It is time to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan, said the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), as the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) came to a close on Wednesday May 23rd2018 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Speaking during the official closing ceremony of the Forum, JMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said, 

“We have heard the deep yearning for peace by all the people of South Sudan, which was so eloquently expressed in the voices of the representatives of the refugees here at the forum. We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.” 


Rather than continue on the destructive path of conflict, Ambassador Kebede said, I urge you to invest your energies to make the best use of your resources for the good of all the people of South Sudan.

“Time is no longer on your side and therefore you must not grow weary in your pursuits. At this point in time nothing is more important to the citizens of South Sudan than the realization of a lasting and comprehensive peace.”

“You must reaffirm your commitment, not only in word, but also by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country.” 


The Chief of Staff welcomed the signing of an addendum to the CoHA signed in December last year. The addendum fully operationalizes the CTSAMM Board, which is expected to enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties to the conflict.

The Continuation of Phase II of the Forum opened on Thursday May 17, 2018 and lasted for six days.