The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) expresses its concern at fighting in the Yei River area, reportedly caused by the defection of a General from the SPLM/A-IO to the SSPDF. Furthermore, RJMEC strongly condemns all loss of life and displacement of civilians, and urges the parties involved to come swiftly to the table and resolve any issues through dialogue. In this regard, we commend the ongoing efforts of the Joint Defence Board to investigate the issue and avoid the repetition of such incidents in the future.
Whether it is referred to as ‘defection’ or ‘change of allegiance’, the important point is that the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan has made commendable progress in the past two years since its signing and this must not be allowed to weaken because of instability caused by defections or accepting defections, which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement.
The joint training centre at Moroto, which was also the scene of some fighting in recent days, is one of 18 functioning training centres in South Sudan. Each training centre is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified national army, and any threat to this is reprehensible. In this regard, I have requested CTSAMVM to investigate and report on its findings.
Whatever the source or driver of instability, RJMEC reminds all parties that the diplomatic architecture exists to manage all issues peacefully. In addition to the Revitalised Peace Agreement of 2018, there is the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of December 2017, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020, all of which affirm the signatories’ commitment to pursue dialogue and the protection of civilians.
As South Sudan moves into its third year of implementation of the R-ARCSS, it is clear that much remains to be done in a short time. RJMEC condemns any action by any party which detracts from the important work of peacebuilding in the country, and joins all other voices in urging constructive dialogue.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 30 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR TELLS MEETING OF RJMEC MEMBERS: URGENTLY RESOLVE THE IMPASSE IN UPPER NILE STATE; AND FURTHER UNIFICATION OF FORCES
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) held its 14thmonthly meeting in Juba on Wednesday 30 September, 2020.
Speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said: “To date, nine out of the ten State governors have been appointed, but the position of the governor of the state of Upper Nile is still outstanding.”
He continued: “There, an SPLM/A-IO nominee is to be appointed the Governor. However, their candidate was rejected by the President, and unfortunately, both sides have not changed their respective positions.”
As such, the Interim Chairperson called for an urgent resolution of the impasse by the political leadership. Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson has called for the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) as per Article 1.14.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“I urge that the Parliament be expanded and reconstituted without any further delay,” he added.
In his address, Maj. General Gituai also raised concerns that the unification of forces and reorganisation into the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) is behind schedule.
He said: “Although tens of thousands of troops reported to the cantonment sites and training centres, the conditions in which they exist are austere, with numerous reports of troops leaving them in search of food.”
In his recommendations, the Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to expedite and complete the unification of forces, and produce the plans for the redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
He also emphasised that the “overall implementation of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions in Chapter 4 of the Revitalised Agreement has been slow.” Furthermore, he added, there is need to expedite Public Financial Management reforms to ensure the accountable and transparent management of resources.
In concluding his address, Maj. Gen Gituai said: “The path to sustainable peace is never easy,” while calling on the RTGoNU “to ensure full implementation of the Agreement provisions and bring South Sudan further and faster down the road to enduring and sustainable peace.”
FULL STATEMENT IS ATTACHED
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 17 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
SOUTH SUDANESE OWNERSHIP OF DDR PROCESS IS CRUCIAL SAYS RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON; ADDS “REQUIRES A HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUCCEED”.
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened a joint National Transitional Committee (NTC) and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration) coordination meetingon Thursday 17 September 2020 in Juba.
While speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said, “Without doubt, it is important that the DDR Commission catches up meaningfully because DDR process is a complex, lengthy, and costly undertaking. Consequently, it must be effectively managed, funded, and supported.”
Furthermore, he added, “South Sudanese ownership of the DDR process is crucial and requires a holistic and comprehensive approach if it is to succeed.”
The meeting brought together the Transitional Security Mechanisms, representatives from the AU, UN, Civil Society among other stakeholders. The meeting was intended, among other things, to recognise and address the importance of DDR as a National RTGoNU responsibility, to review the current status of the Republic of South Sudan DDR process, to identify priorities, methods of improving coordination between all stakeholders, and to identify and address the challenges in implementation of the DDR process.
Gen. Gituai said responsibility (of ensuring that the DDR process succeeds) lies with the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity), noting that “a well-coordinated DDR process, of which the relevant levels of government are clearly committed to, is potentially able to attract international funding to support activities.”
“But for that to happen, clear signals must be sent that the DDR process is functioning as it should, and that most importantly, that it provides real opportunities for ex-combatants as they return peacefully to civilian life,” he said.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 8 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES TROOPS IN MAPEL TRAINING CENTRE, WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL: “LET US SEE YOU DEVELOPING THAT SPIRIT OF HONOUR, THE SPIRIT OF DUTY, THE SPIRIT OF COUNTRY.”
On 7 September 2020, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Major General Charles Tai Gituai, accompanied the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, H.E. Angelina Teny, and the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, H.E. Sarah Cleto Rial, on a visit to Mapel training centre in the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal. The high-level delegation paid the visit to the centre and gathered dignitaries to gain a clearer picture of progress in the unification of forces.
Addressing some 2000 gathered troops, General Gituai said: “I have been wearing that uniform for 41 years… and when I came here I saw you, I’m reminded of the old days when I was a young person like yourselves. And, it is a great honour for me to be able to address you.”
He explained: “One of the requirements for the implementation of the Agreement is the unification of the necessary forces… It is critical to have a unified force because a unified force signifies unification of a defence force which will be like any other military in the world.
Drawing on his long military career, General Gituai continued: “The most critical issue of training in my view for unification is character development… character development goes with the way you conduct yourself, (…) the issues of human rights, understanding issues of discipline and respect, and that spirit I am seeing here of camaraderie."
He explained: “A unified force is a guarantor of security of the country… a unified force is a guarantor of security of the people of South Sudan, and all over the world, even where I come from, militaries are the unifying factors in everything because it’s only the military where you find your brother does not necessarily come from your village… your brother soldier, the soldier next to you, is your brother, he is the one who will save you."
General Gituai closed his remarks in urging the troops: “Let us see that coming up. Let us see you developing that spirit of honour, the spirit of duty, the spirit of country.”
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 26 August 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR LOSS OF LIFE; APPEALS FOR RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Following the recent security situation in the Equatoria region, RJMEC expresses regret and sympathy for the loss of lives and displacement of civilians, and calls on all sides to exercise restraint.
RJMEC further urges all signatories to fully implement the four key documents, namely, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) of December 2017, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of September 2018, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020. These documents provide the framework of the protection of civilians and sustainable peace and prosperity in South Sudan.
The Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020 in particular, contain affirmation from the Government Delegation and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), including NAS / General Thomas Cirillo, of their commitment to pursue dialogue.
It should be noted that the recent ambush in Lobonok is contrary to the letter and spirit of all these four documents, and any loss of life perpetrated by the signatories and non-signatories is in direct contravention and should be avoided at all costs.
RJMEC wishes to highlight in particular the following key provisions of the Rome Declaration of January 2020. That the signatories (inter alia):
- “Mindful of the unprecedented suffering of the people of South Sudan caused by the devastating civil war and the urgent need to cease hostilities”;
- “Reaffirm their will to foster political dialogue”; and
- “Commit/recommit and adhere to the CoHA of December 2017 to avoid any further armed confrontation across the country by signatories and non-signatories.”
Furthermore, the Rome Resolution makes clear that, by signing it, the following was agreed (inter alia):
- SSOMA becomes a member of CTSAMVM upon signing of the Resolution;
- SSOMA be represented in all CTSAMVM structures in equal numbers as the other warring parties; and
- SSOMA shall fully cooperate with CTSAMVM by allowing unconditional access for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation as well as humanitarian access.
Failure to respect and operationalise the provisions of the CoHA, the Rome Declaration and the Rome Resolution, risks further harm to the lives of citizens of South Sudan at a time when there are many challenges which require protection of civilians to be of paramount importance.
RJMEC appeals to all Parties to exercise caution, restraint and engage in dialogue in the spirit of respecting the agreements in order to achieve durable peace in South Sudan.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 23rd April 2020, Khartoum, Sudan
Delay in restructuring, reconstitution of the TNLA and the Council of States is regrettable
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has addressed the 71st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Khartoum, Sudan, held by teleconference.
While appreciating the formation of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity) and its Council of Ministers as significant steps towards the full establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge noted with concern other delays.
In particular, he called the delay in the restructuring and reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States, and the lack of agreement between the Parties on responsibility-sharing at the State and Local Government levels as “regrettable”.
“The Parties to the R-ARCSS have tried to address the issue of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Government levels in recent weeks, including the three Administrative Areas, through inter-party consultations. Unfortunately, they have failed to agree on the way forward,” he said.
In his address, the Chairperson said the low level of trust and confidence and the spirit of collegial leadership is lacking, resulting in the absence of political reconciliation between the Parties to implement the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.
Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Njoroge highlighted violations of the R-ARCSS, including: a) alterations made to Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.6) 2020 after it was submitted to the ITGoNU by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee; b) the failure of the Parties to adhere to the 35% provision for women participation in the Executive of the RTGoNU; and c) political appointments made after the formation of the RTGoNU that are inconsistent with the Agreement.
Lt. Gen. Njoroge concluded by reassuring the Council that the RJMEC remains fully committed to discharge its mandate in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 27 March 2020, Juba, South Sudan
“THE INTERIM RJMEC CHAIRPERSON APPEALS TO THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS TO EXPEDITE THE RESOLUTION OF THE DEADLOCK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY SHARING AT THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT”
H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augustino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd), the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today convened a consultative meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS, to break a deadlock on responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments.
The consultative meeting with the representatives of the Parties followed a request from H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Chairperson of the SPLM/A-IO and First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan for assistance of the RJMEC leadership to break a deadlock on the modalities of responsibility sharing as provided for in Article 1.16. of R-ARCSS.
While addressing the meeting, the Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC commended the Parties for the compromises that they have made so far leading to the formation of the RTGoNU and urged them to continue with the spirit of collegiality during the Transitional Period and beyond. The Interim Chairperson also reminded the Parties of the cardinal principles upon which the R-ARCSS is anchored, which include inclusivity, equity, peace and reconciliation, collegiality, relationship and trust building, justice and fairness, among others.
The Interim Chairperson noted that any further delay in the finalization of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments would also delay the completion of the establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition. He therefore appealed to the Parties to expedite the resolution of this outstanding matter.
The Interim RJMEC Chairperson will continue to engage the Parties to the R-ARCSS to ensure that the outstanding matter is expeditiously resolved.
--Ends--
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Publication)
Saturday, 22nd February 2020, Juba, South Sudan
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes this opportunity to congratulate H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, Chairperson and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO, and other Parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for this historic day of 22ndFebruary 2020, a day when the long-awaited Revitalised Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) is born.
RJMEC also congratulates H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny for his appointment as the First Vice President and H.E Dr. Wani Igga, H.E Taban Deng Gai and H.E Rebecca Garang for their appointments as Vice Presidents of the Republic of South Sudan.
RJMEC further applauds the People of the Republic of South Sudan for the endurance and resilience they have shown throughout the Pre-Transitional period.
The formation of an inclusive Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, indeed heralds hope in the lives of millions of South Sudanese who painfully bore the brunt of a bloody war, bolsters confidence and paves the way towards the realisation of a peaceful, stable and democratic South Sudan.
It must however, be noted, that the formation of R-TGoNU is not an end in itself but the beginning of a transitional period that many expect, will herald the country’s path to political and socio-economic reforms and setting the foundation for lasting peace, genuine dialogue and trust-building.
As such, the R-ARCSS that guides this process contains a range of far-reaching reforms and programmes for reconstruction, rehabilitation and development that would help restore South Sudan on a sustainable path to growth if fully implemented.
There is a permanent constitution making process intended to uphold the supremacy of the law and to lay the legal framework for good governance. This can only be achieved if the political leadership, work together in good faith and embrace the spirit of patriotism.
Finally, RJMEC presents its best wishes to R-TGoNU, the Agreement Parties and the People of South Sudan as they embark on South Sudan’s journey to self-reflection, peace and reconstruction.
His Excellency, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
Interim Chairperson,
Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT COMMITTEE (NCAC) STATEMENT ON PARTY NOMINATIONS TO THE TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (TNLA)
22 FEBRUARY 2020
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) wishes to congratulate the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for their commitment to form the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) within the extension period of 100 days as agreed in the Resolution of the Tripartite Summit of 7 November 2019 in Entebbe, Uganda. NCAC lauds H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to revert the Country to ten (10) States which has contributed significantly to paving the way for the formation of RTGoNU.
The NCAC is mandated by R-ARCSS under Chapter 1, Article 1.18.1.4to receive lists of nominees to be appointed to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) from the Parties and present them to the President for appointment.
On 13 February 2020, the NCAC wrote to all the Parties entitled to make nominations under the Revitalized Agreement requesting them to present the lists of their nominees by 18 February 2020. It was indicated to the Parties that NCAC would examine the lists to ensure they complied with the Constitution, the R-ARCSS and relevant laws and submit them to the President before 22 February 2020, the deadline for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government.
However, by the end of the 100 days extension of the Pre-Transitional period NCAC had only received one valid list of nominees from the Former Detainees (FDs). The submission of the lists of nominees was to be based on criteria designed to ensure that the nominations adhere to the gender, youth and regional diversity requirements in the Agreement.
NCAC is aware that some Parties were unable to present their lists due to internal disagreements. Efforts to build consensus on these lists are ongoing.
In the circumstances, NCAC has written to H.E the President informing him that the list of nominees to be appointed to the TNLA is not ready and that NCAC will present it as soon as it is.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 20th February 2020, Juba, South Sudan
We must all prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU
With barely a day before the expiry of the deadline of the extended pre-transitional period on 22ndFebruary2020, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on all Parties to the Agreement and other stakeholders to prepare for the formation of the Revitalized Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) of the Republic of South Sudan.
RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said, “It is clear that all must prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU. I call on the Parties to capitalise on the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12thSeptember 2018, and continue to build towards lasting and sustainable peace in South Sudan,”
He was speaking in Juba on Thursday 20thFebruary 2020, before the postponing the 14thRJMEC monthly meeting. The meeting was postponed to next month, after it did not secure requisite quorum, for the meeting to proceed.
On the number of states and their boundaries, the Interim Chairperson commended H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan for the “compromise he made on the 15thof February to revert the number of States to 10 as outlined in his letter to IGAD dated 15thFebruary 2020”.
“In that regard, I applaud the leadership of IGAD and the regional Special Envoys for the role they played in helping the Parties to break the deadlock on the number and boundaries of states,” he said.
“I urge the people of South Sudan, to welcome this decision, which will allow the formation of the RTGoNU in a timely manner and on a solid foundation,” he added.
Consequently, Ambassador Njoroge reported that the Chairperson (of IGAD) and the other regional leaders are in the process of preparing a roadmap that will guide the formation of an inclusive Revitalised Government of National Unity.
The proposed roadmap, he said, will highlight key tasks, and necessary steps as provided for in the Revitalised Agreement.
On the unification of forces, Ambassador Njoroge noted that significant progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated training centres, where at least 38,000 troops are currently assembled.
“Preliminary training activities are ongoing. So too is screening, which I witnessed recently in Rajaf Training Centre. Furthermore, at the Gorom training centre, I witnessed the assembly of 3,339 trainees for the VIP Protection Force. However, training in accordance with the unification module is yet to start,” he said.
In addition to the unification of forces, he said, the enactment by the TNLA (Transitional National Legislative Assembly) of the security laws, submission of the Parties nominees for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to the NCAC; and the allocation of ministerial portfolios to the various Parties have not yet been completed.
In his recommendation, the Interim Chairperson asked the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process.
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 11 February 2020, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, OFFERS ONE VOICE MESSAGE
The 70thExrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, 8thFebruary 2020. In his update to the Council members, Ambassador Lt. General Augostino Njoroge began by giving the latest information on the unification of forces. He said: “CTSAMVM reports that considerable progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated Training Centres, where at least 36,000 troops are currently assembled.”
However, he continued: “screening, selection and actual joint training of the forces is yet to start. Unification progress has been impeded by challenges including insufficient food, medicines, shelter, and storage for weapons, as well as lack of facilities for female combatants.”
Amb. Lt. Gen Njoroge also informed the Council that “the issue of the number of States and their boundaries remains outstanding despite several efforts to resolve it.” Accordingly, he urged “that the leadership of the Parties demonstrate the spirit of compromise.”
In closing, he added: “I must underline that the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12th September 2018 must be consolidated, not least in terms of the Permanent Ceasefire, and improved humanitarian access.”
In urging the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. Njoroge offered the following points which all can agree on.
One Voice 2020
1. Maintaining the Permanent Ceasefire is the best way of consolidating the gains made since signing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018, and it is a key factor which enables progress to be made. Progress delivers its own benefits to all South Sudanese in terms of confidence and trust building.
2. The issue of the number of states and their boundaries, which the R-ARCSS itself recognises as sensitive, is a pivotal issue that if resolved before the formation of the RTGoNU, will underpin much more achievement and cooperation in implementing the Peace Agreement. Mere postponement of implementation of any provisions is harmful in the long run.
3. The unification of forces must continue so that the representative national army and organised forces can be established and deployed to protect all cities, civilians, humanitarian access and the free movement of people. The Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) process is a fundamental part of that process.
4. Inclusivity is critical to the R-TGoNU, and all parts of it will be strengthened if a women’s participation rate of 35% is adhered to. Inclusivity is the bedrock of all aspects on implementation of the Peace Agreement.
5. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains grave, and innocent women and children continue to suffer the greatest burden resulting from the conflict. All steps must be put in place to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.
6. A peaceful and inclusive environment conducive to political engagement must be sought and maintained so that Parties and stakeholders can cooperate with one another meaningfully at every level. The political space for civil society, women and youth to engage with the peace process must be created, protected, and cherished.
[ENDS]