R-JMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede - courtesy

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has declared that the unification of forces must remain a top priority as South Sudan prepares for its transition toward national elections.

Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, the RJMEC Chief of Staff, made these remarks after meeting with the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro.

The discussions focused on the proposed amendments to the National Transitional Constitution, which stem from the recent Extended Presidency Meeting and revisions to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Ambassador Kebede emphasized that while constitutional and political dialogue is a positive step, the security sector remains the backbone of a credible electoral process.

He noted that the success of the 2026 roadmap depends heavily on completing the unification of the organized forces.

“Of course, the unification of forces will be given priority,” Ambassador Kebede stated. “Funding election-related institutions will be given the necessary support to discharge their responsibility.”

Beyond security and constitutional reforms, the RJMEC chief stressed that for these amendments to hold weight, the ongoing dialogue must be broad-based. He described inclusivity as the essential “blueprint” for a stable transition.

“It is a good move in the right direction that the parties are dialoguing,” Kebede said. “But we underscore the importance of making this dialogue very inclusive so that everybody is on board and part and parcel of this decision.”

He further warned that the legitimacy of the path toward the election rests on this broad participation. “The inclusivity of this dialogue is very important. We have underlined this issue, and that will be the blueprint for the country to go to the election.”

The meeting with Dr. Lomuro highlights the government’s efforts to align the nation’s supreme law with the new timelines agreed upon by the Presidency.

As the official oversight body, RJMEC is closely monitoring these constitutional changes to ensure they reflect the spirit of the peace accord.