RJMEC Chairperson, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai. Photo credit: R-JMEC

The chairperson of the peace monitoring body, R-JMEC has expressed concerns over the withdrawal of SPLM-IO from meetings of the security mechanisms.

On Tuesday, SPLM-IO suspended its participation in the security mechanisms components namely; the Joint Defense Board, Joint Transitional Security Committee, Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, CTSAM-VM as well as the National Transitional Committee and R-JMEC.

SPLM-IO cited the suspension due to continuous attacks on their cantonments and training centers in Upper Nile and Unity state by force allied to SSPDF.

The claims South Sudan People’s Defense Force refuted.

However, in a clip shared with Eye Radio as a response to SPLM -IO’s decision, the Chairperson of R-JMEC, Major General Charles Tai Gituai says…

“R-JMEC note with concerns the suspension of the participation of the SPLM-IO in the meetings of the security mechanisms of the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan R-ARCSS.”

“R-JMEC is also concerned by recent report of clashes taking place between SPLA-IO and defectors to SSPDF in Upper Nile and Unity state including in some training centers”, Maj. Gen. Gatuai added.

And in his appeal, General Gituai called on the unity government to expedite implementation of the security arrangements.

“R-JMEC urges the R-TGoNU to expedite the completion of the transitional security arrangements and condemn military defections. Accepting defections as being against the letter and spirit of the agreement, defectors must be held accountable for their actions following a transparence investigations.”

“R-JMEC further urges the R-TGoNU to ensure the protection of the civilians at all times. R-JMEC reminds all parties that full engagement and inclusive dialogue is the only way for resolving disagreement”, he stated.