INAUGURAL SPEECH By H.E. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, the incoming RJMEC Interim Chairperson on the occasion of The Handover Ceremony for the Incoming Interim Chairperson of RJMEC 16 August 2020 Juba, South Sudan
Your Excellency Honourable Deng Dau Deng - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan
Your Excellency Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu – IGAD Executive Secretary
Your Excellency Gamal Goraish – Representative of the Chairperson of IGAD Your Excellency Dr. Ismail Wais – IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
Your Excellency Guang Cong – UNMISS DSRSG
Excellencies Ambassadors
Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge
Excellencies Representatives of the Parties
Stakeholders of the Peace Agreement
Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Adere – CTSAMVM Chairperson Distinguished Guests
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to start by offering my thanks to H.E. the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Government of South Sudan for the very warm welcome and reception I have so far received in this country. I also wish to take this very early opportunity to thank H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta for bestowing special trust and confidence in me by nominating me for this appointment. My gratitude and thanks also, to the IGAD Heads of State and Government for endorsing me as the Interim Chair of RJMEC.
I am honoured to be taking over from an accomplished General and diplomat and I would like to sincerely thank HE Amb Gen Njoroge for the detailed briefing and guidance that I received from him, as well as the RJMEC Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Advisers, and all staff of RJMEC in their various capacities.
I am taking over the responsibilities of the Interim Chair at a time when significant milestones have been achieved in the South Sudan peace process over the last four years due to your concerted efforts and sacrifice. It is my conviction that we have the resilience and zeal to build on this achievement and reinvigorate the implementation of the Agreement. I would like to assure you that RJMEC will continue to undertake its mandate and mission in the spirit of conviviality and a collegial atmosphere and; in this regard, I would wish to plead with all of you to provide me with the same level of support that you have been providing my predecessor.
I am coming from a military background and during my career, I was privileged to have served in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and Somalia (AMISOM). Both countries have undergone serious political and security challenges and share some similarities with South Sudan, since they are emerging from the devastating consequences of protracted conflict. It took IGAD mediation many years to achieve its first Somalia Transitional Charter. Comparatively, it took South Sudan a few years to agree on a Transitional Government of National Unity, which is a strong testament to the traditional dialogue and reconciliation spirit of the South Sudanese people, and particularly the contributions and sacrifices of women and the youth of South Sudan during these trying moments when South Sudan was undergoing these challenges.
History is replete with instances in which nations have drawn a curtain on a dark past of cyclical conflicts and civil strife despite formidable challenges; through a spirit of consensus, cooperation and collegiality. I believe that the framework of the Revitalised Agreement, provides a credible and fair basis and platform that lays the foundations of a sustainable peace to benefit the current and succeeding generations. The successful implementation of this agreement calls for our collective sacrifice and a consensus on the best options and approaches to make this nation peaceful and prosperous.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the very outset, I wish to recognize the outstanding contribution of the representatives of governments, international organizations, diplomatic community and the wider stakeholders who have been unwaveringly committed and continue to engage in the challenging undertaking of bringing about a genuinely inclusive and mutually negotiated political settlement to the crisis in South Sudan.
I also wish to pay special tribute to the representatives of governments and organizations whose support predates the current Agreement and whose critical contribution marked a turning point in the history of this country from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 which culminated in the independence of South Sudan and their subsequent support in 2015 and 2018 Agreements. Their immense contribution to the Revitalized Agreement and to RJMEC in particular, is indeed, remarkable.
I would like to point out the important roles played by our valued partners, the Troika, China, Japan, Canada, Sweden the EU, UNMSS, IGAD, AU and others. Recognizing that each of our organizations and institutions have unique expertise, instruments, and capacities, we therefore need to further integrate and harness our collective resources and potential, in order to leverage the situation in South Sudan.
As we may be aware, the peace process is undergoing a defining and testing phase, especially in light of the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic medical emergency, the recent locust invasion, and the current raging floods which compel us to galvanize continued and sustained support.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to once again convey my gratitude to H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit for creating an enabling environment for the Peace Process and for the significant progress registered so far. The recent positive and encouraging developments such as the appointment of state level governors, the continued holding of the Permanent Ceasefire between the Parties to the Agreement and the continued welcome compromises being made, which greatly impacts public trust and confidence; are indeed welcome as a way forward. However, more is needed as so much is to be accomplished in the Transitional Period.
On my part as the new Chair, I will endeavour to focus on giving strategic direction to the monitoring and evaluation mechanism, in overseeing the implementation of the Agreement within the procedural guidelines and mandate of RJMEC.
I commit myself to closely work with all of you and seek your guidance and support. RJMEC is committed to reach out to all stakeholders without exception and especially the wider constituency of the people of South Sudan as we jointly seek to oversee a successful implementation of the Revitalised Agreement as stipulated.
To my predecessor and mentor, I thank you for a job well done! As you walked through the sands of South Sudanese Peace Process, you have left a permanent and an indelible mark. You have earned your place in the pages of the history of this Country. I wish you every success in your future endeavours. May God Bless You, May God bless South Sudan.
I Thank You.