Police Reform: R-ARCSS
Implementations
Police Reform – 2018
No progress observed in 2018.
Police Reform – 2019
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.
Police Reform – 2020
As of January, the cantonment sites were transformed into training sites for all elements of the NUF. As a result, screening for the NUF was shifted to training centers.[1] The $5 million fund for NUF training was released.[2]
[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.
Police Reform – 2021
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
Police Reform – 2022
As of August 2022, 21,973 NUFs graduated from the program, including 4,366 for the national police. While the total number of graduates from the national police force is not available at the end of the year, over 49,000 NUFs graduated. Further, the Transitional National Legislature considered and passed the National Police Service Bill.[1]
[1] RJMEC report 014/2022; 015/2022; 016/2022; 017/2023.
Police Reform – 2023
It is unclear how progress has been made in deploying NUFs trained for the national police. Nevertheless, it was reported that the UN Police has provided specialized training and community policing to enhance public confidence in police forces. [1]
[1] UNMISS. “UNMISS is crucial to free and fair elections in South Sudan.” https://issafrica.org/iss-today/unmiss-is-crucial-to-free-and-fair-elections-in-south-sudan, March 20, 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).