Peace monitor says lack of funds delaying graduation of unified forces

The much-awaited graduation of unified forces to take charge of security during the ongoing transitional period continues to delay due to financial constraints, according to peace monitors.

Charles Tai Gituai, head of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) revealed on Wednesday that lack of sufficient funding is delaying the graduation of the necessary unified forces expected to comprise 83,000 personnel.

 “Training of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) has stalled, and no graduation or redeployment plans have been announced. The lack of sufficient funding to the security mechanisms is a constraint,” said Gituai in a statement issued in Juba.

He disclosed that cantonment sites and training centers continue to face serious logistical constraints, such as food, medicines and sufficient shelter, adding that female combatants continue to lack appropriate facilities and personal hygiene items.

Gituai said that wide spread sub-national violence has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, in addition to floods, COVID-19 related restrictions, acute food insecurity and economic challenges.

He added that these are impacting humanitarian movement and operations and also threatening the safety of aid workers and assets.

 “It is the responsibility of the government, as per article 1.2.2 to restore permanent and sustainable peace, security, and stability, and I call upon the Central and state governments to work jointly with local leaders and curb the violence. The operationalization of the state security committees will be instrumental in alleviating the situation,” said Gituai.

South Sudan’s transitional unity government despite being formed in February this year, has not yet reconstituted the parliament to enact much-needed governance and economic reforms.

Gituai has called for the quick reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).

He also urged the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to adhere to the 35 percent women’s representation in the transitional unity government.

 “A reconstituted TNLA is required to enact a range of legislations critical to the ongoing implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). I appeal to the government to reconstitute the assembly to enable the enactment of the Bills into law, and expedite judicial reforms,” said Gituai.

He urged the parties to speed up the pace of implementation of the peace agreement and build momentum towards its full implementation in letter and spirit.

“Three months from now, July marks ten years of independence for South Sudan and now is the time to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement so that there will be much to celebrate in a decade of independence,” said Gituai.

South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 after political disagreement between President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar, leading to split in the army that led to the death of tens of thousands and displacement of millions of people both internally and externally.

By Denis Elamu