February 7, 2023 (JUBA) – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has condemned last week’s killing of over 20 people in Kajo Keji of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State.
The condemnation is contained in a statement it issued on January 7.
“The violence and displacement of civilians is unacceptable, particularly when the strong hope of the people of South Sudan is that the messages of peace delivered by the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage will inspire implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement at greater pace and scale,” partly reads the statement.
The peace monitors urges the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to investigate and to hold perpetrators accountable.
According to RJMEC, the events in Kajo Keji fit into a larger and very concerning picture of violence at the subnational level across South Sudan, reiterating the position it recently gave at its monthly plenary.
“There is a very serious picture of escalating violence, negatively impacting the environment in which the R-ARCSS is being implemented. RJMEC therefore appeals to the parties involved and the RTGoNU to address the root causes of these armed conflicts and find lasting solutions to resolve them and ensure accountability for crimes committed,” further stressed the statement.
The embassies of Norway, United Kingdom and United States also expressed concerns over the killings, urging authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.
At least 2,000 people, mainly women and children, have become internally displaced, including 30 unaccompanied children, the United Nations said on Monday.
(ST)
