JMEC urges quick deployment of Regional Protection Force

JMEC urges quick deployment of Regional Protection Force

The JMEC Chairperson, Festus Mogae, urges quick deployment of Regional Protection Force.

20 Oct 2016

JMEC urges quick deployment of Regional Protection Force

Patricia Okoed

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) says the deployment of the Regional Protection Force is of ‘paramount importance.’

“There is no doubt that Juba is relatively calm at present but this calmness can be deceptive and the situation is volatile,” said JMEC Chairperson Festus Mogae at the opening of a plenary meeting of stakeholders to the peace process. 

The 4,000-strong force was authorized by the UN Security Council in August to provide extra protection following renewed fighting in July. 

The force will serve under a strengthened mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Mogae said the Regional Protection Force is needed to “build trust and confidence and establish the necessary security arrangements that will facilitate the resumption of the inclusive implementation of the agreement.”

The JMEC chairperson urged the parties to the peace agreement to work with UNMISS and the Transitional Government of National Unity to expedite the matter to a ‘swift conclusion. ‘

Mogae also called for an immediate cease in fighting, warning that ongoing hostilities have the potential to trigger an uncontrolled escalation of violence.

He stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict saying, “the only path to sustainable peace is dialogue and the relentless pursuit of reconciliation and an inclusive political process.”

Mogae reported violations by both government forces and the SPLA in the opposition in and around Yei, Leer, Jezeera and Nassir, further mentioning attacks by armed groups ‘targeting’ civilians in the Equatoria region.

On humanitarian issues, the JMEC peace monitors noted that freedom of movement and safe passage for humanitarian work is imperative, noting that the work of humanitarian agencies is ‘routinely’ interrupted and ‘frustrated,’ making it  near impossible to deliver critical assistance to those who need it most.

“As always it is the innocent, and most particularly the women and children, who suffer the most when conflict occurs,” Mogae said, further reporting that sexual violence against women and girls and the conscription of child soldiers by armed groups continues ‘unabated.’

He said the lack of accountability for these crimes has contributed to an absence of respect for the rule of law and a culture of impunity.

The JMEC chairperson also emphasized that an inclusive environment for the political process is needed to guarantee the legitimacy of the peace agreement. 

“We do not make peace with our friends; we reconcile with those with whom we disagree,” he noted, urging the transitional government to “re-establish an environment within which all people of South Sudan, irrespective of their ethnicity or background, can safely return and engage in constructive and peaceful dialogue.”  

The plenary meeting was attended by representatives from the Transitional Government of National Unity, the SPLM in opposition and the former political detainees. Also in attendance were other stakeholders, including religious leaders, the civil society and partners in the peace process, including UNMISS and diplomats.