PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday 28 September, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC issues an Interim Implementation Status Update of the Revitalized Peace Agreement
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday issued a status update on the implementation of the recently signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for D-Day + 15, noting that some deadlines have been met while others have been missed.
The Commission, mandated to oversee the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, has also highlighted pending tasks and upcoming timelines for the next 15 days (D-Day +30) as envisaged by the Agreement signed on 12 September 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Activities implemented include nominations and appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), which was constituted by the President of the Republic of South Sudan on Tuesday, September 26, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) workshop, and several declarations of commitment to the R-ARCSS by the Parties.
The Commission notes that the ongoing Pre-Transitional activities include ratification of the Agreement by the leadership of the various Parties, the dissemination of the signed R-ARCSS by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), preparation for the urgent actions required from the Mediation to kick-start the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and reconstitution of the various Boards and Commissions of the Agreement.
The Commission observes further that progress has been made in the area of confidence building, through declarations by the Parties, celebration to mark the signing of the R-ARCSS, dialogue between the Party leaders and invitations extended to all opposition leaders to visit Juba.
However, the Commission also notes that while the deadlines for the appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the convening of the PCTSA workshop, and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) Board have been adhered to, others have been missed.
Deadlines missed include the ratification of R-ARCSS by the Transitional National Legislature (TNL), the reconstitution of the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC), reconstitution of JMEC, the formation of the Joint Defense Board, and the release of all prisoners of war and political detainees.
As the Parties and Stakeholders continue to nominate their representation to the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the Commission urges the Parties to give due consideration to gender and age representation in selecting their nominees, and to expedite the process of reconstituting and establishing them.
“The Parties should adhere to the provisions of the permanent ceasefire, and hold violators accountable. The R-ARCSS should also be widely disseminated by the Parties and all stakeholders, and the R-ARCSS should be ratified by the TNL,” the Commission added.
Read the full status update here: https://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/arcss-evaluation-reports/109-interim-implementation-status-update-d-day-15-of-the-r-arcss-september-28-2018/file
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The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) outgoing Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae, on Wednesday appealed to the South Sudan parties not to squander the opportunity to bring lasting peace in South Sudan.
The former President of Botswana was speaking at the 33rd Extra Ordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa. The main agenda of the meeting, was the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) by all Parties.
In his last speech to the Heads of State as the Chairperson of JMEC, President Mogae said, “It is my earnest hope that the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement will herald a new chapter for the Republic of South Sudan”.
“It is important to underline that the HLRF process has afforded all the parties and stakeholders every opportunity, to make their case and reach compromises. The outcome we are witnessing today is therefore a reflection of a thorough and inclusive process”, he added.
In addition, the President also noted the immense contribution and involvement from various stakeholders that had made the Revitalization Forum a success. In particular, he applauded the South Sudanese parties and Stakeholders, the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the High-Level Facilitators, the Mediators of the Khartoum phase of the HLRF as well as the International Partners.
“In particular, I want to also acknowledge the contribution of my staff, the JMEC members of the HLRF taskforce, without whom this progress may not have been achieved as timeously as has been the case”, he stated.
While making the remarks, the outgoing Chairperson also used the opportunity, to thank the IGAD Heads of State for his appointment as the Chairperson of JMEC in 2015 as well as the support extended to him during his tenure. He noted how proud he was of the many challenges that the JMEC members had collectively overcome in discharging the mandate of monitoring and evaluating the progress of the implementation of the 2015 Peace Agreement, over the last two years and eight months.
“I am also proud, that through my leadership, we recommended the revitalization of the ARCSS 2015 and today we conclude with a more inclusive peace agreement. This revitalized agreement, if fully implemented, promises sustainable peace and prosperity in the Republic of South Sudan”, he added.
President Mogae steps down as the JMEC Chairperson at the end of September.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, Augsut 20, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
World Humanitarian Day: A call to protect aid workers in South Sudan
As the world marked this year’s World Humanitarian Day (Sunday August 19), the Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission (JMEC) calls on all Parties to the conflict of the Republic of South Sudan, to do more and ensure aid workers who diligently serve the society’s most vulnerable, are safe and protected.
Attacks on humanitarian aid workers are not only against the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH) as signed in December 2017,but are also against international humanitarian law.
In the recent past, aid workers in South Sudan have unfortunately been targeted, threatened, abducted, killed and aid access obstructed, in blatant violations of what the ACoH was intended to achieve.
JMEC reminds the Parties to the Agreement that they have a duty to ensure that aid workers in their midst are not targeted, their safety and security is guaranteed at all times, and that hindrance to access the vulnerable and displaced population, are cleared to facilitate safe humanitarian operations.
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PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, Augsut 16, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Be part of the solution, JMEC tells media
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation (JMEC) has called on the South Sudan media to be part of the solution in the country’s questfor durable peace.
Speaking during a workshop that targeted members of South Sudan media, JMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said,
“We urge you to promote cohesion; build brotherhood and good neighborliness. JMEC wants you to be part of the solution, not part of the problem and above all, hold the signatories of these Agreements accountable.”
The workshop organized in collaboration with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), is aimed at giving an update on the Peace Process, receive a briefing on progress on the implementation of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities and Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH) from the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM),as well as impart skills on how to write reconciliation stories to 100 journalists attached to local and international media houses based in Juba.
He urged the media to remind the Parties that “South Sudan and indeed the world are watching.”
“Violators of the signed agreements must be known and exposed. Only then will the trust of the people in the political leaders be regained and true inclusivity achieved,” he added.
Ambassador Kebede said mediacoverage of the conflict and the peace process in the various media platforms in the country “could be described as double-edged”
“History shows the media can fuel wars and turn communities against each other. Equally, the media can be agents of peace and reconciliation, counter hate speech, fight impunity and uphold supremacy of the law,” he said.
The Chief of Staff said, it is the commission’s “earnest hope that peace will be restored fully to South Sudan and that the fully revitalized Peace Agreement will be comprehensively implemented by the Parties.”
“We at JMEC remain optimistic that at this point in time that parties to the conflict will demonstrate absolute determination and political commitment to bring lasting peace to their motherland, South Sudan and work relentlessly for the peaceful integration of divided communities,” he noted.
“Following the signing of the revitalized agreement, the millions of internally displaced South Sudanese and refugees will voluntarily return to their homes and fully participate in the reconstruction of their country.”
Ambassador Kebede further urged the government and the opposition “to keep the momentum of constructive political engagement that we have so far witnessed during the HLRF process and to bring about lasting peace to South Sudan.”
“This window of opportunity, which is pivotal to bring South Sudan out of the conflict, should not be wasted,” he said.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC lauds the signing of the outstanding issues on Governance as part of the revitalization of the ARCSS.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) welcomes the signing of the outstanding issues on Governance between Parties to the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which took place in Khartoum on Sunday 5th August 2018.
This most-recent signing strengthens efforts to revitalize the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), and is expected to lead to the achievement of an inclusive, comprehensive peace, restore security, stability and promote national reconciliation in the Republic of South Sudan.
Further, the Commission urges the Parties to commit to an honest and effective implementation of the revitalized Agreement going forward. Undoubtedly, the signing comes as a ray of hope for the people of South Sudan who have witnessed the devastation of war for far too long.
Following the signing, the Commission reminds the Parties of the need to work together in good faith as efforts continue to finalise the revitalization of the remaining chapters ARCSS with consequential amendments.
JMEC looks forward to working with all Parties to ensure the full implementation of the revitalized ARCSS.
The Commission further lauds the leadership of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the International Community and all partners for their sustained efforts to ensure a lasting peace is achieved in the country.
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PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, July 25, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC condemns attack on aid workers in Maban Camp
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) expresses its outrage and strongly condemns the attack on humanitarian workers and the destruction of facilities and equipment at the Maban camp, in Northern Upper Nile.
Attacks on aid workers who diligently offer their services to alleviate the suffering of people of South Sudan, are deeply regrettable and indeed a violation of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access signed in December 2017.
Unfortunately, this is one of the many other attacks that targeted aid workers in the country in the recent past, including killings of personnel.
JMEC calls on the authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the attack and to hold those responsible to account.
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PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, July 19, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Enough is enough; end the senseless killings, JMEC tells warring Parties
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation has on Thursday called on the South Sudanese warring parties to embrace the spirit of compromise at the revitalization forum and end the “senseless killings” in the country.
“The achievement of peace in South Sudan is a collective process. You must all make the decision that the conflict, and especially the senseless killings need to stop and say enough is enough,” JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said.
“It is critical for allparties to fully abide by the Agreements they have signed to date, including the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access of December 2017 (ACoH) and particularly refrain from all acts of violence,” he added.
Speaking in Juba on Thursday during the closing ceremony of a four-day workshop, Ambassador Njoroge said even though steps that have been taken towards the Peace Agreement revitalization process is “encouraging”, the Parties should endeavor to resolve outstanding issues.
“So much ground has been covered since the Revitalization process begun. This is indeed encouraging. JMEC continues to urge the Parties in the conflict to embrace the spirit of compromise and to resolve all the outstanding issues,” he said.
The workshop themed “Peace in Time: Creating awareness for the Youth on the South Sudan Peace Process” brought together 200 students from the Youth Peacemaker Network at the Juba-based Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI).
The workshop provided training on the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH) and the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF).
Ambassador Njoroge said the youth of South Sudan, “should be the social capital, the vanguard and a force for good.”
“The youth in this country must rally around a common goal, set better standards, educate the population on their rights and responsibilities and continue to agitate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict that has continued for far too long,” he said.
“Remember however that, all wars must end in peace. Let all of you as South Sudanese find in your hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild your motherland. As the youth, the future belongs to you more than any other social group.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, July 16, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Deputy chairperson: The impact of the war on civilians is “deeply disheartening”
The continuous killings of civilians, sexual violence against women, the displacement of children, the elderly and disabled persons in South Sudan are “deeply disheartening”, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has said.
Speaking during the opening of a four-day orientation workshop in Juba on Monday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“The impact of the war on the civilian population is deeply disheartening. We in the JMEC, particularly deeply regret the killing of civilians, sexual violence against women, the displacement of children, the elderly and disabled persons,”.
“Today, we are still being confronted by increased hostilities amongst different Parties and flagrant violations of the permanent ceasefire. The continuously deteriorating political, security, humanitarian and economic situation in the country has caused unprecedented displacement, famine and economic meltdown.” He added.
This, he said, as evidenced in the report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Human Rights released in June.
“We strongly condemn any acts of violence on civilian population and remind the parties to respect the spirit and fully commit to the letter and spirit of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed by all Parties to the conflict on 21st December 2017,” he said.
Notably, he added, the economic situation continues to worsen. “The effects of the war are putting more pressure on an already fragile economy and causing more despair amongst the South Sudanese population,” he noted.
Despite all these setbacks, the Deputy Chairperson said, the Commission continues to urge all South Sudanese to play a part in positively engaging in the peace process.
“I call on all of you here to be the front-runners in promoting peace in the country.”
The workshop themed, “Peace in Time: Creating awareness for the Youth on the South Sudan Peace Process” is organized by JMEC in collaboration with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative and brings together 200 students from the center.
Information and awareness about the content and procedures of the Peace process, including all the agreements that have emanated from it, is crucial in enabling effective participation among the South Sudanese population, Ambassador said.
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PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday June 27, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC CONDEMNS KILLING OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPER IN SOUTH SUDAN
The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae, strongly condemns the 26th June attack against the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian providers in Yei River State that resulted in the death of a Peacekeeper. The Chairperson of JMEC expresses his deepest condolences to UNMISS and to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain UN Peacekeeper from Bangladesh.
This is but the most recent example of several disturbing trends. It is the third attack against UNMISS Peacekeepers since 3rd May 2018. Six humanitarian aid workers have lost their lives and 384 access incidents have been reported so far this year by the United Nations.
The Chairperson of JMEC calls upon the Government of South Sudan and the leadership of all warring parties to ensure that United Nations agencies and all humanitarian providers have unimpeded access and can operate safely and freely in the Republic of South Sudan.
Individuals who directly or indirectly engage in attacks against United Nations or humanitarian personnel are violating the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (August 2015) and Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (December 2017).
The Chairperson of JMEC further calls upon the Government of South Sudan and all warring parties operating in the area of this latest killing to bring the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to justice.
Violators must be identified and made to face the law.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday May 23, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC Chief of Staff: “Do not turn a deaf ear to the ever widening cries and pleas for peace in South Sudan”
It is time to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan, said the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), as the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) came to a close on Wednesday May 23rd2018 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of the Forum, JMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said,
“We have heard the deep yearning for peace by all the people of South Sudan, which was so eloquently expressed in the voices of the representatives of the refugees here at the forum. We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.”
Rather than continue on the destructive path of conflict, Ambassador Kebede said, I urge you to invest your energies to make the best use of your resources for the good of all the people of South Sudan.
“Time is no longer on your side and therefore you must not grow weary in your pursuits. At this point in time nothing is more important to the citizens of South Sudan than the realization of a lasting and comprehensive peace.”
“You must reaffirm your commitment, not only in word, but also by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country.”
The Chief of Staff welcomed the signing of an addendum to the CoHA signed in December last year. The addendum fully operationalizes the CTSAMM Board, which is expected to enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties to the conflict.
The Continuation of Phase II of the Forum opened on Thursday May 17, 2018 and lasted for six days.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday May 17, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC Chairperson: HLRF provides best opportunity to end “catastrophe” in South Sudan
The High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) provides best and timely opportunity to end the “catastrophe that befell the people of South Sudan”, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), has said.
Speaking during the opening of the continuation of the Second Phase of the HLRF in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, H.E. Festus Mogae said,
“You are at a critical juncture. This forum (HLRF) provides the best and timely opportunity for you all, to collectively decide and bring the catastrophe that has befallen your people to an end.”
“There comes a time in life, where nothing else should matter more, than to do what is right. I believe the time is now, for all patriots of South Sudan, to rise to the occasion.”
“Enough is enough. Let us all find in our hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild South Sudan.”
H.E. Mogae, said in his address, about 4.2 million of South Sudanese people remain displaced, 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries as refugees.
“The resumption of the conflict (in South Sudan) has left immeasurable human costs, which continue to rise. The economy is devastated and there is a deepening sense of anxiety and insecurity among large parts of your society. Your people are fast losing hope.”
He said an estimated 7 million South Sudanese are currently in need of humanitarian assistance with at least 6.3 million severely food insecure.
He expressed concern that the Cesssation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed on December 21, 2017, “has been repeatedly violated with impunity.”
“This is regretable and only serves to undermine our confidence on how seriously some parties are taking this noble process.”
He called on all Parties to overcome outstanding issues, and “put the interest of the country first.”
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