Speaking during a two-day consultative meeting of Parties on how to find a mutually agreed way forward on the matter, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge asked the parties to embrace compromise and “put the country the first”. 

“Your decision on this subject matter is critical and should transcend your individual political affiliations. That means, as representatives of your various Parties, you will need to put the interest of the country first and compromise,” he said in Juba.  

“The determination of the number of the States of the Republic of South Sudan has consequential ramifications on the restructuring and reconstitution of the Council of States,” he added. 

“I wish to count on your good will, ability to compromise and move the country forward on this matter,” he told the Parties. 

 “You should be reminded that the people of South Sudan, the region, Partners and Friends of this beloved country and the international community are eagerly awaiting to hear the positive outcomes from this meeting,” he concluded.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy President of South Africa, Hon. David Mabuza. Also in attendance were IGAD Special Envoy to South Ambassador Ismail Wais and his counterpart for Kenya Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka.