Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 11 May 2023, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC ADDRESSES LAUNCH EVENT OF IGAD-AU POST-CONFLICT NEEDS ASSESSMENT; FOCUS PLACED ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL RECONSTRUCTION FUND AND BOARD VERY IMPORTANT

Today, 11 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the launch event of the joint IGAD and African Union initiative, the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment for South Sudan. 

In the presence of the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr James Wani Igga, Amb. Gituai commended both IGAD and the AU for coming together in support of their member state South Sudan at this timely juncture, telling attendees that “with the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) recently extended by 24 months, and elections due in December 2024, all possible support is truly welcome as much remains to be done at this critical time.”  

The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to ‘enhance the efforts of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) towards the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)’, and to highlight opportunities for support, including modalities for the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) as per Article 3.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Amb. Gituai expressed his hope that the initiative will “help to create a springboard from which the RTGoNU can establish and operationalise the SRF,” clarifying:  “As we all know, the lack of funding has been a huge challenge since the Agreement’s signing, and the SRF is a mechanism required to raise and transparently manage funds for the reconstruction effort and the implementation of the Agreement.”

Noting that the magnitude and severity of humanitarian needs in South Sudan continues to rise, Maj Gen Gituai continued: “The focus that the needs assessment places on the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and Board is very important. Once the SRF is established, in accordance to Article 3.2.8, IGAD, the African Union and the UN are expected to collaborate in convening the Pledging Conference to resource the fund, and to support the implementation of the Agreement.” 

The RJMEC Chairperson informed meeting participants that the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, and preparations for elections in December 2024, are among the critical tasks which remain pending. He said, “given the magnitude of the tasks ahead and the slow pace of implementation, RJMEC has urged all parts of the RTGoNU to redouble efforts, work collaboratively, in a collegial and consultative manner, and to expedite implementation and provide much-needed resources and leadership to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The support of international partners and friends of South Sudan in this regard is also crucial.”

However, Amb. Gituai concluded, “besides the challenges, there is plenty of potential in the country of South Sudan, and a population deeply deserving of peace and sustainable development.”

 

[ENDS]

 

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday30 March, Juba, South Sudan

THE RTGONU SHOULD DEMONSTRATE IN ACTION ITS COMMITMENT TO DELIVER THE TRANSITION IN TIME, NOT SIMPLY BY WORD

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday 30 March 2023, convened its 28th monthly meeting in Juba.

In his opening remarks, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said as the second month of the extended transition period begins, “a lot of work remains to be done if the Roadmap timelines are to be adhered to as promised.”

The Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity should demonstrate in action its commitment to deliver the transition in time not simply by word,” Amb. Gituai said.

In terms of the preparation for elections as stipulated in the Roadmap, Amb. Gituai told the RJMEC members that no progress has been made in the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council despite the law having been enacted over 8 months ago.

As such, he emphasized that the reconstitution of the Council is critical, paving way for the registration of political parties, adding that the enactment of the National Elections Act and its operationalization is way behind schedule. 

“As a result of these delays, all the elections-related tasks including the establishment and functioning of institutions that drive the elections process, are behind schedule,” he said.

Furthermore, Amb. Gituai commended the recent progress made in the unification of the middle and lower levels of command of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) where the Parties agreed on a responsibility sharing ratio of 60:30:10 to the SSPDF (South Sudan People's Defence Forces), SPLA-IO and SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) respectively. 

However, the forces which graduated during Phase I are still in training centers, and their delayed redeployment has hindered the commencement of Phase II NUF training,” he noted.

On the humanitarian front, RJMEC Chairperson noted that access and safety of humanitarian workers, goods, and assets remain a challenge. 

These are matters that the RTGoNU should urgently address including by providing security along humanitarian corridorsprotecting humanitarian workers and their assets and holding perpetrators to account.”

In his recommendations, Amb. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to continue to consult in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus in an attempt to address emerging issues during implementation of the Agreement.

He reitarated the need for the provision of adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Agreement, particularly, the Constitution Making and Electoral processes and the completion of the unification of forces and operationalization of all the enacted laws.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said “Finally, faced with the current setbacks and the slow pace of implementation, it is encumbent upon us to redouble our efforts, encourage and support the RTGoNU to accelerate the pace of implementation going forward, in order to provide a much needed impetus to the peace process.

ENDS

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 09 March, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC ENCOURAGES CONSULTATION TO RESOLVE ISSUES ON THE REMOVAL OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS; URGES FOCUS ON TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF R-ARCSS. 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes note of the Presidential Decree of 3 March 2023, announcing the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Minister of Interior, and the swapping of the two ministries between the ITGoNU and the SPLM-IO. 

RJMEC welcomes the decision of the President and the First Vice President to meet and discuss the issue of the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the swapping of the two ministries. In that regard, we urge the Parties to observe the letter and spirit of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which is founded on collaboration, consultation, and agreement between the Parties. 

If there is a deadlock between the Parties to the Agreement, a referral can be made to RJMEC pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS to engage the Parties with a view to finding a compromise and / or recommending measures to break the deadlock.

With less than 24 months of the extended Transitional Period remaining, it is important that this issue be resolved as soon as possible so that the Peace Agreement can continue to be implemented in a timely manner. 

 

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 06 March, Juba, South Sudan

ACCESS TO POWER, LACK OF INCLUSIVE AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE PEACE PROCESS, POSE A CHALLENGE FOR WOMEN IN SOUTH SUDAN. 

With International Women’s Day taking place on Wednesday 8 March, access to power, inclusivity and effective participation for women in the implementation of the Revitalised peace agreement remain a challenge. 

Speaking during a workshop convened by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) in collaboration with the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“In spite of the fact that Security Council Resolution 1325 on the role of women in conflict resolution and peace processes, which calls for the adoption of gender perspectives, especially of women’s and girls’ needs in peace agreements, and their implementation mechanisms, and for the protection and respect of their rights, women continue to face obstacles in the realisation of this aspiration, and do so during the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement."

The UNSCR 1325, which was passed in the year 2000, is the first resolution to link women’s experiences of conflict to the international peace and security agenda, focusing attention on the disproportionate impact of conflict on women, and calling for women’s engagement in conflict resolution and peace building. 

In his address to the participants, Amb. Gituai noted that  lack to proper access to power, inclusivity and effective participation in the peace process and gender bias, continue to hinder advancement of women in South Sudan.

Unless such challenges are adequately addressed, he said, perspectives and concerns of women will be overlooked in politics as well as in the implementation of the Roadmap of the R-ARCSS. “This therefore, calls for women to be respected and not to be ignored or undermined, and women should be assertive in making their voices heard,” he said.

Additionally, as the Revitilised Transitional Government of National Unity continues to implement the Roadmap, Amb. Gituai called for the inclusion of women in key intstitutions such as the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission and the National Constitutional Review Commission. 

Also related to the Constitution-making process., he said, is the establishment of the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the National Constitutional Conference, and recruitment of the Constitutional Drafting Committee.  

Amb. Gituai said, the gender provisions of the Agreement enhances the inclusion and empowerment of women, as they cover the participation and representation of women in decision‐making positions, in all governmental bodies, and institutions and mechanisms that drive political, economic, social and judicial reforms, as well as the constitution-making process. 

“This remains equally valid and important in the Roadmap,” he said.

The Agreement mandates 35% level of women’s participation in such bodies, and the nominees to these bodies need to reflect the gender, political, social, ethnic, religious, and regional diversity of South Sudan.

“RJMEC takes these considerations very seriously, and as we conduct our monitoring and evaluation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, we will ensure that these parameters get the proper level of attention,” Amb. Gituai said.

Amb. Gituai noted provisions in the Revitalised Peace Agreement which refer to the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls, including measures to prevent gender-based violence in general and sexual violence in particular. 

Further, he continued, “it is evident that the letter and spirit of the gender provisions in the Revitalized Peace Agreement are deep and far-reaching, and aimed at creating a conducive environment for women in South Sudan to actively participate in the political, economic and social life of their country.” 

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai called for the recognition of the role and value of women in all aspects. “Women are capable in decision-making, especially those affecting the social fabric and the environment, and they share information well. They bring additional perspectives, especially on issues that affect other women and girls. Women also provide holistic approaches and dimensions in today’s complex and evolving challenges in all spheres,” he said.

The workshop brought together over 60 South Sudanese women under the theme “understanding the Roadmap and women’s participation in implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).” 

ENDS

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 02 March, Juba, South Sudan

WITH THE BEGINNING OF 24-MONTH EXTENDED TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ROADMAP LAGS BEHIND, A LOT REMAINS TO BE DONE

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 2 March 2023 convened its 27th monthly meeting in Juba. As the 24-month extension of the Transitional Period begins, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai told the meeting: 

“It is expected that there will be renewed focus on the timely implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), dedicated funding by the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) going forward, unity of purpose, and a sense of urgency in order to deliver on the promises of the Roadmap towards peaceful and democratic elections in December 2024.” 

In his detailed assessment of implementation, Amb. Gituai said that “critical timelines have been missed in the implementation of governance tasks of the Roadmap.” 

He continued: “For example, according to the Roadmap, by now both the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission should have been reconstituted. These are two critical bodies required for the process of conducting credible elections. Further, the restructuring and reconstitution of the various commissions and institutions at national level should also have been completed by now.”

“There is urgent need for all of us, starting with the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity), to take concrete and deliberate steps to expedite implementation of the critical pending tasks as per the Roadmap,” he added.

Additionally, Amb. Gituai commended the Presidency for the recent resolution of the contentious issue of the power of arrest and detention by the National Security Service, which he said, delayed the passage of the National Security Service Bill.

“The spirit of this compromise is a valuable example which I hope can help guide the ongoing implementation of the Roadmap.” Amb. Gituai also welcomed the recent accession by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, to, among others, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Protocol to The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. 

“The accession to these and other international and regional treaties are critical to the safeguarding of the fundamental human rights of the people of South Sudan. Their operationalisation will be important as the extension period proceeds.” 

In his address, Amb. Gituai commended the President, and the First Vice President, for their recent meetings with IDPs, saying this draws much-needed attention to the plight of the IDPs. “Both leaders emphasised the need for forgiveness, reconciliation and promoting the spirit of unity. These are key messages for two leaders to take around the country as the RTGoNU prepares for elections.” 

“It is encouraging to note that there are plans to provide security and basic services at the IDPs points of return as these are critical to the reintegration and the rebuilding of IDPs and returnees’ livelihoods,” he added.

In his conclusion, he said, “Given the time pressures in the Roadmap, I call upon the RTGoNU to demonstrate its ownership of the process and its commitment by availing the requisite resources to the implementing mechanisms and institutions in a clear and predictable manner.”

 

FULL STATEMENT: http://bit.ly/3kzlvv3 

ENDS

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

07 FEBRUARY 2023

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) condemns the killing of over 20 people in Kajo Keji, Central Equatoria State, on 2 February 2023. The violence and displacement of civilians is unacceptable, particularly when the strong hope of the people of South Sudan is that the messages of peace delivered by the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage will inspire implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement at greater pace and scale. RJMEC urges the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to investigate, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

The events in Kajo Keji fit into a larger and very concerning picture of violence at the subnational level across South Sudan, and RJMEC reiterates its position recently given at its monthly Plenary: 

“There is a very serious picture of escalating violence, negatively impacting the environment in which the R-ARCSS is being implemented. RJMEC therefore appeals to the Parties involved and the RTGoNU to address the root causes of these armed conflicts and find lasting solutions to resolve them and ensure accountability for crimes committed.”

ENDS

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 26 Jan. 23, Juba, South Sudan

AHEAD OF VISIT OF THE POPE, THE RTGONU, PARTIES AND THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN URGED TO “REBUILD TRUST, DEMONSTRATE GENUINE POLITICAL WILL AND UNITY OF PURPOSE”

With the expected visit of Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage of three religious leaders, led by His Holiness, Pope Francis to the Republic of South Sudan early next month, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has urged the leadership of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), the Parties, and the people of South Sudan to “renew their confidence in the peace process, rebuild trust and demonstrate genuine political will and unity of purpose, with the spirit of forgiveness and magnanimity.”

Speaking at the 26th RJMEC monthly meeting held in Juba on Thursday 26 January, 2023, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“The imminent Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage to Juba of the three religious leaders, led by His Holiness, Pope Francis, is an indicator of the world’s desire for lasting peace in South Sudan.”

“I hope the RTGoNU and the people of South Sudan will find inspiration and a spirit of forgiveness in these visits in order to renew public confidence in the peace process by rebuilding trust and showing unity of purpose, and demonstrate genuine political will through joint actions and messaging for peace,” he added.

Additionally, General Gituai told the meeting that it is “very concerning to note that over the holiday period, numerous armed clashes have taken place, cumulatively costing hundreds of lives and displacing thousands of civilians, in particular in Upper Nile State and in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. 

“For all intents and purposes, there is a very serious picture of escalating violence, negatively impacting the environment in which the R-ARCSS is being implemented,” he said.  

Further, the RJMEC Chairperson noted that six bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of South Sudan in December, including the Constitution-making Process Bill 2022. However, he raised a concern that their operationalisation needs to be further advanced. 

“By now, there are critical institutions which should have been reconstituted to pave the way for the implementation of key aspects of the Agreement. For instance, the Political Parties Council which is central for the registration of political parties, and there is also the National Constitutional Review Commission which is tasked with spearheading the constitution-making process,” he said.  

Amb. Gen. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to reconstitute the Political Parties Council as part of the operationalisation of the recently enacted laws, which helps to protect political space, thereby allowing for the registration of political parties. 

In addition, he called for the immediate reconstitution and funding of the National Constitutional Review Commission and its Secretariat, and fast-tracking the establishment of the other mechanisms like the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) and the Preparatory Sub-Committee.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to harmonize the ranks of the unified forces, and provide for their welfare so that they can be deployed to provide security and protection of civilians caught up in sub-national violence.

RJMEC, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika and the EU are gravely concerned about the escalating ongoing violence, loss of life and reports of alleged use of heavy weaponry in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, by armed youth from Jonglei state. 

They urge involved parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise restraint and respect human rights. 

UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC call on South Sudanese leaders to urgently intervene to stop the fighting and ensure the safety and security of civilians as well as unimpeded humanitarian access to people affected by the fighting. They also emphasize the need to investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of the conflict, including those who are instigating and inciting violence and those responsible for the abduction of women and children.   

UNMISS and international partners strongly encourage national politicians and traditional leaders to persuade youth to immediately stop the violence and pursue a dialogue-based approach that focuses on restoring calm and peacefully resolving the root causes of the conflict. 

While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Transitional Government of South Sudan, UNMISS and international partners stand ready to provide all necessary support to protect civilians in affected areas. UNMISS is intensifying patrols in conflict hotspots and closely monitoring the situation, noting that such fighting has in the past led to significant loss of life and large-scale civilian displacement. 

UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC reiterate the call for an immediate cessation of this uncalled-for violence that poses a serious risk to the peace and stability of the South Sudanese people. They further request CTSAMVM to investigate the violence and urge the parties to the conflict to facilitate access.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday14 December 22, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC: PEACEFULDEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN ARE POSSIBLE; EXPRESSES CONCERN AT ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN UPPER NILE

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai  told participants during the 25th monthly meeting convened in Juba on Wednesday, 14 December, 2022, that peaceful and democratic elections for the Republic of South Sudan are possible in the next 24 months.

However, for this to happen, Amb. Gituai gave key recommendations, which include:

a)    adhering (by the Parties) to the roadmap timelines and prioritising implementation through the availing of predictable, timely and adequate funding for all tasks

b)    the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative (TNL) to expedite the processing of all Bills before the Legislature;

c)    commencing of Phase 2 of the unification of forces, which is overdue, and avail funding and political support to the DDR programmes, which is an essential component of the unification of forces; 

d)    addressing subnational violence, especially in Upper Nile and Jonglei States, hold perpetrators accountable, and take steps to address the root causes and protect civilians and their property;

e)    kickstarting preparations for the reconstitution and appointment of the critical Constitution Making mechanisms and institutions, including giving due attention to the 35% level of women’s participation, as well as taking note of youth and people living with disabilities.

“There are immense tasks and expectations ahead, and even with the extension (of the transitional period), time is of the essence. The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less than total implementation of the Roadmap in letter and spirit in order to enjoy the peace dividends that it brings,” he continued.

Further, RJMEC expressed its deep concern over the escalating violence in both Upper Nile and Jonglei States “with innocent lives being lost, thousands displaced, livelihoods and property destroyed.” 

“If not addressed urgently, the wider ramifications of such violence could destabilize the ongoing implementation of the Peace Agreement,” Amb. Gituai said.

In his remarks, Amb. Gituai noted that recent meetings of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council, as well as the visit to Juba by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the holding of the East Africa Inter-Parliamentary games recently in Juba.

These, he said, are positive signals, adding, “The leaderships in the region and beyond have shown their determination to urgently build on recent progress in order to push for more implementation. It is incumbent upon the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, to match that level of determination in the pace of implementation of the Roadmap.”

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai highlighted the resolution of the Sixth Governor’s Forum (held in Juba on 21st – 28th November 2022) , which affirmed the “commitment of the States and the Administrative Areas to implementation of the R-ARCSS through the Roadmap 2022.” 

“With this in mind, and against the backdrop of the diplomatic support affirmed at the recent IGAD, AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council meetings, RJMEC expects that progress should be more rapid and substantial in the new year 2023."

ENDS

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 17 November, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONVENES MONTHLY MEETING, CALLS FOR HEIGHTENED SENSE OF URGENCY AND FOR RTGONU TO AVAIL PREDICTABLE, TIMELY AND ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR ALL ROADMAP TASKS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday, 17 November, 2022 convened its first monthly meeting of the RJMEC members since the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Public of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was extended.

The extension to the Transitional Period was agreed at an Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC held on 1 September 2022, in which the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) presented its Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end of the Transitional Period of the R-ARCSS.

In his statement to the RJMEC members, Ambassador Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai (rtd), the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, told the meeting participants that several steps forward have been made since the last ordinary meeting of RJMEC, which was held in July. Those steps include the commencement of the graduation of forces, with around 80% of phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces graduated. Additionally, the Constitution-making Process Bill has been passed by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature.

However, despite the progress noted, the RJMEC Chair urged the RTGoNU, among other things, to “Prioritise implementation of the Roadmap tasks within the given timelines, and avail predictable, timely and adequate funding for all Roadmap tasks.”

The Chair stressed the need for heightened urgency: “The people of South Sudan, who are the primary beneficiaries of this Peace Agreement, have waited a long time to reap the benefits of peace. It is therefore of utmost importance to implement the Roadmap in letter and spirit.”

In concluding his statement, he told the meeting that “the RTGoNU must demonstrate the urgency, the unity of purpose, the commitment, the extra effort and political will required to implement the tasks outlined in the Roadmap as scheduled.”

Furthermore, he appealed to the RJMEC members, saying: “you as RJMEC members, individually and collectively, need to enhance your approaches in engaging the RTGoNU and the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms with a strong focus on facilitating progress.”

Amb. Maj Gen Gituai closed his statement by saying “Finally, there is need for us to consolidate our efforts, speak with one voice, and bring all our collective pressure to bear and push for the timely implementation of the Roadmap, thereby creating the conditions for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.”

[END]

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Sunday, 12 September, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

4TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REVITALIZED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN (R-ARCSS)

Four years ago today, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed. This is a significant milestone marking the momentous journey that South Sudan is on. 

If we recall recent history, armed conflict broke out in July 2016 within one year of the signing of the 2015 Peace Agreement, and barely two months after the first coalition government was formed. By contrast, implementation of the R-ARCSS is now entering its fifth year, and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) is just over two-and-a-half-years old. 

This is an important achievement, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), as the institution responsible for the overall oversight of the implementation of the Peace Agreement, congratulates H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, First Vice President, and the four Vice Presidents and the diverse peoples of South Sudan in general.

In recent weeks, we have seen two notable events in particular. Firstly, the graduation of the first batch of the unified forces. The unification of forces is the backbone of the Agreement, and one of the key building blocks promoting national unity, reconciliation, and community cohesion. The momentum generated should be maintained and Phase II of unification should commence as quickly as possible.

The second notable event is the vote by the RJMEC members to extend of the Transitional Period by two years, so it would expire in February 2025 after the holding of free, fair and credible elections. The extension was part of a Roadmap presented to the RJMEC members by the RTGoNU, known as the “Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.” 

The Roadmap makes it clear that much remains to be implemented across all chapters of the Peace Agreement, and we cannot ignore the fact that the need for this Roadmap arose directly because of the slow pace of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Therefore, as we mark the four years since the Agreement’s signing, RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to redouble its efforts and implement the Roadmap fully in letter and spirit. As it does so, we urge it to bear in mind that more confidence and trust building across society is needed, and that improved inclusivity and extending and protecting the political and civic space for all South Sudanese to participate in their governance is also needed.  

Furthermore, instability in the states detracts from gains made in peacebuilding. RJMEC reminds the RTGoNU that the preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement talks of “laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” and this is truly a laudable goal which must apply to each and every citizen of South Sudan equally  

 

God Bless South Sudan. 

 

ENDS