In a concerning development, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), an international ceasefire monitoring body, has revealed that parties to South Sudan’s faltering peace agreement are actively recruiting new fighters and abducting children to participate in the ongoing conflict. This alarming trend has raised fears of a potential return to full-scale civil war in the region. The RJMEC, overseen by the regional bloc IGAD, disclosed that South Sudan’s military initiated a recruitment drive in June to enlist 4,000 forces for peacekeeping and other purposes, followed by the establishment of a new training center in August. Disturbingly, the commission also reported that all sides in the conflict have been involved in the abduction and mobilization of children, as well as incidents of sexual violence. These findings, shared with the U.N. Security Council, have intensified concerns that the government and opposition groups are preparing for further escalation. The situation is further complicated by the trial of Riek Machar, a prominent opposition leader, who faces charges of terrorism and crimes against humanity. Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, denies the allegations and has called for an independent investigation. The RJMEC has urged his release, warning that the current trajectory could lead to the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement, which has already seen multiple extensions of its transitional period. George Aggrey Owinow, RJMEC’s interim chairman, emphasized the urgent need to address these challenges to prevent a reversal of progress. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro, sought to downplay fears, asserting that the peace process remains on track despite the mounting concerns.
Oversight body says South Sudan rivals have recruited fighters, raising war fears
