By Matik Kueth
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairperson (R-JMEC), Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gitui emphasized the necessity of the government providing sufficient security to support free and open political and civic space in South Sudan at the state and local levels.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Eighth Governors’ Forum at Freedom Hall in Juba, Gitui stated that the government should place a high priority on encouraging free political and civic space so that the local populace can exercise their democratic rights and take part in the Revitalized Agreement’s implementation.
“I want to urge the government to provide adequate security and promote open political and civic space at the state and local levels to enable the local populations to exercise their democratic rights and participate in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement,” Maj. Gen. Gitui said.
Gitui’s remarks come at a pivotal moment as the country continues to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement, a framework aimed at ending years of civil conflict.
He pointed out that a secure environment is essential for people to actively participate in the democratic process, contribute to policy discussions, and be part of the ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The R-JMEC Chair also noted that ensuring such freedom at the grassroots level would help strengthen democracy, enabling communities to discuss their differences, reconcile past divisions, and work together toward lasting peace.
“Enhance and support community-led dialogue initiatives aimed at reconciliation among different communities so as to address persistent intercommunal tensions in order to promote peace efforts,” he stated.
According to him, such a step would undoubtedly strengthen democracy and boost community-led discussion programs that seek to reconcile disparate populations in order to resolve enduring tensions between them and advance peace initiatives.
He highlighted that creating these conditions would empower communities to take ownership of the peace process, ensuring it is truly rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people. Ultimately, Gitui stressed that these efforts would not only benefit South Sudan’s democracy but also serve as a foundation for sustainable peace across the nation.