[Juba, South Sudan,TCT] The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement has called for immediate cessation of hostilities to allow for smooth implementation of the peace accord.
Speaking in Juba, JMEC Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Lt. General Augostino Njoroge, said that all diplomatic efforts should be made to stop hostilities between warring parties in the South Sudan conflict.
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence around the country. Such violations of the ceasefire are deeply regrettable,” he told the African Union Peace and Security Council at the start of their three-day visit to South Sudan.
Ambassador Njoroge briefed the Council members on JMEC’s assessment of the current security, political, economic and humanitarian situation, and reiterated JMEC’s priorities.
“The Peace Agreement may be wounded, but it is still alive and remains our best hope for sustainable peace in South Sudan,” he said in a press release.
He added that insecurity in the country was having a negative impact on the lives of ordinary South Sudanese, and called for "full inclusivity and representation within the political process, unhindered response to the humanitarian situation, and the expeditious deployment of the Regional Protection Force".
The JMEC is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the South Sudan Agreement signed last year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This includes monitoring the adherence of the parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule. The JMEC is chaired by Mr. Festus G. Mogae, former President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008.
The Peace agreement has suffered a setback since July 2016 when forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar clashed with forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. Dr. Machar has since fled the country. His position as first vice president has been taken over by Taban Deng Gai, a member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).
These developments are happening at a time when there has been increased hostility in the country, with various rebel groups asking for the ouster of the current leadership led by President Kiir.
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