The Reconstitution Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has cautioned political leaders against viewing September 22 in isolation, emphasizing that the political transition must proceed under the broader framework of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

In a statement on Tuesday, RJMEC said September 22 marks an important milestone, with only three months remaining before the scheduled general elections on December 22.

The Commission said the significance of the date should be viewed within the broader implementation of the peace agreement.

“The current phase requires all Parties to remain committed to the Agreement and ensure that the transition proceeds and concludes in a manner that preserves peace, stability and national cohesion,” the statement partly reads.

RJMEC has welcomed the planned Inter-Party Dialogue, scheduled to begin on September 24, and is urging the parties to engage in genuine dialogue and agree on an inclusive and practical pathway towards credible elections.

The Commission says several critical tasks under the peace agreement remain outstanding, including security arrangements, judicial reforms, permanent constitution-making, economic reforms and transitional justice.

RJMEC is also echoing recent guidance from IGAD that the R-ARCSS remains the framework for lasting peace, while calling for inclusive dialogue to restore confidence and build consensus around the December elections.

The Commission says the people of South Sudan deserve a credible political process, a peaceful transition and a democratically elected government based on the rule of law.