The Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan—James Wani Igga ; The UN Deputy SRSG- Mr Moustapha Soumare

The Chairperson of the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission-  Chuol Rambang Luoth; Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning! I bring you greetings on behalf of our Chairman His Excellency Festus Mogae.

1. It is an honor to address you all gathered here today as we celebrate the International Day of Peace. 

2. Indeed, this day is very timely as we have in recent weeks witnessed the beginning of a new chapter, a renewed opportunity for building lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.

3. It has been more than 15 months since the start of the revitalization process, which brought together parties to the Peace Agreement and other estranged groups in pursuing dialogue to end the ongoing conflict. 

4. The Process has come a long way, starting from our internal deliberations within JMEC, which resulted in the Chairman recommending to the IGAD Council of Ministers the revitalization of the ARCSS. It is our hope that we can finally see an end to the conflict; one which has undoubtedly divided and destroyed the country. 

5. We are confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things. 

6.  We in JMEC are optimistic at this opportunity that has been presented to the People of South Sudan to find lasting peace and emerge from years of conflict to a liberated future.

7. Let’s be clear, there is still a lot of hard work to be done both during the pre-transition and transition periods to make the dream of Peace a lasting reality. This includes but is not limited to the setting up of key Agreement Institutions, the freeing of prisoners of war, cantonment of forces, and the building of a new national army.

8. Now is the time for all the parties to recommit themselves with the same vigor and energy shown during the negotiations to the difficult implementation tasks that lie ahead. The long suffering people of South Sudan deserves no less of a commitment from their leaders.

9. The people long weary of the conflict appear to have thrown their support behind the revitalized agreement. They therefore should not be dissapointed.

10. It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict. 

11. This must necessarily involve taking swift punitive action against any and all spoilers and violators of the Peace Agreement. 

12. The Parties should know that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment this time around. 

13. The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!

14. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict. 

15. When the country suffers, we are all affected. When the economy struggles to support an already stretched population, we are all affected. 

16. When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us. 

17. We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity.  

18. So let me encourage all of you to take up the responsibility of being an ambassador of peace to everyone that you meet. Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us. 

19. JMEC for its part reiterate its commitment to fully discharge our mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate implementation of the Reviltalised Agreement.    

20. To that end we seek the support of all the stakeholders to work together in pursuing our common goals of having a country unburdened by war and conflict, and contributing to the advancement of a proud and prosperous South Sudan.

God bless you all, God bless the people of South Sudan, 

Thank you very much