JUBA, Aug. 9, 2024 – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) expressed concerns Thursday about increasing communal violence in South Sudan’s Unity, Jonglei, and Lakes states. Charles Tai Gituai, the interim chairperson of the commission, highlighted the ongoing threat of inter-communal violence and abductions during the 37th Monthly Meeting of the R-JMEC in Juba, Aug. 8, 2024.
Gituai noted that while the permanent ceasefire remains in place, sporadic violence continues, particularly in Central Equatoria State, where abductions by the National Salvation Front (NAF), led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo, have reportedly increased. He also criticized the slow deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces since their graduation in August 2022.
Additionally, Gituai expressed concerns over the National Security Service Bill 2024, which retains the authority for warrantless arrests and detentions despite legal advice sought by the president. The chairperson emphasized the need for clarity on the government’s stance and actions regarding the upcoming elections, noting that key deadlines for voter registration have already been missed. The Presidency is scheduled to address the ongoing political impasse in a meeting on Aug. 14, 2024.
South Sudan’s transition to elections, initially planned for December 2024 under a road map extended in 2022, faces potential delays. Observers warn that further postponements may necessitate another extension of the transitional period.
