Your Excellency, Dr Abiy Ahmed, Chairperson of IGAD and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of IGAD;
Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the AU Commission;
Your Excellency, the Executive Secretary of IGAD;
Honorable Ministers;
Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
1. It is my singular honor to address this august body today. This Summit, is particularly important for me, personally, for three main reasons.
a. Firstly, today we are coming to the conclusion of the High-Level Revitalization Forum;
b. Secondly, today will be my last address to your excellencies as the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC);
c. Third, and most importantly, today we hope to begin a new chapter, a renewed opportunity for building lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
2. As we come to the conclusion of the High-Level Revitalization Forum, allow me to start by congratulating the South Sudanese Parties and Stakeholders, who have been involved in this process for the last fifteen (15) months.
3. Allow me also, to commend the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the High-Level Facilitators, and the Mediators of the Khartoum phase of the HLRF, for their role and contribution that has made this process a success.
4. In particular, I want to acknowledge the contribution of my staff, the JMEC members of the HLRF taskforce, without whom this progress may not have been achieved as timeously as has been the case.
5. The HLRF process has come a long way, starting from our internal deliberations within JMEC culminating in my recommendation and the historic decision taken, by this Assembly during its 31st Extra-Ordinary Summit on 12th June 2017 to convene the Forum.
6. This process has taken us to different capitals of the region and beyond, and has endured many challenges, but most importantly it has registered remarkable successes, notably;
a. the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (CoHA) signed in December 2017 here in Addis Ababa;
b. the various agreed texts, initialed by the Parties here in Addis Ababa;
c. the different bridging proposals developed by the Facilitators, that helped the parties to narrow areas of disagreement;
d. the face-to-face meetings between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar held here in Addis Ababa, at Khartoum and at Entebbe;
e. the Khartoum Declaration of Permanent Ceasefire, of June 27, 2018;
f. the agreements on the outstanding governance and security arrangements signed in Khartoum; and
g. finally, the revitalized ARCSS initialed in Khartoum on August 28, 2018.
7. It important to underline that the HLRF process has afforded all the parties and stakeholders every opportunity, to make their case and reach compromises. The outcome we are witnessing today is therefore a reflection of a thorough and inclusive process.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. On a personal note, I believe that by now, your Excellencies have received my letter of intention to step down as the Chairperson of JMEC at the end of this month. I do so with a sense of gratitude and indebtedness to you, but also of pride.
9. I am proud of the many challenges we collectively overcame as JMEC members in discharging our mandate over the last two years and eight months.
10. When I was appointed Chairperson of JMEC in November 2015, I was excited because I saw it as an opportunity to make a contribution, however modest, to help this youngest African nation to end what is clearly a senseless conflict, and to work with them to build a lasting peace.
11. My understanding was that, having signed the Agreement the parties were committed to peace, and were willing to implement the agreement.
12. My role, as I understood then, would be to monitor, evaluate, report on progress or lack thereof to IGAD, AU and UN Security Council, and recommend remedial measures to the implementer - the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). But I was wrong.
13. From day one, I found myself having to mediate between the Parties and persuade and cajole them to implement every single provision of the Agreement, sometimes involving fresh negotiations. There was also a mistaken impression on the part of some, that I was to enforce the implementation of the Agreement.
14. Nonetheless, some progress was made, particularly in establishing institutions which will form a foundation for the implementation of the revitalized Agreement.
15. I am also proud, that we recommended the revitalization of the ARCSS 2015 and today we conclude with a more inclusive peace agreement. This revitalized agreement, if fully implemented, promises sustainable peace and prosperity in the Republic of South Sudan.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. I owe much gratitude to your Excellencies, the leaders of IGAD for entrusting me with this noble responsibility, and for the trust and confidence reposed on me and support extended during my time as JMEC Chairperson.
17. I am also very grateful to all JMEC members, the regional and international partners and friends of JMEC, for their support and cooperation.
18. In addition, I thank the JMEC staff and secretariat, including the partners supporting JMECs operations and logistics, for making my work possible.
19. I leave behind a viable JMEC Secretariat, well-equipped and poised, to effectively discharge its responsibility. This has been demonstrated by their role as the core of the Special Envoy’s Task Force for the High Level Revitalization Forum.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
20. As I conclude, it is my earnest hope that the signing of the revitalized peace agreement will herald a new chapter for the Republic of South Sudan.
21. With a bent knee and cap-in-hand, I appeal to my South Sudanese brothers and sisters, especially the leadership of the Parties, not to squander this opportunity again.
I Thank you.
Representatives from Journalist for Human Rights,
Members of the Fourth Estate,
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good afternoon!
Let me begin by congratulating all of you for attending this workshop designed to provide you, members of the media with a forum to discuss the ongoing Revitalization process of the ARCSS.
I hope that these two days have given you an opportunity to hear the facts as opposed to opinions and anecdotes. I hope too that you have been provided with the tools to carry out your vital role as the members of the Fourth Estate, to speak to and for the people and tell the truth.
Even as I address you today, the process of revitalizing the ARCSS is proceeding, one step at a time, reaching yet more important milestones since it begun in December 2017.
Substantial progress has been made and continues to be achieved in Khartoum, on outstanding issues concerning Governance, Security and responsibility sharing. The Parties have agreed on representation of women at the highest level. Of the proposed four Vice Presidents, one will be a Woman. Women will also make up thirty- five percent of the National Executive. This is indeed encouraging, that women can play an integral role in the peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan.
I am convinced that the Parties to the conflict will build on this progress, adhere to the signed Agreements and give prominence to the promotion of peace and reconciliation of the peace process.
The Regional Community, the International Community, the Government and people of South Sudan, must not let up for one moment on the progress we have achieved these last months. We must support every effort the government and the people have now taken in the effort of rebuilding this country for future posterity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We need to continue the dialogue on peace, reaching out to communities to explain the facts of the peace process, discover what they know and dispel rumours and untruths. We must encourage the people to talk about their experiences, fears and expectations. Inclusivity is not simply all the Parties to the Conflict; it is about all the people of South Sudan, rich and poor, young and old alike.
There will be no long term peace without reconciliation and inter- communal integration. In Your reporting, you must be able to ask; What does that mean to a simple woman who has lost her children or to young men who have never known a life without fighting? How will the people come to terms with the awful damage that has afflicted the country for the past five years?
I believe the answers lie with two elements of society, the youth and women. Looking around the hall, I can see that both are well represented here today. I am told that you are also an enthusiastic and questioning audience. It is heartening that we have a media in this country that is adventurous and brave despite the challenges that you face in your profession. A free and open media is vital to any democracy and South Sudan is no exception.
Impartial, fact-based reporting underpins democracy, and ensures transparency in the institutions of government. It encourages the people to question the authorities and seek the truth, for without truth there is no trust.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I hope that these two days have in a way provided the skills and knowledge essential to your vital task of shining the light on the Peace Process, enabling you to explain in layman’s terms the complicated and arcane language of politics and diplomacy.
I urge you to establish and adhere to a level of objective truth and avoid the modern trend of appealing to emotions. Your task is even harder in the era of social media when almost anything can be said and circulated on social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp and others and be taken for the gospel truth.
I wish all of you the best of luck in your chosen profession, knowing that you have not taken an easy path in life and that your task is vital to the future of this wonderful young country South Sudan.
Finally, I want to thank Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) for partnering with us JMEC in convening this workshop, and to thank all of you for your very active participation.
With these few remarks, it is my pleasure to now declare this workshop officially closed.
God bless You all and may He Bless all the people of South Sudan.
Thank you very much!
The Representative of the Media Authority,
The Representatives from Journalists for Human Rights,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the press,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
Allow me at the outset to start by extending warm greetings from His Excellency Festus Mogae, the chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and from the entire leadership of the Commission.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) for partnering with JMEC in convening this workshop which I consider to be instrumental for you as representatives of the different media outlets understand your role, in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and inclusive governance in the South Sudan.
As you all know, the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement was undermined by the events of July 2016 and the subsequent expansion of the conflict within South Sudan. New political and military groups emerged and the fighting in the country covered large areas. Additionally, some agreement parties left Juba. As a result of these developments, implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) was severely compromised both in letter and spirit. JMEC’s evaluation and monitoring reports throughout 2016 captured this sad state of affairs.
Consequently, President Festus Mogae made a recommendation to IGAD to urgently consider measures to get the implementation of the ARCSS back on track. IGAD Heads of State then decided to convene a High Level Revitalization Forum on the 2015 agreement.
The HLRF initiative drew its mandate from the IGAD 31stSummit of the Heads states and governments held on 12th June 2017 in Addis Ababa. The process was spear headed by the IGAD Council of Ministers with facilitation by the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Dr. Ismail Wais, and his task force composed of Advisors from JMEC and the IGAD Secretariat.
The cardinal objectives of the HLRF were:
1. Restore the permanent ceasefire,
2. Return to full implementation of the Peace Agreement and
3. Develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule towards democratic elections at the end of the transition period;
Ladies and gentlemen,
As you may be aware, the HLRF has achieved important milestones since its commencement in December of 2017, in Addis Ababa. The Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access was signed on 21st December 2017. Progress was made incrementally on the revitalization of Chapter 1 and 2 of the Agreement and during the Khartoum round of negotiations, agreement was reached on outstanding issues on Security and responsibility sharing.
Ladies and gentlemen and the representatives of the press,
It is our earnest hope that peace will be restored fully to South Sudan and that the fully revitalized Peace Agreement will be comprehensively implemented by the Parties. It is also our expectation that following the signing of the revitalized agreement, the millions of internally displaced South Sudanese and refugees will voluntarily return to their homes and fully participate in the reconstruction of their country.
We at JMEC remain optimistic that at this point in time that parties to the conflict will demonstrate absolute determination and political commitment to bring lasting peace to their motherland, South Sudan and work relentlessly for the peaceful integration of divided communities.
Your coverage of the conflict and the peace process in your various media platforms could be described as double-edged. History shows the media can fuel wars and turn communities against each other. Equally, the media can be agents of peace and reconciliation, counter hate speech, fight impunity and uphold supremacy of the law.
Members of the press,
JMEC calls on you to play a critical role in this endeavour. We urge you to; promote cohesion; build brotherhood and good neighborliness. JMEC wants you to be part of the solution, not part of the problem and above all, hold the signatories of these Agreements accountable. Remind them that South Sudan and indeed the world are watching. Violators of the signed agreements must be known, exposed and held accountable. Only then will the trust of the people in the political leaders be regained and true inclusivity achieved.
I would like to seize this opportunity to urge the government and the opposition to keep the momentum of constructive political engagement that we have so far witnessed during the HLRF process and to bring about lasting peace to South Sudan, which is blessed with huge natural resources and an active population. This window of opportunity which is pivotal to bring South Sudan out of the conflict should not be wasted.
Let the South Sudanese Political actors with the support of the region and the international community say enough is enough to the conflict and lay the foundation for the emergence of South Sudan that enjoys its proper place in the Regional and International arena.
It is my hope, and that of JMEC, that this workshop will strengthen the vital role of the media in the peace-building process in the country.
With these brief remarks, I now declare this workshop officially open.
May God bless you and the people of South Sudan.
Thank you very much.
Dear Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good afternoon!
Let me start by congratulating all the participants who attended this very important orientation workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS), the High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF), and the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH). I have been fully briefed on the presentations and the fruitful deliberations that you have had as well as the interactive sessions.
I am also informed that the discussions you held have enabled you to know ways and opportunities in which you can now engage in the South Sudan Peace process going forward, in a more inclusive and participatory way.
So much ground has been covered since the Revitalization process begun. This is indeed encouraging. JMEC continues to urge the Parties in the conflict to embrace the spirit of compromise and to resolve all the outstanding issues. It is critical for allparties to fully abide by the Agreements they have signed to date, including to the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access of December 2017 (ACoH) and particularly refrain from all acts of violence.
Above all, you the young people, should be the social capital, the vanguard and a force for good. The Youth in this country must rally around a common goal, set better standards, educate the population on their rights and responsibilities and continue to agitate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict that has continued for far too long.
The achievement of peace in South Sudan is a collective process. We must all make the decision that the conflict, and especially the senseless killings need to stop and say Enough is enough.
Remember however that, all wars must end in peace. Let all of you as South Sudanese all find in your hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild your mother land. As the youth, the future belongs to you more than any other social group. Now that you are more educated on what is at stake, you have been empowered to participate in bringing peace to your country South Sudan in a more informed way and I therefore wish you good luck.
With these few remarks, I declare this orientation workshop closed.
Thank you very much and May God Bless you.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
1. On the onset, let me extend greetings and best wishes from the leadership at JMEC Secretariat with special greetings from our Chairperson, His Excellency, Festus Mogae.
2. Let me take this opportunity to thank the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, for the tremendous work you have been involved in, in promoting peaceful coexistence among communities in South Sudan; specifically amongst the youth. Secondly, allow me to extend my appreciation for partnering with the Commision in convening this very important workshop themed “Peace in Time: Creating awareness for the Youth on the South Sudan Peace Process”.
3. Indeed, information and awareness about the content and procedures of the Peace process, including all the agreements that have emanated from it, is crucial in enabling effective participation among the South Sudanese population, of which all of you, gathered here today, are important stakeholders.
4. Regrettably, the Peace process in this country has not been without challenges. Today, we are still being confronted by increased hostilities amongst the different Parties and flagrant violations of the permanent ceasefire. The continuously deteriorating political, security, humanitarian and economic situation in the country has caused unprecedented displacement, famine and economic meltdown.
5. The impact of the war on the civilian population is deeply disheartening. We in the JMEC, particulary deeply regret the killing of civilains, sexual violence against women, the displacement of children, the elderly and disabled persons as evidenced in the UNMISS and United Nations Human Rights report released recently. We strongly condemn any acts of violence on civilian population and remind the parties to respect the spirit and fully commit to the letter and spirit of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed by all Parties to the conflict in 21st December last year
6. Notably, the economic situation continues to worsen as evidenced by rising prices and high inflation levels. The effects of the war are putting more pressure on an already fragile economy and causing more despair amongst the South Sudanese population.
7. Despite all these setbacks, we continue to urge you all to play your part in positively engaging in the peace process. I call on all of you here to be the front-runners in promoting peace in the country.
8. It is my sincere hope and that of JMEC Secretariat that this workshop will not only equip you with the information you need in this quest, but will also strengthen your role in contributing to the revitalization’s intended outcomes of restoring inclusive implementation of the Peace Agreement, the Permanent Ceasefire in search for sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you very much. Good bless you.
Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers;
Honorable Ministers, Members of the Council;
IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan;
Your Excellencies Ambassadors;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
1. I thank you very much for this opportunity to address the Council.
2. I thank the Chairperson, IGAD Council of Ministers and Council members, for the leadership and dedication exhibited in the revitalisation process. The people of South Sudan, the region and indeed, the international community very much appreciate your efforts.
3. I further commend H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, for his unwavering commitment steering the HLRF process.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
4. Next month, on June 12th, we shall mark one year since the revitalization mandate was given. There is no doubt that significant grounds have been covered.
5. For the first time since July 2016, all the warrying factions in South Sudan are around the table and pursuing dialogue to end their protracted conflict.
6. This is a big milestone for which we must all appreciate the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government for their decision.
7. Todate, we have a comprehensive Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitrain Access to which the parties recently recommitted themselves, and we are working closely with CTSAMM to ensure it’s fully implemented. We now have a CTSAMM Board fully reconstituted.
8. Furthermore, the Parties have agreed on the mandate for the revitalized transitional government. They have agreed on a transitional period of 30 months to be preceeded by 120 days’ pre-transition period.
9. They have also agreed on a range of judicial and institutional reforms, on national elections, and some provisions on security arrangments which have all been initialed. This is commendable.
10. However, as we have just heard from Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, there are a few areas of contention for which the parties have failed to make progress.
11. This Council’s meeting today is therefore very timely and critical. The Council should reflect on the process so far, and determine how best to help the South Sudanese parties to overcome the current stalemate and to bring the HLRF to a successful conclusion.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
12. The people of South Sudan are yearning for peace now. They are tired of this senseless conflict and cannot afford endless talks without economic recovery and redress to the dire humanitarian situation.
13. I therefore commend the Council for its leadership and decision to put to the Parties a very well considered and thoughtful Bridging Proposal to help them narrow the gaps and make progress towards an agreement.
14. I hope that our South Sudanese brothers and sisters will understand that this bridging proposal was developed upon their own request, and after every opportunity had been given to them to make compromises and reach some form of consensus.
15. Ultimately, it is obvious that non of the parties may be celebrating because such is the nature of dialogue - no one party can get one hundred percent of what they want in a negotiation.
16. Perhaps this is even the more reason to take this bridging proposal as the middle ground in the parties current negotiating positions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
17. In conclusion, I continue to appeal to the Council to remain resolute, speak with one voice, and to prevail over the intransigent parties to make compromises and accommodate one another.
18. I reiterate my concern over the persistent violations of the Cesssation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed on 21stDecember 2017 by some of the parties with total impunity, and I urge the Council to take necessary steps to hold spoilers accountable.
19. Finally, I thank all JMEC members, our regional and international partners and friends of South Sudan, for their continued support and commitement to the restoration of peace in South Sudan.
Thank you.
CLOSING STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR BERHANU KEBEDE
CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
AT THE END OF PHASE II OF THE HIGH-LEVEL REVITALIZATION FOURM
Wednesday, 23MAY 2018 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
H.E Chairperson, IGAD Council of Ministers H.E Dr. Mousa Faki, Chairperson African Union Commission H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Your Excellencies, Heads of Delegation, Distinguished Participants Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Excellency,
1. On behalf of our JMEC Chairman His Excellency Festus Mogae it is my privilege to address you all on the final day of the Forum.
2. I wish to take this opportunity to commend the IGAD Council of Ministers, for coming up with their concrete proposals aimed at bridging the gap between the parties, their continued leadership and tireless efforts pursuant to the revitalisation mandate.
3. I wish also to commend H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, for his resolute commitment towards a successful outcome of this process.
4. I further commend the South Sudan Council of Churches for their determined efforts to bring all the parties closer to the realization of peace.
5.Finally let me again thank the African Union, the United Nations, TROIKA, China, European Union, and all our interntional partners and friends of South Sudan for their unwavering support to the Forum and to the people of South Sudan.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Last week as we reconvened for this phase of the revitalization, the JMEC Chairman expressed his firm belief that you would be able to overcome all the outstanding issues, if you put the interest of the country first. While we may not have fully succeeded in acheiving our goal this time, I must continue to stress the need for compromise in the pursuit of lasting peace.
7. It is time to end the suffering. You heard for yourselves 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. We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.
8. Rather than continue on the destructive path of conflict, I urge you to invest your energy to make the best use of your resources for the good of all the people of South Sudan. To this end, you must reafirm your commitment, not only in word, but by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country.
9. In this regard, we welcome the signing of the addendum to the CoHA 2017 which fully operationalizes the CTSAMM Board, in an inclusive manner, and which will enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. Make no mistake this past week will be remembered as one in which you all stood together with the support of the regional and international partners. However, many will be dissapointed that full agreement was not reached. Consequently, you have to continue working together in the best interest of your country.
11. You must therefore go the extra mile and reaffirm your commitment to this most noble of ideals the realization of lasting peace. Under these circumstances, the bridging proposals submitted by the IGAD Council provide the best opportunity to accommodate each other through compromise and realise your ultimate objective of sustainable peace.
12. Even as we leave this venue let us be reminded that this is a journey yet to be completed. 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. Therefore, through your actions in the days and weeks ahead give them the assurance that you will not relent until and unless peace becomes a reality.
13. In closing, I must remind you that ending the conflict will bring with it opportunities to rebuild your shattered economy, return millions of refugees to their homes, hold free and fair elections, and set the foundation for growth and prosperity in which all citizens can participate fully. May God bless us all. Thank You.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
1. I welcome you all to this Press Conference,
2. First and foremost, I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, to the Transitional Government of National Unity and the people of South Sudan on the passing of the Late Gen. James Ajongo Mawut, the fomer Chief of Defence Forces of the SPLA and the Late Gen. Andrew Makur Thou, former representative of Eminent Personalities to JMEC.
3. May the Almighty grant them and those other South Sudanese who have also lost their lives, eternal peace. I also want to take this opportunity to wish all the brave mothers and women of South Sudan, a happy Mother’s Day which we marked yesterday.
4. You will recall that our last JMEC Plenary was held in November 2017. We agreed to postpone the December Plenary to enable us all to focus our energies in preparation for the then forthcoming High-Level Revitalisation Forum scheduled to be convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
5. It was our expectation that the Revitalisation Forum would quickly conclude and agree on concrete measures to restore the permanent ceasefire, a fully inclusive security and governance arrangement, and revised timelines and implementation schedules.
6. You will further recall that Phase 1 of the HLRF was successfully convened in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from December 18-22, 2017 at which the parties and stakeholders signed an inclusive Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (COHA).
7. Again, it was our expectation then that the Forum would quickly reconvene in early January 2018 to conclude all the outstanding issues. This did not happen.
8. Instead, the second phase of the Forum took place from February 5th-16th 2018 and adjourned without conclusive outcomes. Following consultations with JMEC members here in Juba, we agreed that the plenary planned for February 27th be postponed in order to consult with the Parties and IGAD Leadership.
9. However, political developments within the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia delayed the consultations. I shall also brief the new Ethiopian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Chairperson of IGAD and seek further guidance.
Members of the Press,
10. JMEC has never suspended its work, nor has it abdicated its responsibility here in Juba. JMEC members have been at the forefront, individually and collectively supporting the HLRF process. We were mandated by the IGAD Heads of State in June 2017 to provide secretariat support to the IGAD Council of Ministers in this endeavor.
11. Consequently, it cannot be business as usual here in Juba during this period of revitalization. Our Secretariat is the core of the HLRF Taskforce, working with the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. The revitalization of the implementation of the peace Agreement is and remains our top priority.
12. Let me reiterate JMEC’s position: the status quo is not inclusive and cannot bring sustainable peace. It was we who recommended to the IGAD summit that the peace Agreement must be revitalized to restore a permanent ceasefire and achieve inclusivity.
13. All our efforts, focus and energies therefore should be dedicated to the successful conclusion of the revitalisation process and to ensure a return to full and inclusive implementation of the Agreement.
14. The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed on 21st December 2017, has not had the desired impact of halting the violence. There have been serious violations of the CoHA since it came into force.
15. I continue to urge the parties to adhere to the CoHA. The parties must refrain from all acts of violence, cease hostilities and take immediate steps to investigate and punish those responsible within their ranks.
16. The humanitarian needs remain dire. About 4.2 million people remain displaced, 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries. According to the UN, seven million people in South Sudan need humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity is widespread and it is estimated that 6.3 million people are severely food insecure.
17. The costs of the conflict to civilians continue to rise. A report by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (dated March 2018) documents the perpetration of gross human rights abuses with impunity.
18. Denial of and obstruction to humanitarian access remains a constant issue. So far this year, three aid workers have been killed and 23 aid workers detained. These impediments to humanitarian access are a violation of the CoHA and the 2015 Peace Agreement. This is unacceptable.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
19. On the economy, the situation is not any better. The net disposable revenues available to finance the TGoNU’s 2017/18 budget have declined markedly due to repayment of arrears, resulting in an increased deficit. The agreed payment of arrears in oil production fees and tariffs is estimated at USD 290m. South Sudan presently delivers around two thirds of the government’s share of oil production to Sudan in kind, and despite a marked rise in international oil prices in the last six months, this situation results in a very small impact on the Government’s cash flow. Payments resulting from the previous years’ default will continue to weigh down on net revenues until the total amount of arrears are paid, around the middle of next year.
20. The exchange rate against the US dollar continues to deteriorate, despite government efforts at the start of this year to curb activity in the black market and increase the availability of foreign currency. Combined with the deficit budget financing, this has served to fuel inflation. The inflation rate increased in March 2018 to 160 per cent compared to the same time last year.
21. Some progress has been made by the TGoNU in phasing out the fuel subsidy scheme, but more remains to be done in order to realise the level of savings that can assist in reducing government salary and payment arrears. In addition, there continues to be a reduction, and in some cases elimination, of investment spending, which has severe negative impacts on prospects for growth.
22. Furthermore, spending cuts have come about through successive postponements of public sector salary payments, and that combined with the severe inflation adds to a deepening sense of anxiety and insecurity among large parts of society. We cannot therefore, overemphasize the need for the parties at the Forum to end this conflict and embark on programmes for economic recovery, reform and development.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
23. We have submitted the most recent JMEC Quarterly Report covering the period from
1st December 2017 to 31st March 2018. I hope everyone has received a copy. The report is also published on our website for all to read. It highlights our work in the last three months and our contribution to the High Level Revitalisation process.
24. The Secretariat has also conducted several outreach activities to the South Sudanese civil society and stakeholders. We have printed and disseminated over 1000 copies of the newly signed COHA 2017, continue to create awareness and provide updates on the ongoing agreement implementation and the revitalization process.
25. We continue to receive reports from the various institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement and support their work. We are mindful that all agreement institutions and mechanisms, including JMEC, shall be reconstituted in an inclusive manner, when the revitalisation process succeeds.
26. The NCAC completed the Constitutional Amendment Bill and submitted it to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on April 13th, 2017. The Bill was approved by the TGoNU Council of Ministers in November 2017. I am informed that at long last, the Amendment Bill was submitted by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to the TNLA for ratification on April 30th, 2018. I urge the Parliament to expedite the ratification.
27. The NCAC also completed drafting amendments to the five (5) security related laws and presented the Amendment Bills to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on 25th January 2018.
28. The NCAC is currently undertaking the review and amendment of two election– related laws, the Political Parties Act, 2012 and the National Elections Act, 2012.
29. Finally, the continuation of Phase II of the High Level Revitalisation Forum is expected to reconvene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this week from May 17th to 21st.
30. This country has missed so many opportunities to make durable peace and we should not allow the HLRF to be squandered. This is the time for all parties at the forum to put the interest of the country first and make compromises necessary to achieve resolution of all the outstanding issues.
31. I want to appeal directly to the authorities here in Juba, and to all the opposition groups that you are all South Sudanese, and I urge you all to accommodate one another, to end this senseless violence.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
32. In conclusion, I want to observe and recommend the following:
a. The parties continue to wage a campaign of defiance and commit human rights abuses with impunity. This is unacceptable and I call on IGAD to make good its promise to hold spoilers accountable.
b. Full compliance and enforcement of the COHA 2017 is therefore critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment during the revitalization process. This has not been the case for the past rounds of talks and I urge parties to cease all hostilities.
c. CTSAMM has been significantly strengthened under the COHA 2017 to report expeditiously to the IGAD Council of Ministers and JMEC simultaneously and to date we have received 19 reports for which action is required.
d. The political and security situation remains uncertain. The humanitarian and economic situation remains dire. We risk further deterioration if urgent steps are not taken to end the conflict immediately. The country must embark on an inclusive peace process, as there can be no military solution to this conflict.
e. I commend all JMEC members, regional and international partners for their active support to JMEC and the revitalization process. I urge them all to
remain engaged, to ensure that the current momentum is sustained and peace is restored.
May God bless us all. Thank you.
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning and welcome to our workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, the revitalization process and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Let me begin by thanking ‘Crown the Woman’ for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important event. An important component of our mission at JMEC is to conduct outreach and inform the public and stakeholder groups, such as yourselves, about the Peace Agreement.
Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers, Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Good morning. I thank you for your kind invitation for JMEC to brief you here today. I convey the greetings and best wishes from H.E. Festus Mogae, Chairperson of JMEC, who sadly cannot be here with us in person. I am honoured to deliver this statement on his behalf.
2. I would like to begin by welcoming the renewal of the mandate of United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by the UN Security Council. UN Security Council Resolution 2406 mandates support for the implementation of the peace agreement and the ongoing High Level Revitalization Forum. The full deployment and execution of the mandate of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) remains an important component of ensuring a conducive environment for the implementation of the peace agreement and for the process going forward.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. Two months ago JMEC addressed the Council and commended both you and Ambassador Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, together with the high level facilitators, for the successful conclusion of the first phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum that culminated in a signed Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access in December 2017.
4. JMEC was all hopeful then that a cessation of hostilities would provide a peaceful environment within which all the Parties could constructively engage in the revitalization process, ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access in the Republic of South Sudan for the duration of the Forum and thereafter.
5. Unfortunately, the CoHA has been violated repeatedly since the parties signed on to it in December 2017. There must be consequences for non-compliance and JMEC urges IGAD to take concrete action against violators.
6. JMEC commends you for steering the second phase of the Forum conducted last month. JMEC has been briefed on the progress made, including agreement reached on specific articles of Chapters I and II of the 2015 Peace Agreement as well as on the divergent views on issues that the Parties are yet to reach agreement. The Special Envoy will no doubt be providing a comprehensive report on the conduct of and progress made. JMEC will continue to render its support to the Special Envoy in accordance with the terms mandated by IGAD.
7. The HLRF presents a lifeline that the parties must seize with seriousness in order to set South Sudan on a path for sustainable peace. JMEC has said before, and we repeat it now, that the revitalisation process provides the most effective platform upon which to confront and resolve the severe security, governance, economic and humanitarian crises that continue to overwhelm South Sudan.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. JMEC has no doubt that the parties can reach agreement on all outstanding issues, if only they put the interest of South Sudan first. All parties must appreciate that time is of the essence. The fighting must stop. The suffering of the displaced must be brought to an end. Refugees must return to their homes.
9. The mandate of the HLRF is wide enough and sufficient enough to accommodate any proposal deemed pertinent for full and inclusive implementation. There is no doubt that for the ARCSS to be fully inclusive and effectively revitalized and implemented, there must be serious adjustments in some areas and a restructuring of all its mechanisms taking into account past and present realities.
10. Finally, JMEC recommends that, in terms of the way forward and securing a revitalised Agreement:
a. It is necessary for all Parties to a make a clear demonstration of commitment to peace and stop all forms of violence;
b. the status quo is not sustainable, and parties must explore concrete measures to revitalize the ARCSS, learn from experience and address current realities on the ground;
c. it is critical that IGAD, at its highest level, actively and collectively engages with the leadership of all parties and prevail upon those who pursue hardline positions to compromise and narrow the gaps between the various positions that currently exist.
d. Finally, the continued support of the region, international community and partners remains critical for success.
Thank you.
TGoNU Representative
Mr Lansana Wonneh, The Deputy Country Representative of UN WOMEN-South Sudan
Ms. Amer Deng- the Representative of Women’s Bloc of South Sudan,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
Let me start by thanking UN Women and Women’s Bloc of South Sudan for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important workshop on the The High Level Revitalization Forum on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict Resolution in South Sudan. Information about the content and procedures of the process is key to enabling women’s effective participation.
I would like to congratulate IGAD and the Special Envoy for South South, Dr.Ismail Wais for ensuring that women were consulted in the pre forum stage of the HLRF process and for the increased number of accredited women and civil society delegates. This is in keeping with South Sudan’s gender policies as well as regional and international standards on gender inclusion in peace processes. JMEC remains committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes and joins UN Women and Women’s Organizations across South Sudan in pressing for progress in this effort and in our monitoring mandate.
As you are aware, the High Level Revitalization Forum commenced in Addis Ababa in December 2017. During the first phase of the Forum, the parties committed themselves to end the fighting. Consequently, all parties signed an Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (CoHA), signed on 21st December 2017. This was an important first step in laying the foundation for revitalisation of the Peace Agreement.
The Women’s Bloc and representatives of Civil Society provided a critical voice during the negotiations on the CoHA and therefore must devise ways of remaining engaged to monitor its implementation. I am informed that part of your deliberations at this workshop will focus on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and its implementation.
It is my hope, and that of JMEC’s that this workshop will not only equip you with the information you need but also help strengthen your role in contributing to the HLRF’s intended outcome of a revitalized Peace Agreement as well as robust and effective implementation with the ultimate goal of sustainable peace fro South Sudan.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you very much.