Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 8 February 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ACKNOWLEDGES PROGRESS, NOTES MUCH WORK TO BE DONE FOR AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday February 8, 2024 convened its 34th monthly plenary in Juba. Addressing the meeting, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“This is a significant and important year for South Sudan.” However, he added, “What is unclear is how the RTGoNU and Parties to the Agreement will be able to complete the critical pending tasks and create a conducive environment for the conduct of credible elections within the time left.”
He said, “Much work needs to be done to create an enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, as per the Agreement and the Roadmap.”
Amb. Gituai noted commendable progress made since December 2023, especially the reconstitution and operationalisation of “some the critical institutions, such as the National Constitutional Review Commission, the National Elections Commission, and the Political Parties Council.”
“However, we are mindful of the delays in their establishment, and the very short time left for them to deliver their important mandate,” he said.
However, Amb. Gituai took note of recent examples of intercommunal violence, in particular the Abyei Administrative Area, and Unity, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Jonglei States, adding: “These attacks (in Abyei) follow a pattern of continuing violence between local communities in recent weeks and months.RJMEC urges for dialogue to break the cycle of violence and underscores the need for the culture of peace to prevail. Much is at stake for the people of South Sudan as they seek to have their democratic aspirations met by holding their first elections as an independent nation.”
The RJMEC Chair drew members’ attention to a number of tasks, which if completed in a timely manner, he said ”will enhance political and civic space, sustain the peace and consolidate the gains made in the implementation of the Agreement so far.”
These include among others, the full operationalisation of the three newly reconstituted institutions, completion of Phase I and Phase II unification of forces, and addressing intercommunal violence through national and state-level dialogue and peacebuilding mechanisms.
In his recommendations, the RJMEC Chairperson encouraged dialogue among the Parties and clarity on the plans and preparations for the conduct of elections and funding of elections-related reconstituted institutions.
Others include the completion of the training and deployment of the NUF to provide election-related security and security in areas of intercommunal violence, the funding and operationalisation of the process of making a people-led and people-owned constitution, and ensuring the participation of women in all political processes, and their representation in mechanisms in accordance with the Agreement at the minimum threshold of 35%.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 29 January 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONDEMNS ABYEI ATTACKS, REGRETS LOSS OF LIVES, URGES R-TGoNU TO RESTORE PERMANENT, SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND SECURITY
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) condemns the attacks which took place in the Abyei Administrative Area over the weekend of 27-28 January 2024, resulting in the loss of lives, including two peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
RJMEC condoles with the families of all those who lost their lives in this regrettable incident. These attacks did not happen in isolation, but follow a pattern of continuing violence between local communities of that area in recent weeks and months, which also resulted in the death of the Deputy Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area in late December 2023. RJMEC urges for dialogue to break the cycle of violence and underscores the need for the culture of peace to prevail.
South Sudan’s successful democratic transition hinges on the implementation of key tasks which are still incomplete, in particular the unification of forces and their deployment, and the making of the permanent constitution.
With so much at stake for the people of South Sudan as they look to have their democratic aspirations met by holding their first elections as an independent nation, RJMEC reminds the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) of its responsibility, as per Article 1.2.2 of the R-ARCSS, to restore permanent and sustainable peace, security, and stability.
It is important to emphasise on the need for close collaboration and collegiality at all levels of government in order to strengthen the processes and institutions of governance nationwide, which include those responsible for conducting dialogue and mediation. In this way, the levels of social cohesion and public confidence needed to hold free, fair and credible elections can continue to be built.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 22 January 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC TO NCRC: PERMANENT CONSTITUTION TO ANCHOR LASTING STABILITY, A PEACEFUL TRANSITION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday 22 January 2024 addressed the opening of an induction workshop for the members of the newly reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (RNCRC).
In his statement, RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai underlined the critical importance of the permanent constitution under the Revitalised Peace Agreement in “anchoring lasting stability, a peaceful transition and good governance.”
He continued: “There is no doubt that the Permanent Constitution, when made in an inclusive and participatory manner, will go a long way in addressing all the root causes of conflicts in this country.”
As such, Amb. Gituai added, “I would like to first congratulate all of you upon being entrusted with this enormous and consequential responsibility,” and appealed to the Commission “to live up to its expectations” and discharge its mandate as per the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and the Permanent Constitution Making Process Act 2022.
The RJMEC Chair continued: “It is critical to note that going by the roadmap timelines, we are far behind schedule and therefore time is of the essence. The RNCRC is expected to get up and running without any further delays,” he said.
In his address, Amb. Gituai called on the Commission to “swiftly consider and adopt practical rules of procedure, endorse the draft budget, and action plan, as well as agree on a practical strategy to immediately commence civic education and robust public consultation campaigns, to promote public debate and awareness on critical constitutional issues.”
The constitution making process is crucial given that the provisions of the Permanent Constitution are expected to guide the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period in December 2024.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 07 December, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
NEED FOR THE RTGONU TO DEMONSTRATE ITS COMMITMENT TO ELECTIONS THROUGH FUNDING ELECTIONS-RELATED INSTITUTIONS AND COMPLETION OF UNIFICATION OF FORCES.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 7 December, 2023, convened its 33rd monthly meeting in Juba.
In his statement to the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to demonstrate commitment to the elections by providing the funding required to hold elections and to the newly reconstituted elections-related institutions (the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commision and the National Constitutional Review Commission), and the completion of the unification of forces.
“This month next year, elections are scheduled to be held, and yet across all chapters of the Agreement, much more progress in implementation is required. One of the key issues holding up progress is funding to all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms,” he said.
Considering the diminishing period remaining before elections, Amb. Gituai added, “it is imperative that the Parties to the Agreement cooperate in a collegial manner and present a unified plan for elections.”
On security, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson raised concerns on reported military defections among armed Parties to the R-ARCSS, which often create instability resulting in loss of life and civilian displacement.
“Military defections are clearly contrary to the Revitalised Agreement, and undermine the implementation of both the Transitional Security Arrangements and the Agreement itself,” he said, adding: “In the context of the ongoing unification of forces, military defections are evidently counterproductive.”
Furthermore, Amb. Gituai said, the importance of a people-led and people-owned constitution to consolidate the peaceful and democratic aspirations of South Sudan cannot be overemphasised.
“In this regard, the delay in the operationalisation of the National Constitutional Review Commission, and the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the National Constitutional Conference is concerning. These two institutions will drive forward the making of the permanent constitution, which will guide the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.”
On the humanitarian sector, Amb. Gituai said:
“Concerning humanitarian assistance, against the backdrop of projected decreased funding by the international community, the refugee and returnee influx from Sudan has increased the number of vulnerable people in South Sudan that require assistance, which include populations affected by food insecurity, intercommunal violence and persistent flooding, children at critical risk of malnutrition, and women and girls at risk of gender-based violence.”
He added: “It is therefore imperative for the RGToNU to establish the Special Reconstruction Fund and Board to pave the way for the Pledging Conference, as required by the Agreement. The Fund’s focus on reconstruction and service delivery will help underpin South Sudan’s overall development.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 29 November, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC to Governors’ Forum: With the prospect of elections in 2024, emphasis on peaceful transition and national cohesion welcome
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Wednesday 29 November, 2023, addressed the 7th Governors’ Forum in Juba.
In his statement, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai began by congratulating H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the people of South Sudan, for recently taking over the Chairmanship of the seven-member State organisation of the East African Community.
“This responsibility places South Sudan into regional and international focus at this critical period of her political life, as the country gears up for elections,” Amb. Gituai said.
“Consequently, the approach, speed, commitment, and adherence by the RTGoNU to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution to the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), will be very crucial and imperative, in enhancing regional and international trust and confidence of the country and its leadership of the East African Community,” he added.
In his remarks to the Forum, also attended by the Governors of South Sudan’s States and Administrative Areas, themed “Fostering National Cohesion: South Sudan’s Path to Peaceful Transition for Democratic Governance”, Amb. Gituai emphasised the responsibility of the RTGoNU at national and state levels in ensuring the full and timely implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, adding:
“It is clear that the prospect of elections is accompanied by optimism and uncertainty among the people of South Sudan, therefore the emphasis on national cohesion is welcome.” The RJMEC Chair further noted that inter-communal violence and activities of some holdout groups continue to be a source of insecurity in several parts of the country.
“Security matters at the subnational level require collective responsibility and collaboration at all levels of government, especially at this time as the country prepares for elections.”
“State Governments have a critical role to play in providing a conducive environment for the expansion and protection of civic and political space, the making of the permanent constitution, and the conduct of elections,” he said.
“More broadly, national security would be strengthened by completing the unification of forces, and their deployment across the country to provide election-related security. In that regard, availing funding and political support to DDR programmes is essential, especially for those ineligible for the NUF.”
Highlighting progress made in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, Amb. Gituai noted the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC) at the start of November.
“The timely operationalisation and adequate resourcing of these key institutions is needed to ensure their effective functioning, and will also pave the way towards the expansion and protection of civic and political space,” he said.
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said: “It is important to underscore the need for continuous dialogue, close collaboration and collegiality at all levels of government in order to strengthen the processes and institutions of governance nationwide. In this way, the levels of social cohesion and public confidence needed to hold free, fair and credible elections can continue to be built.”
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 16 November 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC ADDRESSES AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL: CALLS FOR A DELIBERATE FOCUS ON SOUTH SUDAN AND SUPPORT FOR INSTITUTIONS NECESSARY FOR ELECTIONS
Today, 16 November 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Amb. Gituai informed the Council: “South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first democratic elections in December 2024 since attaining independence in 2011. This promise comes with a lot of expectations and anxiety.”
He continued: “Two critical pre-conditions are still pending. Firstly, the Revitalised Agreement provides for elections to be conducted under a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which shall initiate a federal and democratic system of government at the end of the Transitional Period. Secondly, the unification of the forces should have been completed and the forces redeployed to provide elections-related security, among others. The unification of forces faces serious challenges, and yet, it is the most consequential for stability and enduring peace.”
The RJMEC Chairperson further noted the recent reconstitution of the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC), stating: “These institutions will require significant resources and capacity to deliver on their mandates. In that regard, their effectiveness will pave the way towards registering, overseeing, and regulating activities of political parties, widening of civic and political space, the making of the permanent constitution and for the conduct of elections as scheduled”.
The RJMEC Chairperson added: “without predictable and adequate funding towards the implementation of the Agreement, including the Necessary Unified Forces and the recently reconstituted institutions, we express the concern that South Sudan might have a challenge in meeting the implementation schedule of the R-ARCSS, and this could seriously jeopardise the holding of elections in December 2024.”
In that regard, Amb. Gituai requested the Council to “appeal to the AU members and the AU C5, as guarantors of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, to enhance their political engagements with the Parties and the RTGoNU, to prevail and encourage them to complete implementation of the critical pending tasks, especially the unification of forces and the making of the permanent constitution so that South Sudan can have a smooth transition to a democratic dispensation”.
Furthermore, he underscored the critical role the Council and other international partners can play, adding “there is an urgent need for this Council, IGAD and the international partners to deliberately focus their attention and proactively play their roles to ensure South Sudan successfully transits to a democratic dispensation.”
The RJMEC Chairperson concluded by appealing to the Council to continue standing firm in solidarity with the people of South Sudan.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 9 November 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC MEETS IN JUBA: WELCOMES RECONSTITUTION OF KEY BODIES, EXPRESSES CONCERN ON UNIFICATION OF FORCES
Today, 9 November 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed a meeting of the RJMEC members: “Today we meet at a more hopeful moment with the recent appointment of members to reconstitute the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC). The reconstitution of these institutions is a welcome development and I commend the Parties to the Agreement for this milestone,” he said.
Regarding these institutions, Amb. Gituai explained: “Their effective functioning will pave the way towards the widening of civic and political space, the completion of the permanent constitution, as well as the timely conduct of elections.” As such, he said, “focus should now shift to operationalisation and adequate resourcing to ensure the delivery of their mandates.”
Noting that the reconstituted Political Parties Council attained 50% women’s representation, the Chair added: “However, women’s representation in the reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission is 33%, and in the reconstituted National Elections Commission, it is 22%. RJMEC reiterates its appeal to the Parties to always adhere to the 35% minimum representation of women in various institutions and bodies of the R-ARCSS.”
On a different note, the RJMEC Chair highlighted concerns regarding the unification of forces, a task which, he said, “faces the biggest challenges, and yet, it is the most consequential for the stability and enduring peace of South Sudan.
Amb. Gituai continued: “For almost four years, troops have languished in the cantonment sites and training centres with very little support, and while the upper command echelon of the NUF is unified, the mid and lower levels are not.”
The RJMEC Chair stressed the point that “without the completion of unification of forces and bringing these forces under one commander-in-chief, achieving a secure environment for the holding of elections will be a huge challenge.” Therefore, he added, “there is no justification for the further delay of this process, or the defection of forces from one party to the other, which continues to be reported.”
Noting that the recurring problem of lack of funding of the Agreement institutions and mechanisms, causing them severe operational difficulties, he appealed to the RTGoNU to fully fund the unification of forces and to support the efforts of the Security Mechanisms who are working to bring the process to its conclusion. He said: “If this lack of support continues, then the transitional security arrangements, especially the much-delayed unification of forces, will further slowdown.”
Although this RJMEC meeting did not reach quorum and cannot be classed as the 33rd RJMEC Plenary, it nonetheless progressed with the statements and detailed briefings by different Agreement institutions and mechanisms on the status of the implementation of the Agreement and subsequent vibrant discussions. The 33rd RJMEC Plenary is accordingly rescheduled to 7 December 2023.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 5 October, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
LACK OF SUFFICIENT PROGRESS, CLARITY ON ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IS CREATING UNCERTAINTY
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 5 October, 2023, convened its 32nd monthly meeting in Juba.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Amb. Charles Tai Gituai said that in the five years since the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in 2018, “the Parties to the R-ARCSS have stayed the course of peace.”
However, with 14 months until the elections, Amb. Gituai said, “a lot of work still remains to be done to complete the critical pending tasks necessary to effect South Sudan’s democratic transition”, and continued,“it is imperative for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide to the people of South Sudan clarity on election preparedness.”
The RJMEC Chairperson underlined that, “The lack of sufficient progress and clarity on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces, each of which is a critical pre-condition for smooth and successful elections, is creating uncertainty.”
Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson emphasised the need to conduct civic education, fast-track the permanent constitution-making process and promote political and civic space to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. As such, Amb. Gituai said, “it is incumbent on the country’s leadership to consolidate the peace dividends to all its diverse communities through a democratic transition.”
Amb. Gituai noted the passage of National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), and its subsequent assent by the President, calling it a “an important step in realising the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan.”
In his recommendations to the meeting, he called on the Parties to the Agreement to dialogue among themselves and agree on the practical steps to fast-track the implementation of the Roadmap to ensure the timely conduct of elections, and ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains the minimum 35% threshold, including in the Constitution-making bodies and the other institutions and commissions being reconstituted.
He also called for completion of the unification and redeployment of forces and further urged the RTGoNU to provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms.
While updating the participants on his recent diplomatic engagements with the international community, Amb. Gituai said, it is “evident that there is much goodwill to support South Sudan in the pursuit of sustainable peace and development.”
“Therefore, expectations are that the Parties will adhere to the Agreement, increase the pace of implementation and demonstrate tangible progress in the completion of the critical pending tasks.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 05 September, 2023, South Sudan
RJMEC BRIEFS PARLIAMENT, AND WITH A WEEK TO THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE R-ARCSS, NOTES SEVERAL CRITICAL BENCHMARKS REMAIN UNACCOMPLISHED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has today Tuesday September 5, 2023, addressed the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (RTNLA) in Juba.
In his briefing delivered pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitilised Peace Agreement, which mandates RJMEC to report quarterly to the Parliament and provide detailed update on the status of implementation of the Agreement, Amb. Gituai observed that: “Several critical benchmarks remain unaccomplished as outlined in the Roadmap, including the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, enactment and operationalization of legal frameworks and electoral processes in preparation for elections scheduled for December 2024.”
The Chairperson further noted that “following the Phase I graduation of 55,000 troops between August 2022 and January 2023, there has been no further progress on the unification of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). The graduated forces are still in the Training Centres, yet to be redeployed and in dire need of logistical support.”
“Additionally, there is no progress in Phase II of the unification of forces and the DDR process remains unfunded,” Amb. Gituai added. The Chairperson further provided Chapter-by-Chapter update on the Agreement, observing for instance, that on the humanitarian front, the disruption of trade routes between Sudan and South Sudan linked to the recent conflict has also negatively affected the supply of food and other essential goods into South Sudan, resulting in scarcity and increase in prices.
Furthermore, he said, the long overdue establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) Board, remains a concern especially in view of increasing needs and dwindling funding for humanitarian support, recovery as well as the implementation of Chapter III of the Agreement.
The Interim Chairperson also reminded the lawmakers of their critical role in ensuring that relevant key legislations are prioritised for enactment in order to hasten implementation of the Agreement. These legislations include the National Elections Bill, the National Security Service Bill, Land Policy and Public Finance Management (PFM) legislation.
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai noted that this month, September 2023 marks one year since the endorsement of the Roadmap and five years since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed. “It is therefore, important to reflect on the road which we have traveled thus far in the implementation of the R-ARCSS.”
“It is critical to underscore the need for sufficient political will, commitment of resources by the RTGoNU and for the Parties to the Agreement to build trust and confidence.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 10 August, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC HOLDS MONTHLY MEETING ONE YEAR AFTER ROADMAP ENDORSED; MANY MILESTONES STILL TO BE ACHIEVED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 August, 2023, convened its 31st monthly meeting in Juba.
Speaking during the opening of meeting, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Major General Charles Tai Gituai, said that this meeting marks the first anniversary of the endorsement of the Roadmap by the Parties, and therefore “we should take stock on what has been achieved, what is pending, and what needs to be done in the remaining time of the extended Transitional Period.”
Noting that elections are due in December 2024 according to the Roadmap, the RJMEC Chair then gave a chapter by chapter assessment of the critical pending tasks, reaching the conclusion that “it is evident that many milestones are still to be achieved, and yet it is barely 16 months away from elections.”
Amb. Gituai informed the meeting: “Regarding preparations for elections, in addition to the amendment of the national election law and reconstitution of the National Elections Commission, all the other tasks, including the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, and establishment of election management structures at the sub-national levels, are still pending.” Furthermore, regarding the unification of forces, the RJMEC Chair added, phase one of the Necessary Unified Forces has graduated but not yet been redeployed, and phase 2 is yet to commence.
With this in mind, Amb. Gituai invited the RJMEC members present to reflect on whether the implementation of the critical pending tasks is on track, and at the appropriate pace? Further, the RJMEC Chair asked, “will the pre-requisites for free and fair elections be implemented within timelines? And how?”
In closing, the RJMEC Chair gave his recommendations regarding key elections-related tasks, given the time remaining.
a) expedite the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission;
b) expedite the enactment by the Transitional National Legislature of the National Elections Act, paving the way for the reconstitution of a credible and impartial National Elections Commission;
c) expedite the completion of the unification of forces, and provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms;
d) provide timely and sufficient resources for the implementation of all the critical pending tasks of the Revitalised Agreement;
e) encourage the expansion of political and civic space for all South Sudanese to take part in the conversations surrounding their participation in the political process; and
f) ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains minimum 35%, including in the Constitution-making bodies.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 06 July, 2023, South Sudan
WITH SEVENTEEN MONTHS LEFT TO ELECTIONS, CRITICAL MILESTONES AS SET OUT IN THE REVITALIZED PEACE AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday July 6, 2023, convened its 30th monthly meeting in Juba, South Sudan. In his address to the meeting, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai reiterated the need to hasten the pace of implementation of the Agreement, with only seventeen months to elections scheduled for December 2024.
“To date, critical milestones as set out in the Revitalized Peace Agreement have not been accomplished in accordance to the timelines in the Roadmap,” he said.
Reiterating the need to conduct free, fair, and credible elections as scheduled, Amb. Gituai highlighted key pending benchmarks in the R-ARCSS, including the reconstitution and operationalization of the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission, judicial reforms and completion of the unification and redeployment of forces to provide security throughout the electoral process.
He further reitarated that the making of the Permanent Constitution under whose provision elections shall be conducted; and the improvement of political and civic space to enhance public participation in the constitution-making and electoral processes be given a priority.
In his recommendations, the Interim Chairperson called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of all the critical pending tasks of the Agreement and continue to consult and dialogue in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus to address emerging issues during the implementation of the Agreement.
In his conclusion, as the Republic of South Sudan prepares to mark its 12th Independence Day on July 8th, Amb. Gituai congratulated the people and government of South Sudan on reaching this “milestone and more importantly on sustaining the peace efforts over the last five years since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018.”
He added: “South Sudan should seize this opportunity to consolidate the peace dividends and implement the critical tasks in the Roadmap so as to fulfil the aspirations of her people for justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law.”