Speaking during the opening session of the inaugural meeting of the NPTC in Khartoum on Sunday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“The reconstitution of the NPTC and the convening of its first meeting heralds very positive news for the people of South Sudan who are eagerly awaiting to see the agreement implemented in letter and spirit.”
Ambassador Njoroge urged the Committee to take the responsibility for bringing about the healing and reconciliation process for the people of South Sudan.
“It is evident that the huge responsibility bestowed upon you requires the collaboration of regional and international actors. This behooves you to develop an effective and transparent mechanism to bring on board those important partners,” Ambassador Njoroge added.
The IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ambassador Dr. Ismail Wais and Sudan Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Jamal al-Sheikh also attended the meeting.
Ambassador Njoroge said the Committee’s approach to challenges will be key “to a successful implementation of the many critical tasks” that lie ahead.
"I would like to draw the attention of the Committee members to the need to look carefully at the financial requirements for the revitalized peace agreement, institutions and mechanisms,” the Deputy Chair told the Committee.
“Experience has shown that a failure to secure the requisite financing for such crucial institutions can severely undermine and ultimately stall implementation.”
Article 1.4.7 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the NPTC is among other tasks, entrusted with the function of oversight and coordination of the implementation of the Agreement during an 8-month pre-transitional period, draw a roadmap for implementing the political tasks, as well as prepare budget for the activities, and address issues of VIP security in Juba.
In addition, the 10-member committee is required to submit monthly written reports to the Chairperson of the Reconstituted JMEC, the Parties and other stakeholders.
The membership of the committee is drawn from TGoNU (5), SPLM/A-IO (2), South Sudan Opposition Alliance (1), Former Detainees (1) and Other Political Parties (1).