Juba, South Sudan – The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has warned that the 2018 revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan is at risk of collapse due to the continued deterioration of the political and security situation.
Retired Major General George Aggrey Owino, the acting chairperson of the JMEC, told the African Union Peace and Security Council that recent developments could lead to the collapse of the permanent ceasefire.
The warning came in the wake of the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar and escalating clashes between government forces and Machar’s opponents in at least six states. In addition, there have been unilateral dismissals of opposition figures from government positions. This is further eroding the power-sharing arrangements. The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (AMOID) called on the African Union and political parties to take urgent action, including the release of Machar, the resumption of the national dialogue, and ensuring free and fair elections, to prevent a return to full-blown conflict that threatens the stability of the country and the region.
