The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation commission has urged the government and the SPLM-In Opposition to stop restriction of aid convoys to ensure timely delivery of assistance before the rainy season.

The Chairperson of the commission, Festus Mogae says only a fraction of the emergency aid needed in conflict affected areas is being delivered monthly.

At a meeting of JMEC in Juba this morning, Mr Mogae said he has received reports that 75,000 tons of food have to be prepositioned before the rainy season.

But only 5,000 tons are being transported every month. The restrictions were being made due to concerns of insecurity. But airdropping the assistance as the alternative would be five or six times expensive.

He called on aid agencies to inform him of any difficulties they may face in the delivery of aid in the coming weeks and months.

“I’d urge both the government and the SPLM/A (In Opposition) to take immediate action to direct all of their officials, in all departments, to ensure their complete and unconditional cooperation with the humanitarian agencies so that this deficiency can be remedied before it is too late,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Mogae says failure by the peace partners to address restrictions on the provision of aid compromises the significance of a new political dispensation.

“Together we must address the situation; a failure to do so compromises the very significance of a new political dispensation.”

He encouraged aid groups to keep his office posted.

“I’m asking the humanitarian agencies to keep me informed of any difficulties and challenges that occur in the coming weeks and months.

Members of the government and the SPLM in Opposition attended the meeting.

Mr Mogae said he hoped the signatories to the peace deal would progress well on the implementation of the agreement within the next two weeks, including on the formation of a transitional government of national unity.