JUBA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan peace monitors said Tuesday the overall security situation has improved since the signing of the revitalized peace deal in September 2018.
Augostino Njoroge, interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), however, said that there is still violence and an unacceptable number of deaths linked to cattle rustling.
"I am pleased to note that the permanent ceasefire continues to hold across the country, while attention is turned to cantonment and the training of the Necessary Unified Forces," Njoroge told the seventh plenary of monthly meeting of RJMEC in Juba.
He called on authorities to probe deaths linked to cattle rustling which he said requires the urgent attention of the government.
Njoroge said increased revenues from the opening of oil fields previously closed during the conflict is another one of the benefits being derived from the permanent cease-fire. However, he said additional reforms in the financial management system are needed to achieve efficient use of resources and attract foreign direct investment.
"I call upon all parties to step up joint confidence building measures, from the highest political level to the grassroots," said Njoroge.
He said the economy demonstrates relatively improved inflation rates and a fairly stable exchange rate.
"Although inflation rates are still in double digits, it remains well below the very high levels experienced prior to the signing of the peace agreement," he said.
Njoroge urged the security mechanisms to open cantonment sites and ensure that forces report to the designated sites or barracks, as stipulated in the peace agreement which was inked in Ethiopia last year.
Njoroge said despite an apparent reduction in reported cases of sexual-and-gender-based violence (SGBV) in the country, it remains a concern.
"I urge the parties to the agreement to takes steps to eradicate SGBV in their areas of responsibility, to ensure protection and safety of women and girls in areas under their control, and to continue accountability measures for those found culpable of SGBV violations," he said.
South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013 and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world.
The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally.
