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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 7 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The 67th Exrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Juba, South Sudan, on Tuesday, 7 May, 2019. The session was convened shortly following last week’s agreement of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to extend the Pre-Transitional Period by 6 months, effective 12 May 2019.
Ambassador Lt. Gen Augostino Njoroge, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), urged the IGAD Council of Ministers to consider the request of extension, and to take concrete steps to ensure that the Parties implement the Agreement in letter and spirit.
He said: “Our focus should now fall squarely on the leadership of the Parties to demonstrate clear political will and commitment to make sure that the security-related institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement deliver.”
Amb. Lt. Gen. Njoroge continued: “I also welcome the Parties’ request for IGAD’s Heads of State and Government to convene regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to review the status of implementation of the Agreement.”
Finally, the Interim Chair closed his address by submitting his recommendations to the Council of Ministers, as follows:
1. The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission to be reconstituted without any further delay;
2. ITGoNU to disburse the funds pledged to the National Pre-Transitional
Committee (NPTC) without any delay;
3. The regional and international community to extend additional support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;
4. The NPTC to establish clear deadlines for the implementation of tasks that do not require funding;
5. The immediate demilitarization of civilian centres;
6. IGAD Member States and International Partners to second experts to support the various security mechanisms including Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), Joint Military Ceassrefire Commission (JMCC), and Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B); and
7. The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) to expedite its work and submit its report.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Juba, South Sudan
World Press Freedom Day 2019 observed in Juba
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
Speaking in Juba on Friday, during the commemoration of this year’s event, RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy) Dr. Thomson Fontaine said,
“We cannot stress enough the critical role of a free and credible press in South Sudan’s peace process and particularly in regards to efforts to keep the focus on the implementation (of the revitalized Agreement).”
“While our role is to monitor the implementation of the Agreement, it is equally important that the message gets out to the people of South Sudan and you are the best placed to do so in a language, manner and form that your people best understand ,” he added.
The event themed “Enhancing Democracy and Freedom of Expression in the South Sudan Peace Process”also honoured South Sudan veteran journalist Alfred Taban who died on April 27, whom Dr. Fontaine described as a “resolute defender of freedom of the press.”
“Just like Alfred, I encourage you to stay true to your crafts, stay true to what you believe in, report the news unfiltered and report truthfully,” he said.
Further, Dr. Fontaine highlighted progress made in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, noting that some critical tasks remain pending.
“Indeed, we have seen some progress made so far, but I also understand there is a lot of anxiety around the peace process specially as the Pre-Transitional period comes to an end,” he said.
“Critical tasks such as the unification of forces and the determination on the number of states remain to be undertaken. That’s why the Parties to the Agreement are now meeting in Addis Ababa to arrive at the best way forward,” he said.
The event organised by RJMEC in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and CTSAMVM brought together at least 115 participants from the Media, Civil Society and representatives from the diplomatic missions in South Sudan.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
AGREEMENT REACHED ON 6 MONTH EXTENSION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
Agreement on extending the Pre-Transitional period was reached on the second day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) which took place on Friday 3 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The period of extension was agreed to be 6 months, and will commence on 12 May 2019. The agreement document signed by the Parties will now be submitted to the IGAD Council of Ministers.
Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), said “The determination of the Parties to continue to work in a spirit of cooperation and consensus was clear, and accordingly the extension was agreed unanimously through compromise. All Parties regard the peace process as the best chance for stability and for ending the suffering of the people of South Sudan.”
He continued: “This is welcome news as it allows the Parties to accelerate the implementation of the pending tasks.”
The Parties reiterated the importance of availing adequate and predictable financial resources to ensure the full implementation of the Agreement.
The RJMEC Interim Chairperson concluded: “The lasting impression from this meeting is that the spirit of cooperation and consensus among the Parties endures. Now it is time to make sure that the pace and effectiveness of implementation is maintained.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 2 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS
The first day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) took place on Thursday 2 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addressing the participants, the Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge took stock of the progress made during the Pre-Transitional period, concluding that “unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.”
“My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational,” he continued.
The Interim Chairperson told the participants: “The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.”
During the meeting, the Parties to the Agreement set out their positions on how to manage the pending tasks given the short time remaining of the Pre-Transitional period. The tone was calm and respectful throughout the day. The meeting continues tomorrow, 3 May.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, April 11, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Critical tasks remain undone in the implementation of revitalized Agreement, says RJMEC
As the end of the pre-transitional period draws near on May 12, 2019, critical tasks in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement remain pending, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the 5th RJMEC plenary in Juba on Friday, Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“Critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.”
He said “it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.”
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge expressed concern over continued denial of access faced by CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in the country.
RJMEC said, “During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the MVTs encountered totaled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem.”
“I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access,” he said.
He noted “with dismay” that findings of investigations into the November 2018 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation and action on the Luri incident.
On the humanitarian front Ambassador Njoroge said “A critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances.”
“These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future,” he said.
ENDS
The inaugural meeting of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) was held on Monday 18 March in Juba, South Sudan.
Speaking during the official opening session, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede congratulated all those who had been appointed to the Commission, telling them: “Your work of considering the number of States in the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, is very important to the future stability of this country. At the same time, your recommendations about the same issues will be invaluable.”
The IBC is established under article 1.15 of the R-ARCSS and is made of fifteen members namely, five from the Incumbent TGoNU, two from SPLM/A-IO, one from South Sudan Opposition Alliance, one from Former Detainees and one from Other Political Parties. The other five, of whom two are yet to arrive, are highly experienced C5 members nominated by the member States of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan from South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Algeria and Chad.
While urging the Commission to do all in its power to complete the tasks within the 60 days, Ambassador Kebede noted that the conclusions of the Commision will undoubtedly prove critical to the work and functioning of the RTGoNU.
“The judgement and recommendations of these esteemed members present today will be very consequential for South Sudan as it builds its architecture of permanent peace.”
“There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan and the country’s friends and supporters await the results of the work you will undertake over the next two months. I am convinced that you are all more than equal to the task ahead, and will bring to bear your collective professionalism and impartiality”, Ambassador Kebede added.
Upon completion of its work, the IBC will present its recommendations to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. These recommendations will then be communicated immediately to the Parties.
ENDS
The fourth Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) meeting took place on Thursday 7 March 2019. Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge welcomed the participants, and said “I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved”, with particular reference to confidence building measures and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS.
The Interim Chairperson informed participants at the meeting that progress is being made by a number of agreement institutions and mechanisms. “The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations”, and that “the Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing,” he added.
Furthermore, the Joint Defence Board (JBD) has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge also reiterated his appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, having noted his “deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area.”
In his statement, the Interim Chairperson also noted ongoing challenges, making clear that a greater pace of progress is required, as well as meeting the challenge of a shortage of funding.
“Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation,” he concluded.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 19 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONVENES AN EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY; FOCUS ON FUNDING AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Tuesday convened in Juba an extraordinary meeting to discuss funding and other challenges facing the implementation of the revitalized Agreement during the pre-transitional period.
The convening of the meeting follows a resolution reached during the 3rdPlenary of the RJMEC, held last month.
The objective of this meeting was to discuss among other things, financial constraints and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the tasks and activities of the various agreement institutions and mechanisms, as well as to discuss ways forward.
The meeting also discussed plans and progress regarding cantonment, training, and the unification of forces and how to expedite the reconstitution of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission.
Speaking during the opening session of the extra-ordinary meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Over the course of the last few meetings, and in other consultations I have held with the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the issue of funding has loomed large in the discussions.”
“We are all aware that security is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional period, and therefore understanding the progress of cantonment in particular would be beneficial to all,” he added.
“Are the sites fully designated? What resources are needed for cantonment’s successful and timely completion?” he asked.
He reiterated that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) take a lead in mobilizing requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks.
In addition, he appealed to partners and friends of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Agreement.
He said, “the more implementation of the peace agreement is owned by the people and government of South Sudan, the greater the chances of its success.”
“I have been equally clear about security arrangements. Ensuring that all the security institutions and mechanisms function in harmony is of critical importance, not least because of the imminent need to unify the forces,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 13 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Be a pillar in South Sudan peace process, RJMEC tells media
Media practitioners must diligently work towards a free, impartial and responsible media industry, which “focuses on truth and fosters peace” in South Sudan, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking at a forum convened in Juba to mark this year’s World Radio Day on Wednesday, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said the media should “fully realize the objective of ensuring sustainable peace as well as economic growth and development in South Sudan.”
The forum, themed “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”, brought together representatives of radio stations and journalists in the country. The day is marked annually on 13 February.
“Among the major media outlets, radio has an important role to play in promoting confidence and peace building because of its wide reach and the diverse languages that programming is broadcast in,” Ambassador Kebede said.
“Radio as a medium provides a wider platform for people to solve problems and challenges that affect their livelihood. Discussions conducted in this manner provide a sense of belonging, dignity, and achievement,” he added.
Ambassador Kebede urged members of the media to be a “pillar in the process of building sustainable peace” by “increasing knowledge and awareness of public affairs, and in particular, the peace process.”
“By creating and broadcasting peace-themed radio programming, radio stations are able to ensure that as many members of the community as possible can contribute to the discussion,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of Agreement, the Chief of Staff said there has been willingness among the Parties to engage in dialogue, who have shown commitment to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“We must work together to ensure that confidence and peace building efforts bear more fruit and that the people of South Sudan feel part of the process.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 01 February 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Establishment of cantonment, training sites key for S. Sudan army unification, says RJMEC
Establishment of numbers, training sites and start dates of cantonment remains an essential step towards the effective unification of South Sudan security forces, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of a two-day workshop on Friday in Juba, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Declaring the numbers, locations and start dates of cantonment and training sites (for forces) is essential to be able to move forward to the next decisive phase of unification of forces.”
The workshop was convened on Thursday by RJMEC, and was attended by chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement.
The mechanisms established under Chapter II of the Agreement are the Joint Defence Board, the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, the Joint Transitional Security Committee and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board.
“The issue of training will become critical when unifying and sustaining the national South Sudanese defence and security forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) should therefore develop rigorous criteria for training,” Lt Gen Njoroge continued.
Yours is sensitive work, Ambassador Njoroge told members of the security mechanisms, “but vital aspects such as trust, truthfulness, and clarity of objectives were all debated (at the workshop) in a collegiate and professional manner.”
“I expect that your work will continue in this constructive way. The gaps and challenges that are common in tasks such as yours will be more easily overcome through discipline and continued cooperation.”
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