Owinow, a retired major-general, replaces Charles Tai Gituai, who served since 2020. His appointment comes at a crucial time, with key provisions of the revitalized peace agreement still pending ahead of South Sudan’s elections in December 2026.

With over four decades in military and diplomatic roles, Owinow previously served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda (2020-2022) and as Deputy Force Commander for the African Union Mission in Somalia (2019-2020).

RJMEC has urged swift financial and political action to implement critical reforms, including unifying forces, to meet the extended election deadline.

In its latest report, the body emphasized the need for stronger political will to secure lasting peace.

Kenya’s George Aggrey Owinow has been appointed as the new chair of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the body overseeing South Sudan’s peace process.