- Rt Honourable Speaker,
- Rt Honourable Deputy Speakers,
- Honourable Members,
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning!
1. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) is honoured to present this briefing to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Under this provision of the Agreement, RJMEC is mandated to report quarterly, among others, to this esteemed Assembly on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS, followed by a detailed briefing.
2. This briefing covers the period 1st January to 31st March 2026, and builds on the previous RJMEC Quarterly Reports and briefings to this august House on 20 April 2026. I will, therefore, highlight the recent developments across six thematic chapters of the R-ARCSS, covering governance, security, humanitarian, economic, transitional justice, and constitution-making processes. This will be followed by key observations on the challenges facing implementation of the R-ARCSS, and conclude with actionable recommendations.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
3. Before I proceed with my briefing, permit me to inform this esteemed Assembly of the untimely passing on of H.E. Festus G. Mogae, former President of the Republic of Botswana and first Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), who led the Commission from its establishment in October 2015 to September 2018.
4. On a similar sad note, RJMEC would also like to take this opportunity to convey its deepest sympathies to the people and Government of the Republic of South Sudan for the passing on of the former Chief Justice, Ambrose Riiny Thiik. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in eternal peace.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
5. Overall, the implementation of the R-ARCSS has considerably faltered, and in some cases, peace dividends achieved over the first seven years of the R-ARCSS, have been eroded. I will now highlight them thematically.
6. Under the governance chapter, implementation of its provisions recorded minimal progress during the quarter. In this reporting period, several political developments were witnessed, including the RTGoNU’s proposal to amend the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) 2011, as amended, as well as certain provisions of the R-ARCSS.
7. On 15th January 2026, the national Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs submitted proposed amendments to RJMEC for its consideration and endorsement, pursuant to Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS. As stated in the submitted document, the proposal sought to delink constitution-making and census processes from the December 2026 elections.
8. The RTGoNU provided the following justification for the proposed amendments: that the Permanent Constitution Making Process cannot be completed before the December 2026 elections deadlines; that the expanded Presidency and Parties Signatory to the Agreement consented to proceed with the elections; that there would be no further extension; and that there is commitment to implement all ongoing and other pending transitional tasks of the R-ARCSS after the elections.
9. Upon receiving the aforementioned proposals from the RTGoNU, on 16th January 2026, the RJMEC acknowledged its receipt, in a letter to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and informed the honourable Minister of its intention to undertake wide consultations with the RJMEC members over the matter in order to inform any subsequent action.
10. An analysis of the proposals reveals that ten (10) proposed amendments to the R-ARCSS have been made, out of which four (04) are substantive, and six (06) are consequential amendments. The four (04) substantive proposed amendments affect the following provisions of the R-ARCSS:
10.1. Article 1.2.5 of the R-ARCSS on TCRSS to delink the Permanent Constitution from the conduct of elections and end the Transition;
10.2. Article 1.2.14 of the R-ARCSS to repeal the conduct of Population and Housing Census;
10.3. Article 8.2 of the R-ARCSS to delink the R-ARCSS from the TCRSS; and
10.4. Article 8.3 of the R-ARCSS to repeal the Supremacy of the R-ARCSS.
11. The first two proposals directly relate to the conduct of elections, based on the justifications provided. In contrast, the latter two are broader than just the electoral process and would alter the structure and architecture of the R-ARCSS, undermine the legal basis of the R-ARCSS thereby abrogating its supremacy, including undermining IGAD’s and AU’s oversight role as the Guarantors.
12. In recognition of the need for broad-based consultation on the proposed amendments to the R-ARCSS, the RJMEC leadership undertook extensive engagements with all RJMEC members, namely the representatives of the Parties to R-ARCSS, Other South Sudanese Stakeholders and Adherents, the Regional Guarantors, and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan.
13. Consultations were also conducted at the regional level with the regional guarantors such as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and Djibouti and Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan; the AU C5 Ambassadors resident in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, and non-resident international Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Sudan, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
14. The outcomes of these consultations were that whereas some stakeholders welcomed the prospects of amendments aimed at facilitating the timely conduct of elections, serious concerns were raised regarding the context in which the proposal was being made – namely, ongoing systematic violation of the R-ARCSS, and the exclusion of some key signatories to the R-ARCSS.
15. Furthermore, the majority of RJMEC members and stakeholders contended that the R-ARCSS was not only about the conduct of elections. Rather, it encompasses critical peacebuilding and democratic governance reforms, that remain pertinent, pre-and post-elections, and which, in their view, must not be abandoned.
16. It was also alleged that not all the signatory Parties of the R-ARCSS were in agreement with the proposed amendments, and some of the Parties seemed unaware of their full implications. In particular, the SPLM/A-IO party informed RJMEC and the Guarantors that they were not consulted, that many of their representatives have been unilaterally removed from most portfolios within the Executive and Legislature and were therefore not represented in the meetings of the Presidency and the Council of Ministers of the RTGoNU, which subsequently, endorsed the proposed amendments.
17. The Stakeholders, overally, recommended that amendments to the R-ARCSS under Article 8.4, if any, should be properly initiated pursuant to Article 1.9.1.4 of the R-ARCSS and be limited to specific provisions absolutely necessary to enable the conduct of a free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
18. Additionally, on 15th February 2026, the Heads of State and Government of the AU High-Level Ad-Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus convened at the side-lines of the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to deliberate on the situation in South Sudan. The specific outcomes of the Summit of the AU C5 Plus, contained in its Declaration, included an acknowledgement of the challenges facing South Sudan peace process; the centrality of the R-ARCSS as the only framework for achieving lasting peace, unity and stability in the country; a call for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and full adherence to the permanent ceasefire; a recommendation of inclusive dialogue with all signatory parties to the R-ARCSS on matters relating to elections, and an appeal for the harmonization of efforts by all peace actors in South Sudan, including the AU C5, IGAD, and the Tumaini Initiative, towards a peaceful conclusion of the Transitional Period.
19. Subsequently, on 26th February 2026, the RJMEC leadership formally wrote a letter to the RTGoNU Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, conveying the main outcomes of the consultations with the RJMEC members and the various stakeholders, including the guidance from the AU C5 Plus Declaration. The letter further recommended proposals on how the amendments could be done without jeopardising the integrity of the R-ARCSS for the RTGoNU’s consideration and way forward. RJMEC still awaits a response to its letter and how to chart the way forward on this matter.
20. Meanwhile, more recently, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union in its 1343rd meeting underscored that any amendments to the R-ARCSS should follow the due process stipulated in the R-ARCSS, and in this regard, it requested the RJMEC, in consultation with the RTGoNU, to coordinate with IGAD Secretariat to facilitate the convening of an extraordinary IGAD ministerial meeting with a view to find a solution to this matter.
21. In other developments, RJMEC further welcomes the appointment of H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, injecting a new impetus to the South Sudan peace process, in furtherance of the AU C5 Plus Declaration.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
22. RJMEC takes note of the Presidential appointment on 30th January 2026, of a leadership body mandated to conduct political dialogue and develop a constitutional consensus blueprint on elections-related issues, including pre-elections matters; identify R-ARCSS provisions earmarked for post-elections consideration and to address technical, legal and security prerequisites necessary for a conducive electoral environment. The Committee was expected to report back to the presidency within 45 days from the start of the dialogue. However, by the end of the quarter, no updated information on the progress made had been availed.
23. Regarding the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, violations of the Permanent Ceasefire persisted between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO and their allied forces, despite repeated calls for de-escalation and dialogue. CTSAMVM recorded 133 alleged violations, including armed clashes, crimes against civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, forced displacement, and occupation of civilian areas by armed forces. The highest concentration of incidents was reported in Ayod, Pigi, Nyirol, and Akobo counties in Jonglei State. No progress was recorded on Transitional Security Arrangements during the quarter.
24. CTSAMVM continued to face serious operational constraints, operating with only three Monitoring and Verification Teams across the country, which adversely affected its capacity, timely and comprehensive monitoring, verification and reporting. However, the Mechanism resumed regular meetings during the quarter, and held two Technical Committee meetings and two Board meetings.
25. All the other R-ARCSS Security Mechanisms, which are expected to complement CTSAMVM operational efforts by providing joint command and control of forces in the field, as well as effective troubleshooting in the event of incidents, have remained non-operational since March 2025. These mechanisms are: the Joint Defence Board (JDB) charged with the responsibility of providing overall command and control of all forces, as well as remedial measures in response to ceasefire violations; the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) responsible for the direct command of units in the field and Cantonment Sites, as well as liaison with CTSAMVM senior HQs staff and Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs); and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) responsible for the management of training and Training Centers. Consequentially, the DDR Commission has not been able to implement its mandated tasks due to the lack of progress on the unification of forces and funding since its re-establishment.
26. Due to the severe violation of the Permanent Ceasefire by the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO in several parts of the country, most of the Cantonment Sites and Training Centres are non-operational, and the unification of forces has been halted, except for the integration of opposition elements who defected or surrendered to the SSPDF. The Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) that were deployed between 2023 and 2024 no longer exist as independent forces. Most soldiers who constituted those units returned to their former mother units.
27. On humanitarian affairs, the situation further deteriorated due to renewed fighting in parts of the country, particularly Jonglei State. Akobo emerged as a major flashpoint, with a security incident involving a UNMISS convoy, a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the SSPDF ordering civilians, UNMISS personnel, UN agencies, and NGOs to leave the area, as well as clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO. These developments resulted in civilian casualties, looting of markets, NGO compounds, and Akobo Hospital, and new internal displacement. Overall, these incidents significantly worsened the civilian protection and humanitarian aid environment.
28. On Resource, Economic and Finance Management, oil production in the Dar Blend and Nile Blend fields remained stable at an average of 155,000 barrels per day and continued to support government finances. However, oil revenue reduced because the RTGoNU used its entitlement to offset prior budget advances obtained at discounted rates. Non-oil revenue improved, mainly through private sector income tax and customs duties, while the South Sudan Revenue Authority advanced reforms such as digitalised duty exemptions, anti-smuggling measures, infrastructure expansion, and Digital Tax Stamps.
29. Despite these improvements, revenue mobilisation remains constrained by outdated tax laws, base erosion and profit shifting practices, and weak alignment with regional frameworks. The draft FY 2025/2026 National Budget prioritises stabilisation and recovery through resumed oil exports, but inflation and exchange-rate pressures remain high. The budget was also submitted late and did not fully comply with public financial management legal requirements.
30. Implementation of Phase I of the Public Financial Management Reform Strategy made partial progress, with gains in technical reforms but limited advancement in politically sensitive areas. Weak enforcement, leadership turnover, and high dependence on donor support continue to undermine sustainability. Progress on enterprise development also remained limited, as the Women’s and Youth Enterprise Development Bills had yet to be tabled before the national Parliament.
31. Under Transitional Justice, limited progress was recorded in the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. In January 2026, the Selection Panel submitted nominees to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs after a competitive process involving public applications, shortlisting, and interviews. However, the names of the four nominees have not yet been made public, and the Executive has not yet submitted the nominees to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly for vetting and approval.
32. At the regional level, the African Union Commission advanced recruitment of three non-South Sudanese CTRH commissioners and is expected to submit a shortlist to the RTGoNU for selection. However, no progress was recorded on the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and the Compensation and Reparations Authority.
33. Regarding the permanent constitution-making process, some progress was made. The reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) continued its civic education and public consultations across the States and Administrative Areas. Since the public launch of the process in March 2025, consultations have been completed in all ten (10) States and one Administrative Area, while work was ongoing in the Pibor Administrative Area. Ruweng and Abyei Administrative Areas remained to be covered in this phase.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
34. The key observations from the report point to the significant constraints facing the Agreement implementation, primarily due to persistent political stalemate, insecurity and absence of a sustained cessation of hostilities, as well as deep-seated mistrust among the Parties, compounded by unilateral actions. Progress on key transitional benchmarks and reforms remained slow, exacerbated by limited time, capacity gaps, and funding constraints.
35. In order to halt further deterioration and restore confidence in the peace process, there is an urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, combined with the commencement of an inclusive dialogue in line with the AU C5 Plus Declaration. Without these steps, the risks of further political fragmentation and renewed large scale violence will continue to increase, with serious implications for national and regional stability. The R-ARCSS remains the most viable peacebuilding framework for lasting peace, stability, unity, and democratisation in this country, and I implore all South Sudanese leaders and stakeholders to uphold its integrity and ensure a peaceful and democratic end to the Transitional Period.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
36. In light of the aforementioned, RJMEC therefore proposes the following measures to reinforce adherence to the R ARCSS, mitigate the risk of renewed conflict, and support the timely conduct of elections at the end of December 2026 for consideration by this esteemed Assembly:
a. Continue exercising an enhanced oversight role to ensure that any proposed amendments to the R ARCSS, particularly those relating to elections, are subjected to broad, inclusive consultation involving all signatory Parties, stakeholders, and guarantors. In that regard, the TNL should guard against unilateral actions that violate the peace agreement or risk undermining its integrity and core commitments;
b. reaffirm and uphold the supremacy and binding nature of the Revitalised Peace Agreement as explicitly provided under Articles 8.2 and 8.3 of the R-ARCSS, and strict adherence to its amendment procedures under Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS. Any proposed amendment should uphold the integrity, legality, and continuity of the peace framework;
c. ensure that all proposed amendments to the R-ARCSS strictly adhere to the procedures set out in the Agreement and are undertaken through consensus-based consultations among all signatory parties and the Guarantors;
d. support an all inclusive political dialogue aimed at de escalating tensions and addressing the prevailing political impasse in line with the recent AU C5 Plus Declaration;
e. prioritise the passage of election related legislation and ensure adequate budgetary allocations to the National Elections Commission to enable timely and credible preparations for the December 2026 elections;
f. enhance its oversight role in relation to the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, including through regular hearings and engagements with relevant ministries and humanitarian actors, to ensure that legislative action supports improved humanitarian conditions; and
g. expedite the enactment of the NGO Amendment Bill to create the necessary civic and political space needed for the conduct of elections.
Right Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,
37. In conclusion, I would like to implore all Honourable Members of this esteemed Assembly, irrespective of political affiliation, to continue playing a critical role in supporting the full and faithful implementation of the R-ARCSS in order to restore public confidence in the transition. The R-ARCSS derives its authority from the consent of all the Parties to the Revitalised Agreement, and its incorporation into the constitutional framework makes this Agreement a South Sudanese founding document.
38. The R-ARCSS therefore requires safeguards to ensure its continued legitimacy and the protection of the rule-based foundation of the transition, with potential consequences for future peacebuilding and stability. As RJMEC, we are fully committed to constructively engaging with the RTGoNU Executive to ensure that all Parties to the Agreement adhere to its provisions, and where there is disagreement, the IGAD Council of Ministers provides guidance to us all, as the guarantor pursuant to Article 7.10 of the R-ARCSS.
39. In this regard, RJMEC remains firmly committed, within its mandate, to supporting the RTGoNU, this esteemed Assembly, the people of South Sudan and all stakeholders in advancing the course of peace, stability, and a credible democratic transition in the Republic of South Sudan.
I Thank You.
Signed
H.E. AMB. MAJ. GEN. GEORGE AGGREY OWINOW (rtd)
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF RJMEC