It was reported that 55,000 NUF graduated between August 2022 and January 2023. As part of the reintegration into the SSPDF, 3,777 trained NUF soldiers were deployed in different states, but Phase II training has yet to start. There was a delay in the redeployment of the trained NUF forces due to a lack of funding and unresolved rank harmonization in the middle and lower-level commands.[1]
[1] RJMEC. 2024. On The Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Report No. 021/23 (January 2024); RJMEC. 2023. On The Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Report No. 019/23 (July 2023).
On April 13, President Kiir demoted a number of commanders in the South Sudan Defense Forces in order to accommodate SPLM-IO and SSOA commanders. After this, some progress was reported specific to the military reform provisions in the agreement. The significant element of the military reform provision was the training and deployment of necessary unified forces (NUF). In the first phase, over 49,000 Necessary Unified Forces (NUFs) graduated, which missed the 53,000 target. As for the deployment phase, it is significantly behind with only about 900 soldiers being deployed in Warrap State.[1]
[1] RJMEC report 014/2022; 015/2022; 016/2022; 017/2023.
According to the RJMEC report, the unification of the necessary forces (NUF) did not progress because of the lack of funding, resources, and political will of the unity government.[1]
[1] On the Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (1st October to 31st December 2021). Report no. 013/21. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). 2 February 2022. “South Sudan: ‘Headwinds’ warning from UN mission chief over peace accord .” UN News. 15 December 2021. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/12/1108032
As of January, the cantonment sites were transformed into training sites for all elements of the NUF (Necessary Unified Forces) including the military forces. As a result, screening for the NUF was shifted to training centers.[1] The $5 million fund for NUF training was released.[2] The CTSAMVM reported the arrival of combatants in training sites without screening and a limited number of screenings for the DDR.[3] Registrations and screenings were put on hold for COVID-19 pandemic-related health risks.[4]
[1] “RJMEC quarterly report to IGAD on the status of the implementation of R-ARCSS from 1st January to 31st March 2020,” Report No. 6. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, April 20, 2020.
[2] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) seventh meeting,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, January 19, 2019.
[3] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) Technical Committee Meeting, June 9 2020,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, June 18, 2020.
[4] “RJMEC Quarterly Report to IGAD on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS from 1st April to 30th June 2020,” Report No. 7. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, July 15, 2020.
In September, the CTSAMVM noted that screening had begun in many cantonment sites, which is the first step in both the reintegration process and the military and police reform. [1]
[1] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) fourteenth meeting,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, September 5, 2019.
Under R-ARCSS, all armed forces in South Sudan were to be considered for integration into the national military, police, or other security services.
No progress observed in 2018.
After the establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Review Committee (JRC) in June 2023 for reviewing and recommending the Judiciary Act, the reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission, and establishing an independent Constitutional Court, the JRC drafted a report as was under review as of December 2023.[1]
[1] RJMEC. 2024. On The Status of Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Report No. 021/23 (January 2024).
In June 2022, the ad hoc Judicial Review Committee (JRC) was established with tasks to review and recommend the Judiciary Act, the reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission, and establishing an independent Constitutional Court. The JRC involves members nominated by the parties, and The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) selects the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. The JRC had a six-month mandate and held its first meeting on June 22. By the end of 2022, the JRC had yet to complete its mandate and requested an extension of its tenure.[1]
[1] RJMEC report 014/2022; 015/2022; 016/2022; 017/2023.
The Judiciary reform is related to the transition phase and is expected to be initiated within the first six months of the transition period.[1] No significant progress was reported.
[1] “RJMEC Quarterly Report to IGAD on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS from 1st April to 30th June 2020,” Report No. 7. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, July 15, 2020.
The judiciary reform is related to the transition peroid and expected to be initiated within the first six months of the transition period.[1] No significant progress was reported.
[1] “RJMEC Quarterly Report to IGAD on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS from 1st April to 30th June 2020,” Report No. 7. Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, July 15, 2020.
