Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, January 23, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Unification of armed forces will be “a decisive milestone” for this Revitalized Agreement, says Interim JMEC Chairperson
As the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement approaches a crucial period, the disengagement, cantonment and unification of armed forces in the Republic of South Sudan will be a “decisive milestone”, the Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has said.
In a statement(READ FULL STATEMENT HERE) delivered during the opening of the 3rdPlenary of the reconstituted JMEC in Juba on Wednesday, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“It is very important that all the armed forces of South Sudan are unified. With the rapid approach of the Transitional period, their unification will be a decisive milestone for this agreement, which is why no effort should be spared in achieving this.”
He added, “I expect that the work of the security institutions and mechanisms will quickly gather momentum, and that practical steps shall be taken to expedite the disengagement, cantonment and unification of forces.”
On mobilization of resources to support an “uninterrupted” implementation of the agreement, Ambassador Njoroge said,
“It is (for) the National Pre-transitional Committee and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU)to take the lead in mobilizing all requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support the other mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks without delay.”
“We continue our outreach to the donor community in the search for funds to support implementation, and we reiterate our heartfelt thanks for those who have already made contributions, be it financially or in–kind,” he said.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 20 December 2018, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONDEMNS ASSAULT ON CTSAMVM TEAM IN LURI
RJMEC strongly condemns the assault on the CTSAMVM team in the area of Luri Training Center on 18 December 2018. Three international members of CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Team and their driver were denied access to the Luri Training Centre and they were arbitrarily detained, robbed of their money and valuables, blinded folded , handcuffed and physically assaulted by members of the National Security Service.
The assault on the team incuding a female member is appalling and unacceptable. The anger and disappointment this incident provokes is compounded by the fact it is entirely contrary to the letter and spirit of the hard-won peace agreement upon which so many South Sudanese people are relying.
It goes without saying that the work of CTSAMVM is critical for the success of the peace agreement. It is a mechanism consisting of brave and committed South Sudanese and international staff who monitor and verify that the ceasefire is holding and the transitional security arrangements are proceeding as required. Without CTSAMVM’s vital and constructive service, we would lack the facts needed to be able to talk of peace in South Sudan.
We expect that a full and transparent investigation is conducted immediately by the Government, and that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. We also expect that the Government will take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such kinds of violations as the South Sudan’s peace continues to take root. We honour the ongoing bravery and commitment of CTSAMVM by refusing to allow this incident to shake our commitment to peace in South Sudan.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 12 December 2018, Juba, South Sudan
RECONSTITUTED JMEC SECOND PLENARY HELD IN JUBA
The second Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Plenary took place on Wednesday 12 December 2018. Following the reconstitution of JMEC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month, it was commendable that Juba was the venue for this Plenary.
Interim Chairperson Lt. Gen Ambassador Njoroge welcomed the Plenary participants, telling them that “ending the suffering of the people of South Sudan is not a soundbite to be repeated endlessly – it is the most legitimate goal we aspire to.”
The general progress and momentum of the implementation of the Peace Agreement was appreciated throughout the day. The role of the National Pre–Transitional Committee (NPTC) was emphasized, with the Interim Chairperson describing it as “an institution from which much is expected and will require our collective support.”
There was also commendable progress reported on the establishment or reconstitution of all the transitional security arrangement mechanisms, which met for the first time in Khartoum at the end of November to take the initial steps of their work.
Interim Chairperson Njoroge added: “I cannot stress enough the importance of these security institutions, especially the Joint Defence Board (JDB). While meeting within the confines of Juba or another regional capital is one thing, the complete silencing of guns throughout the entire country is needed for us to be able to talk of sustainable peace.”
The Interim Chairman closed his statement with his hopes and expectations for the coming period. He said: “The establishment and operationalization of the different agreement institutions and mechanisms should be expedited and completed without delay. I expect that we will commence the New Year at full capacity and use every single day to compensate for lost time.”
It is also the hope of the Interim Chairperson that the cases of alleged rape in Benitu are investigated by the government and CTSAMVM and that the perpetrators are brought to swift justice.
In his final remark in his statement, the Interim Chairperson appealed to the participants. “Christmas is a season for goodwill, and I call upon all Parties to continue reaching out to one another, engage in more confidence building measures, and I also appeal for any prisoners of war and political detainees not yet released to be freed.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, December 5, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC APPALLED BY REPORTS OF RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN BENTIU
JMEC is extremely saddened and outraged by the reports of rape and sexual assaults against women and girls, which allegedly occurred at Bentiu town, Rubkona County, in Unity State, between the dates of 19 and 29 November 2018.
These allegations are being investigated by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM). According to their preliminary investigation status report submitted to JMEC yesterday, they have confirmed that the alleged incidents occurred south of Bentiu town in the areas between NHIALDIU and BENTIU, THIL and PADAI road and Bentiu town to GUIT.
JMEC strongly condemns this brutal and horrendous attack on defenceless women and girls on their way to relief centres which was reportedly carried out by hooded men in uniform.
While CTSAMVM continues to carry out full investigations, JMEC calls upon the government to conduct a speedy, transparent and timely investigation into the attacks and apprehend the perpetrators and hold them to account and urge that CTSAMVM be given full access and support to complete its investigations.
The hard-won peace agreement in South Sudan remains the best chance for long-lasting peace to end the suffering of the people.
All steps must therefore, be taken to ensure its sanctity is protected and violations are dealt with by the full application of the law.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, November 28, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
NCAC concludes deliberations to incorporate Revitalised Agreement into South Sudan’s transitional Constitution
The reconstituted National Constitution and Amendment Committee (NCAC) has on Wednesday completed its deliberations on the incorporation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) 2011 (as amended).
The Committee has been sitting in the South Sudan capital, Juba since November 5, 2018.
The meetings were attended by representatives of all the Parties in the reconstituted committee, including women, youth and civil society.
Representatives of the SPLM-IO and South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) travelled from outside the country to participate in this phase.
“This is a welcome indicator of trust-building in the peace process,” said NCAC Chairperson, Gichira Kibara.
During this period, the Committee deliberated on all the provisions of the Agreement, reached consensus on all issues and drafted the Bill to incorporate the Agreement into the transitional Constitution.
The Committee has however, deferred the issue of the description of the system of government during the pre-transitional and transition periods to the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to facilitate consensus among the parties on the issue after which the provisions relating to system of governance will be amended or retained accordingly.
The next phase of the Committee’s work, which commences in December 2018, Mr. Kibara said, involves the amendment of security laws to conform to the Agreement.
“Members of the Committee have worked well as a team and the Committee is committed to completing its mandate within the times provided in the Agreement despite the late start of its work,” he added.
According to Article 1.18.1 of the Revitalised Agreement, the NCAC is expected to draft and complete a Constitutional Amendment Bill, and incorporate it into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday 27 November, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC welcomes the launch of South Sudan’s National Development Strategy (NDS)
The reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has lauded the launch of South Sudan’s National Development Strategy (NDS) on Tuesday.
Welcoming the launch of the three-year broad medium-term strategy for development in Juba, the Interim Chairperson of JMEC, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, who also attended the launch at Freedom Hall, said.
“By launching the strategy, the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) is fulfilling a central requirement in Chapter IV of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”
“Additionally, the implementation of the other provisions of Chapter IV of the revitilised agreement will make the development strategy into a more effective instrument in reaching the country’s development targets,” he stated.
“The transitional government has come a long way in stabilizing the economy during the last two years. The exchange rate has come down and stabilised from the beginning of this financial year. Inflation is also coming down. The big challenge now is to lock in these gains when starting to confront the many development challenges ahead,” he added.
South Sudan is facing daunting challenges in restoring stability, Ambassador Njoroge said, in “facilitating the return of refugees and IDPs, restoring social services and rebuilding infrastructure, to meet the longer-term aspirations of the people of South Sudan.”
Effective implementation of these reforms, he said, will contribute more transparency in decision-making, better accountability as a bulwark against corruption, and a more effective governance system.
“These measures will help build trust and ensure an inflow of foreign direct investment,” he added.
Ambassador Njoroge noted that the JMEC leadership and advisers look forward to work with South Sudanese focal institutions to ensure the required synergy between the implementation of the national development strategy and the revitilised agreement.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday 22 November 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Report factually and seek to promote cohesion and unity among citizens, South Sudan media asked
The media in South Sudan must ensure that they not only seek to report factually but also promote cohesion and unity among citizens, the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop in Juba on Thursday in collaboration with UNESCO and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), the reconstituted JMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“As the media, you have an important role to play in helping the people of South Sudan to understand the Agreement through your reporting. Your being here today is a demonstration that you, members of media, are also ready to be part of this journey to lasting peace."
“It is your responsibility to keep the citizens informed which in turn will enable them to unite and together push for the implementation of the Agreement,” Ambassador Njoroge added.
Further, Ambassador Njoroge expressed optimism that the Parties, stakeholders and the people of South Sudan will implement the revitalized peace agreement.
“I am greatly encouraged by the demonstrable political will of the Parties to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement both in letter and spirit. So far, the signs are good, and there is momentum – but we must keep our efforts up,” he said.
The workshop themed “Towards Effective and Constructive Reporting of the R-ARCSS” brought together 50 journalists in South Sudan.
The JMEC Interim Chairman noted that some commendable progress has been made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, within the prescribed timeline including:
a. Ratification of the Revitalized Agreement by the Parties;
b. Nominations by the Parties and stakeholders of their representatives to various institutions and mechanisms;
c. Establishment and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
“These are just a few building blocks of peace in South Sudan. But peace is a much broader concept requiring a constructive approach that reaches right across the country, and this is where you can help,” he said.
“I urge you to support all the Parties to the R-ARCSS and stakeholders and work alongside them in pursuing the common goal of having a peaceful country where its people live in safety and dignity.”
ENDS
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE OFFICES OF JMEC AND IGAD
Tuesday, 20, November, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission reconstituted
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) was reconstituted at a meeting convened on Monday 19 November 2018 by H.E. Dr Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan.
The Special Envoy commended the IGAD Council of Ministers for their support of the Revitalized Peace Agreement as well as the Government of South Sudan and the Parties for their commitment to the peace process.
JMEC Interim Chairman Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge told the members of the reconstituted JMEC: “This august body is now reconstituted, made more inclusive, and bestowed with significant power and responsibility to monitor the Parties’ and stakeholders’ adherence to the implementation of the revitalized Peace Agreement. I can assert that we have the attention of the region as well as the people of South Sudan, and we must do our utmost to deliver.”
The meeting was attended by the Parties to the Agreement and other stakeholders, comprised of faith-based leaders, eminent personalities, and representatives of women’s groups, the business community, civil society, youth, and academia. Also present were the Regional Guarantors and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan.
The reconstituted JMEC resolved as follows:
• Welcomed the reconstitution of the reconstituted JMEC by IGAD and expressed deep appreciation to H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan for his personal contribution that led to the success of the revitalization process;
• Congratulated the Interim Chairman Ambassador Lt. Gen. and all the representatives nominated to the reconstituted JMEC;
• Endorsed the statement of the reconstituted JMEC Interim Chairperson on the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement;
• Commended the Parties for the positive steps taken in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, in particular nominations of representatives to the various institutions and mechanisms of the Peace Agreement and for the ongoing confidence building, and encouraged further progress;
• Endorsed the reconstituted JMEC Rules of Procedure 2018;
• Took note of the reports of the UNMISS, National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) and Ceasefire and Transition Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and thanked the SGSR H.E Mustafa, and the Chairperson of NCAC Mr. Gichira Kibara for the good work and called for the immediate implementation of their recommendations;
• Called upon all parties and stakeholders to observe the permanent ceasefire in all parts of the country without exception and to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access;
• Commended the outgoing Chairperson of CTSAMVM Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Abduljelill for his contribution to the peace process in his tenure and welcomed the new CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen. Desta Abiche;
• Appealed to the international partners and friends of South Sudan to support implementation of the Pre-Transitional activities of the Revitalized Peace Agreement;
• Called upon the IGAD Office of the Special Envoy to ensure the immediate establishment of the Joint Defense Board, International Boundaries Commission and Technical Boundaries Committee;
• That next reconstituted JMEC meeting should be convened on 12th December 2018 in Juba.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) yesterday met with the leadership of South Sudanese Opposition Alliance (SSOA) to discuss their membership and composition of the Joint Defence Board (JDB).
The meeting was convened by JMEC and attended by officials from the Office of the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. The meeting followed a disagreement within the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) on the correct interpretation of Article 2.4.2 of the R-ACRSS 2018 on nominations to the JDB.
In discussions led by JMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge, the SSOA leader H.E. Gabriel Changson Chang and his fellow-members of the Alliance reached a common understanding.
The Chairperson Lt. Gen. Njoroge said: “It was encouraging to see the spirit of openness and cooperation we had at this meeting. SSOA showed their unwavering support for the agreement, and were prepared to be flexible to abide by our impartial interpretation of provisions of the revitalized agreement.”
The SSOA’s membership nominees to the JDB will be duly submitted to JMEC without delay, now that all outstanding issues surrounding the matter have been cleared up.
“The matter of security is essential in the ongoing implementation of the revitalized agreement, and today was a measure of how seriously SSOA takes it. For the part of JMEC, we are pleased to continue in our role of facilitating wherever we can, to ensure implementation continues without undue delay,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) held its first working meeting at JMEC offices in Juba on Monday, 5 November. The meeting was attended by representatives of all the parties in the reconstituted committee, including members of all the parties, women, youth and civil society. JMEC commends that representatives of the SPLM-IO and SSOA travelled from outside the country to attend. This is a welcome indicator of trust-building.
The NCAC is scheduled to meet continuously in Juba for the next three weeks. Its work is critical in laying the legal framework for the pre-transitional and transitional reforms. NCAC is mandated to incorporate the revitalized agreement into the transitional constitution, review security, political parties and election laws among other things.
Yesterday’s meeting followed the inaugural meeting in Khartoum on 22 October 2018, during which the modalities of NCAC’s work were discussed and a tentative schedule agreed on for the incorporation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) 2011 (Amended) 2018.
NCAC Chairman Gichara Kibara said: “The Committee’s meeting went well. This is indeed a positive and encouraging start to the work of the reconstituted Committee as we embark on undertaking our very critical role. We look forward to fruitful deliberations and we are optimistic that we will be able to achieve this important task.”
The members of the committee are as follows: representatives of IGAD: two (2) - Chair and Deputy Chair; TGoNU: five; SPLM/A-IO: two; SSOA: one; FDs: one; Other Political Parties (OPP): one; Civil Society: one; Women: one; and Youth: one.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, November 1, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
The coming together of key parties to the R-ARCSS signals continued hope for peace implementation
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) takes this opportunity to applaud the people and leaders of the Republic of South Sudan for conducting successful peace celebrations on Wednesday at John Garang Mausoleum.
For the people of South Sudan, the region and the international community, the day will live long in the memory as it was a huge public demonstration of continued hope for reconciliation, and a permanent end to the longstanding conflict in the country.
That key opposition leaders came to Juba after a long absence and shared a podium in a spirit of compromise and national solidarity is a public signal that the much-needed building of trust and inclusive implementation of the agreement is underway.
JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said: “The faces of the thousands of jubilant South Sudanese from all walks of life who attended the event showed optimism and hope, and they also have an expectation that their leaders will give it their all to implement peace.”
The announcement to release more political prisoners and the call to open humanitarian access routes and allow free movement of people are important indicators that the parties are willing and able to make a compromise.
“The signing of the agreement in September was not forced upon the parties – it was an act of compromise and leadership. We at JMEC are hopeful for the future, though we do not underestimate the task ahead. We will do everything we can to support the process, and expect all other stakeholders to do the same,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.
As mandated by the R-ARCSS, JMEC works closely with all political stakeholders in the country, as well as with regional and international partners, for an inclusive, impartial and honest implementation of the peace agreement.
ENDS