Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring, Verification and Mechanism-CTSAMVM resolutions related to recent clashes, including the attack on the Unity State Governor’s convoy protection team and SPLM/A-IO forces in Jamus/Barkuor, Unity State.
Regarding the unification of forces, RJMEC noted limited progress since the last report.
While the unification of the second command class remains incomplete, a significant step was taken in July 2024 by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) with the appointment of 2,995 Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) as non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the South Sudan National Police Service.