PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, November 1, 2018, Juba, South Sudan

The coming together of key parties to the R-ARCSS signals continued hope for peace implementation 

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) takes this opportunity to applaud the people and leaders of the Republic of South Sudan for conducting successful peace celebrations on Wednesday at John Garang Mausoleum. 

For the people of South Sudan, the region and the international community, the day will live long in the memory as it was a huge public demonstration of continued hope for reconciliation, and a permanent end to the longstanding conflict in the country.

That key opposition leaders came to Juba after a long absence and shared a podium in a spirit of compromise and national solidarity is a public signal that the much-needed building of trust and inclusive implementation of the agreement is underway.

JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said: “The faces of the thousands of jubilant South Sudanese from all walks of life who attended the event showed optimism and hope, and they also have an expectation that their leaders will give it their all to implement peace.” 

The announcement to release more political prisoners and the call to open humanitarian access routes and allow free movement of people are important indicators that the parties are willing and able to make a compromise. 

“The signing of the agreement in September was not forced upon the parties – it was an act of compromise and leadership. We at JMEC are hopeful for the future, though we do not underestimate the task ahead. We will do everything we can to support the process, and expect all other stakeholders to do the same,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.

As mandated by the R-ARCSS, JMEC works closely with all political stakeholders in the country, as well as with regional and international partners, for an inclusive, impartial and honest implementation of the peace agreement.  

ENDS