Peace Deal at Risk as RJMEC Flags Ceasefire Violations and Delays

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement is under serious threat due to escalating political tensions, repeated ceasefire violations and delayed implementation of key reforms, according to the latest quarterly report from the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

The report, covering the period from April to June 2025, highlights rising clashes between government forces, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), alongside affiliated armed groups.

These developments, RJMEC warns, are undermining the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and pose a serious threat to the country’s overall stability.

The RJMEC Interim Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Maj. Gen. (Rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, expressed concern over the continued house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who also leads the SPLM/A-IO.

The report notes that the detention of other senior opposition officials has further worsened political mistrust among parties to the agreement, weakening both domestic and international confidence in the peace process.

“This lack of political will and trust is stalling critical provisions of the agreement,” the report states, urging the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to act without delay.

RJMEC’s recommendations include the immediate release of Dr. Machar, reactivation of all peace institutions, expedited preparations for elections and urgent progress on the constitution making process. The commission also called on regional peace guarantors to engage diplomatically to prevent further deterioration of the political environment.

With national elections scheduled for December 2026, the commission paints a bleak picture of readiness. To date, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has established State High Elections Committees in only six of the ten states, with funding gaps and political impasses halting broader preparations.

Equally troubling is the lack of movement on legal and constitutional reforms. The National Constitutional Review Commission remains severely underfunded and work on drafting a permanent constitution has yet to begin. Without a legal framework in place, prospects for a peaceful transition appear increasingly uncertain.

The report stressed that time is running out and that unless decisive steps are taken soon, South Sudan risks slipping back into conflict. RJMEC warned that the opportunity for a peaceful and credible political transition is rapidly closing.