Disarmament: R-ARCSS
Implementations
Disarmament – 2018
Following the disengagement and separation/cantonment of forces, the signatories agreed that non-reintegrated personnel would be demobilized and disarmed, with particular focus on the collection of long and medium range heavy weapons.
The JMEC’s overview report covering implementation through December 31, 2018, noted that the DDR commission had not been formed and that demobilization had not begun.[1]
[1] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) seventh meeting,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, January 19, 2019.
Disarmament – 2019
The SPLM/A-IO, SSPDF, and SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) signed an agreement on February 5th establishing 25 cantonment sites to begin the DDR Process.[1] On May 2, 2019, the interim chair of the RJMEC stated that “my greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational.”[2] In June, the CTSAMVM began evaluating the proposed cantonment sites, and noted logistical issues such as a lack of food, shelter, and medicine.[3] The CTSAMVM report from September 5 noted that “the cantonment process remains slow.”[4] On September 18, Special Representative David Shearer reported to the Security Council that government and opposition troops had reported to the cantonment sites and that the troops had begun to be registered.[5] Shearer and the CTSAMVM both noted continued logistical shortfalls. President Kiir appointed the DDR commission required by the agreement in September; however, the body did not begin its work in 2019.[6] On December 17th, the interim chair of the RJMEC reported that “no screening, no selection and no training (of the new unified armed forces) has taken place.”[7]
[1] “South Sudan peace partners agree on cantonment sites,” Radio Tamazuj, archived from the original on https://web.archive.org/web/20190207205358/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/south-sudan-peace-partners-agree-on-cantonment-sites
[2] “Meeting of the parties to the R-ARCSS held in Addis,” Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, May 2, 2019, https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/press-release/item/441-meeting-of-the-parties-to-the-r-arcss-held-in-addis
[3] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) eleventh meeting,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, June 11, 2019.
[4] “Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) fourteenth meeting,” Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, September 5, 2019.
[5] “Statement of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General David Shearer Briefing to the Security Council on South Sudan,” United Nations Mission in South Sudan, September 18, 2019.
[6] “Kiir reconstitutes DDR Commission,” Radio Tamazuj, September 12, 2019.
[7] “Implementation of the Pre-Transitional period to improve with availability of funds,” Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, December 17, 201.
Disarmament – 2020
As of the end of March, the DDR Commission registered 13,850 ex-combatants in the cantonment sites, barracks, and training centers. The Commission, however, was not fully functional, and no ex-combatant were disarmed.[1]
[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.
Disarmament – 2021
As of the end of December, little to no progress was made on disarming the combatants.[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.
Disarmament – 2022
As of the end of December, little to no progress was made on disarming the combatants.[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 2022). Report no. 017.
Disarmament – 2023
As of the end of December, an estimated 55,000 combatants have graduated to join the NUF, which suggests that those joining the NUF will not go through the disarmament process. It is only for those possessing weapons and did not qualify for the NUF. There were reports of disqualified combatants, their disarmament has not progressed.[1] Further, it is reported that security forces collected some 2,264 weapons from individuals who were not authorized to possess weapons.[2]
[1] UNSC. 2023. Assessment of progress achieved on the key benchmarks established in paragraph 2 of resolution 2577 (2021) (S/2023/300). 28 April 2023.
[2] 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)