The interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), Maj. Gen. (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow has sternly called on the United Nations Security Council to take urgent action to prevent South Sudan from sliding back into civil war.
In his first virtual address to the council since taking office, Owinow highlighted a significant deterioration in the country’s political and security situation, asserting that the current peace agreement has become “virtually untenable.”
Owinow’s briefing, delivered on August 18, 2025, painted a grim picture, noting a sharp decline in stability since his predecessor’s last address in February.
He reported that what began as an administrative military deployment in March in Nassir, Upper Nile State, escalated into violent clashes, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands and numerous deaths.
The situation was further compounded by a Nuer militia attack on an SSPDF garrison, which triggered a political crisis.
“The permanent ceasefire has since been severely violated repeatedly,” Owinow stated,
He cited aerial bombardments of SPLM/A-IO areas by the SSPDF and violent armed clashes across the country. He also noted the controversial deployment of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) into South Sudan.
Adding to the crisis, several senior SPLM/A-IO political leaders and military commanders were arrested and detained in Juba, and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny was placed under house arrest.
The R-JMEC chairperson pointed out that these events, along with unilateral dismissals of officials, have undermined the spirit of the R-ARCSS.
He warned that this trajectory “risks to reverse all that has been gained and may lead to a collapse of the R-ARCSS, which could return the country back to an armed conflict.”
In his recommendations to the Security Council, Owinowemphasized the need for a multifaceted international response.
He urged the UN Security Council to back regional efforts and consider a high-level diplomatic mission to Juba to engage directly with the parties.
The R-JMEC chairperson’s key recommendations included;endorsing dialogue and de-escalation, urging a halt to hostilities and holding peace spoilers accountable.
Despite the severe setbacks, Owinow underscored the importance of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, calling it “a blueprint for the building of a lasting peace and stability in the country.”
He concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to the council, stating, “It will be tragic if the gains of the R-ARCSS to date are lost beyond restoration.
RJMEC, therefore, appeals to this esteemed Council to bring its leverage to bear in order to salvage the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and to remain seized of the situation in South Sudan.”
