In recent news from the Republic of South Sudan, the Peace Monitoring Committee, or RJMEC, held its first substantive meeting on Thursday since the postponement of pending elections. The head of the UN mission in the country stressed the need for a new work plan to restore confidence in the South Sudanese leadership.
Youth representative Florence Agiba expressed disappointment: “We acknowledge the challenges that have led to the extension of the transition period, but we cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment and frustration. Two years is indeed a long time for a generation that has grown up in conflict. It is another two years of uncertainty and two years of dreams deferred.”
There were many calls for advance funding for democratic institutions and processes, with peace partners specifying that requests for international funding must be supported by evidence that demonstrates that domestic resources are being prioritized to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement and elections.
At the RJMEC meeting, the Government did not provide a substantive update on the implementation plan. The representative indicated that further information would be provided following the return of the Minister of Cabinet Affairs from a tour of the countries in the region.
Since its independence in 2011, the country has never held elections. The postponement of elections was justified last September by critical tasks remaining to be accomplished.
This episode underscores the critical importance of political stability and the sustained commitment of all stakeholders to achieve peace and democracy in a region beset by multiple challenges. The international community must continue to support South Sudan’s transition and reconstruction efforts, in order to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections and ensure a better future for its people.