Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Chief of Staff: “We remain committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes”
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) is committed to supporting the prominent role women play in peace building and conflict resolution in South Sudan, Chief of Staff, Amb. Berhanu Kebede has said.
Speaking during a workshop organized by the Women Bloc of South Sudan and supported by JMEC and UN Women in Juba on Wednesday, Amb. Kebede said,
“Keeping in line with South Sudan’s gender policies as well as regional and international standards on gender inclusion in peace processes, JMEC remains committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes and joins Women organizations across South Sudan in pressing for progress in this effort in our monitoring mandate.”
The three-day conference themed “Women together for Sustainable Peace” was aimed at creating awareness among representatives of women groups in the country on the first and second phase of the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) process. In addition to the presentations on the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH), it also sought to engage the participants on the role that the women can play to effectively contribute to the peace process in the country.
“Information about the content and procedures of the processes is key to enabling women’s effective participation,” he said.
Amb. Kebede thanked the regional body, IGAD and its Special Envoy for South Sudan, Dr.Ismail Wais “for ensuring that women were consulted in the pre-forum stage of the HLRF process and for the increased number of accredited women and civil society delegates.”
During the first phase of the HLRF that opened in December last year, Amb. Kebede said, the parties committed themselves to end the fighting, after they signed the ceasefire Agreement.
“This was an important first step in laying the foundation for revitalization of the Peace Agreement,” he said.
“It is my hope, and that of JMEC’s that this workshop will not only equip you with the information you need but also help strengthen your role in contributing to the HLRF’s intended outcomes.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC mourns the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou
It is with utter shock and deep sorrow that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has learnt of the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou.
Until his passing on Tuesday in Khartoum, Ambassador General Makur was a Member of JMEC, and the Chairperson of the JMEC Security Working Committee.
Ambassador General Makur was a patriot, a champion of peace and indeed a key pillar in the 2015 Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), where he was a participant in the signing of the Agreement as an Eminent Personality.
His sober and honest contributions to the Commission and to the entire South Sudan Peace process will undoubtedly be missed.
During this difficult time of mourning, the JMEC Chairperson, H.E Festus Mogae, Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge and the entire JMEC fraternity wish to send heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Ambassador General Makur.
May the Almighty God give his family the strength to bear the loss and the wisdom to understand His will.
May the Almighty God rest his soul in everlasting peace.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
24 February 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC postpones Plenary meeting
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, has announced that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Plenary meeting scheduled for the forthcoming week has been postponed until further notice, pending consultations with the Chairperson of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The IGAD-led High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF) and the signing in December 2017 of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH) has necessarily expanded the number of participants in the peace process and the ACoH includes specific provisions that require the restructuring and reconstitution of both JMEC and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM).
Therefore, it is important to ensure that JMEC pays proper respect to the principles of inclusivity and fairness and seeks guidance from IGAD on the way forward.
The 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) remains at the centre of the peace process, and progress towards its inclusive revitalisation is being made.
The IGAD-led High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF) first convened from 18th to 22nd December 2017, resulting in the signing by all parties of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access.
The Forum then convened for a second session from 5th to 16th February, 2018 during which progress was made in revitalising the articles and provisions of Chapters One and Two of the ARCSS. A third session of the HLRF is expected to convene within weeks.
JMEC will resume its regular meetings as soon as possible.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, Feb 2nd, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
For accurate, effective reporting, enhance your understanding of ACoH, JMEC urges South Sudan media
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Deputy Chairperson Lt. Gen. Amb. Augostino Njoroge has called on the South Sudan media to enhance their understanding of the recently signed Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH), for effective and informed reporting.
He was speaking during the closing of a two-day workshop on Friday, themed “Enhancing the Implementation of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement through effective media engagement, for the media in South Sudan” on Friday in the capital Juba.
The workshop targeting journalists in the country, was organized by JMEC, UNDP, UNESCO, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), and Association of Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS)
Amb. Njoroge termed the workshop as “both timely and of great importance” as it presents an opportunity to all the participants to understand the recently signed ACoH.
“As the media, you should ask questions in order to be well-informed, analyse the stories that you publish and be the bridge that ensures that you not only be a watchdog, but also educate the population on their rights and responsibilities as citizens of this country. You must help in reforming, reshaping, educating and strengthening the society to understand what is at stake,” he said.
“In addition, you should continuously agitate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the country. You must rise above all tribal, social, political and economic vices and work together to ensure that you hold the leaders accountable. This way, working together, we believe we will promote peace and good governance in this country.”
During the workshop, attended by about 50 media representatives, the attendees were also updated on the High Level Revitalization Forum on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), whose first phase was held in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa in December last year.
“The first phase of the Forum saw fourteen South Sudanese parties and other key stakeholders come together to discuss the challenges that face South Sudan after eighteen months of implementation of the signed Agreement,” he said.
“We, in JMEC remain hopeful that the next phase of the IGAD-led revitalization process will provide us with an effective platform that will help resolve the insecurity, governance, economic and humanitarian crises that continue to overwhelm South Sudan.”
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
27th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC: PRIVATE SECTOR GROWTH CRITICAL TO THE ECONOMY IN SOUTH SUDAN
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Deputy Chairperson, Amb. Lt. General Augostino Njoroge has called on the business community in South Sudan to take on their critical role of being key drivers in the growth of the economy and in the quest for peace in the country.
General Njoroge was speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) organized by JMEC and the National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Juba on Wednesday.
“I cannot over-emphasize the critical role that the business community have played and continues to play in driving sustained growth within South Sudan”.
He added, “As the country emerges from conflict, you will find yourselves being called upon to improve and widen that role as you create job opportunities, broaden trade, and contribute to the overall economic well being of the population”.
The two-day workshop that had 80 participants drawn from different businesses and companies in Juba, was a presentation of the various Chapters of the ARCSS.
Applauding the initiative, General Njoroge noted that the discussions held over the two days would enable the participants to find out ways and opportunities in which they can engage in a more inclusive and participatory way in the implementation of the Peace Agreement going forward.
“I am confident that you appreciate the modest progress that has been made, the huge challenges that we continue to face together, and what you as representatives of the business community can do better to support the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), JMEC, and all other institutions and mechanisms to deliver on their mandate”.
He further encouraged the participants to view their roles as not simply to generate economic activities within the country but also to help in sensitizing the people on the dire need for peace and good governance.
“It is my hope that you will use the knowledge you have acquired during this workshop to build a strong, independent, business sector that will be a strong voice in persuading the parties to the Agreement to honor their commitments and fully implement the Peace Agreement”.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
27th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) H.E. Festus Mogae has on Saturday asked the IGAD regional states to maintain a unified approach, demonstrate One Voice, challenge those who peddle self-interest” towards the implementation of the South Sudan pact.
Addressing the IGAD Council of Ministers in Addis Ababa, H.E. Moage said expressed confidence that, 2018 will be “full of expectation” for South Sudan.
He however said, the ultimate responsibility for the direction that the country takes lies with the Government and the parties, but “IGAD, supported by the wider international community, has a critical role to play.”
“It is essential that IGAD remains engaged, committed and focused throughout the revitalisation process, so that the reinforcing and reassuring support of the African Union and the United Nations can be brought to ear effectively and efficiently,” he said.
“Together, we have to help the South Sudanese leaders find and sustain the spirit of compromise and engagement that will deliver long term peace and stability.”
The Chairperson added the IGAD Revitalisation Forum “is a watershed and offers an opportunity that should not be wasted or squandered”.
“I appeal to IGAD to be resolute, without fear or favour, in their determination to ensure its success,” he said.
The Chairperson reiterated his call for “clear consequences” against those who violate the Ceasefire Agreement signed in December last year, between South Sudan warring parties.
“For the revitalization process to be successful there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of IGAD to ensure that agreements are complied with,” he said.
The second phase of the Revitalization Forum is expected to commence on February 5.
“It is beholden upon us all to keep our faith in this process and support it with all the resources at our disposal.”
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
25th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to define clear consequences “to be faced by those who wilfully violate, spoil or derail the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.”
Addressing the UNSC on Thursday, JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae said, “For the revitalisation process (of the ARCSS) to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are enforced.”
“We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorise or allow its violation with impunity the next,” the Chairperson said.
He was addressing the Council via video tele-conference from the capital, Juba.
The Chairperson said “it is now time to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption to our efforts to deliver peace.”
The Chairperson cited the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, communique issued on November 7, 2014, which listed enactment of asset freezes, regional travel bans, and the denial of the supply of arms and ammunition as consequences against violators of the then signed cessation of hostilities Agreement.
“Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU (Transitional Government of National Unity) and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process.”
The Chairperson said he was “disappointed” that within days the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities in Addis, fighting and troop movements had been reported in Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians.
“I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance,” he said.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
22nd January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC DEMANDS FULL SUPPORT FOR CTSAMM
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, demands that all parties fully respect and comply with the terms of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access, signed on 21st December 2017, and calls upon all sides to fulfil their obligations to the international ceasefire monitoring body, CTSAMM.
“CTSAMM teams are the direct representatives of IGAD and the wider international community on the ground in South Sudan and as such they must command our full respect and total cooperation.
“CTSAMM has and will continue to monitor the Permanent Ceasefire and the most recent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to the best of its ability and with total impartiality. CTSAMM has and will continue to report any verified violations of the ceasefire, either in terms of specific acts of violence, military movement or any other actions that contravene the terms of the Agreement. Where necessary and where proven, CTSAMM apportions blame and responsibility as appropriate.
“CTSAMM is actively monitoring and investigating a number of incidents and movements around the country. It remains the responsibility of all Parties signatory to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to uphold their obligations to ensure unrestricted access to CTSAMM ceasefire monitors so that they can accurately and speedily report on the situation around the country.
“Article 4, paragraph 3 of the ACOH says, “the parties shall not carry out unwarranted verbal or physical attacks against CTSAMM, JMEC, IGAD, AU, UN or any other entity associated with implementation of this agreement.”
“It is therefore regrettable that public statements continue to be made which have the effect of undermining public acceptance of and confidence in regional and international peacekeeping efforts. It is the parties’ responsibility to ensure cooperation with CTSAMM and UNMISS to guarantee safe, open access to monitoring efforts and investigation teams, and CTSAMM’s work should not be impeded or interfered with in any way.”
ENDS
JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae, has called on all South Sudanese leaders and stakeholders to come to the table in search of a sustainable political solution, to renounce violence and demonstrate political will to compromise and accommodate one another.
President Mogae was speaking on Monday in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa during the opening of the High Level Revitalisation Forum. “At every level of society, from the village, to the community, the county, the state and the nation, dialogue and reconciliation must begin in earnest. You must find within you a desire to set aside the gun and settle your differences through dialogue and compromise” He said.
“My heart bleeds for the suffering and trauma that results, especially and particularly among the women and children of this country”.
The Chairperson quoting Dr Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. The chain reaction of hate and evil must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
Expressing optimism for the Forum, the Chairperson said that though the Peace Agreement can recover from the turmoil of the past eighteen months, there is need to first take stock of the current situation, review progress to date and identify the key challenges that restrain comprehensive implementation of the Agreement. “Of particular note, we must address the violations of the Permanent Ceasefire, lack of accountability for spoilers and violators, slippage in the implementation timelines, a lack of dedicated funding to the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and the need for inclusive governance arrangements” He added.
“In truth, the Peace Agreement signed in 2015 has never been implemented to the letter. Every institution that has been created, every appointment made, every policy enacted has gradually drifted further and further from the provisions set out in the signed document” He said.
Speaking to the South Sudanese leaders, President Mogae said, “Each and every one of you has a duty to the people of South Sudan. Not just YOUR people, but ALL the people”.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
17th December 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, has appealed to IGAD leaders to remain united under one voice and to encourage the South Sudanese leadership to seize this opportunity to restore the Peace Agreement to centre stage.
Speaking during the 59th Extra-ordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Sunday, the Chairman said, “I appeal to IGAD to be resolute, without fear or favour, in their determination to ensure the success of the revitalisation forum. This is a huge opportunity that cannot be wasted or squandered”.
The chairman reiterated that the region must approach the revitalization with strength of purpose. “Collectively, it is critical that the IGAD Heads of State and Governments prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance” He added.
The Chairman called upon all the South Sudanese participants at the High Level Revitalisation Forum to remain focused on the desperate plight of the people of South Sudan. President Mogae said, “For them, we must stop the fighting, end the violence, deal with criminality, prevent sexual and human rights abuses, reduce human suffering and address the economic crisis.
“I reiterate my call to all South Sudanese stakeholders that, as they come to the table in search of a sustainable political solution, they must renounce violence and demonstrate the political will to compromise and accommodate one another”.
He added that progress of any sort is only possible within a peaceful and secure environment. “It is simply not possible to overstate the fundamental necessity for an immediate cessation of all hostilities. Without that, we stand no chance of stemming the tide of displacement, enabling unhindered delivery of aid to those in need or contemplating the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes”, he said.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday December 06, 2017, Juba, South Suda
JMEC: Vibrant Civil Society voice needed in the implementation of the ARCSS
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) “is keen to encourage a vibrant civil society voice and active involvement in the implementation of the Agreement of the Resolution of the Conflict of South Sudan (ARCSS)” JMEC Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said.
He was speaking during the opening of a Civil Society Advocacy Workshop on the ARCSS in Juba, on Wednesday. The participants were drawn from representatives of different Civil Society Organisations in Juba.
The three-day workshop focuses on how to collect data for research and use it for advocacy initiatives, and the status of the implementation of the ARCSS. The workshop is about equipping the participants with the knowledge and skills on how to strategize better engagement within the revitalised ARCSS processes in 2018.
Noting the many challenges in the implementation of the ARCSS, Ambassador Njoroge acknowledged the need to continue to promote inclusive participation and its popular ownership among all South Sudanese.
He added that members of the civil society are already actively engaged in the search for sustainable peace in the country and emphasized “That is the spirit of a vibrant civil society with which you must all continue, even against enduring challenges.”
During the workshop, JMEC’s recently released Evaluation Report will be discussed and alongside ways to engage in a more inclusive and participatory manner in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
“It is my hope that this (the workshop) will contribute in empowering you to participate effectively, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders to ensure its full implementation, and ultimately the realisation of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan.”
ENDS