Good afternoon to you all, and good evening from Juba. May I first thank the President of the United Nations Security Council, H.E. Kairat Umarov, for your kind invitation to brief the Security Council today.
Mr President,
Members of the Council,
Just before Christmas, six months of hard work came to fruition with the successful convening of the IGAD High Level Revitalisation Forum in Addis Ababa, where fourteen South Sudanese parties and other key stakeholders came together to confront the challenges that face South Sudan after eighteen months of devastating chaos.
The first phase of the Forum dealt with the cessation of hostilities, and like you all, I am pleased that a comprehensive Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access was signed by all parties on 21st December 2017.
According to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) this new cessation of hostilities has had a generally positive effect on reducing the overall level of violence in the country. However, I am disappointed to note that, within the few weeks since its signing, this agreement has been violated by no less than three of the signatory parties.
Since the 24th of December 2017, when the agreement came into effect, fighting and troop movements have been reported in Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians. CTSAMM have quickly published reports on two outbreaks of violence, in Koch and Mundri, apportioning blame to SPLA-IO (Machar) and SPLA-IG respectively. The Chairman of CTSAMM has advised me that a number of other incidents and alleged violations are currently under investigation and I hope to receive further reports very soon.
I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance
Mr President,
Within the past week, I have had cause to publicly demand full support for CTSAMM. Statements have been made in the media by the Transitional Government of National Unity which has the potential to undermine public confidence in regional and international peacekeeping efforts.
CTSAMM’s teams are the direct representatives of IGAD and the wider international community for the purpose of verification of ceasefire compliance in South Sudan and as such they deserve full respect and total cooperation. Such denigration of international peacekeeping missions, including the UN regional protection force, are unacceptable and I call upon the Security Council to reiterate its support for CTSAMM.
As I speak to you now, CTSAMM are leading a workshop in Addis Ababa with all the signatories which seeks to put in place the practical mechanisms and cooperation required to deliver and enforce this cessation of hostilities agreement.
I commend CTSAMM for taking the lead on this and all the signatories for their participation. I further urge the parties to cooperate fully under the terms of the Agreement so as to ensure unhindered access to the monitoring and verification teams in the field.
Mr President,
As we begin a new year, it remains my belief that the IGAD-led revitalisation process provides us all with the most effective platform upon which to confront and resolve the severe security, governance, economic and humanitarian crises that continue to overwhelm South Sudan. I wish to commend the IGAD Special Envoy, Ambassador Dr. Ismail Wais, for his tenacity in leading this process.
The Forum will convene again in two week’s time and continue its systematic review and invigoration of the Peace Agreement. It is beholden upon us all to keep our faith in this process and support it with all the resources at our disposal.
The single most powerful contribution that can be made by the regional and international community is to speak with ONE VOICE. Only if we stand together, unified in our approach, will we help the South Sudanese leaders find and sustain the spirit of compromise and engagement that will deliver peace and stability.
In four days time, in Addis Ababa, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairman of IGAD, will host another consultative meeting between the United Nations, the African Union and the Heads of State and Government of IGAD. The resolute unity and determination of these three institutions will be necessary to bring about positive and sustainable change in South Sudan.
Mr President,
The speed and alacrity with which some parties and individuals violated the cessation of hostilities, leads me to raise, once again, the key issue of enforcement.
For the revitalisation process to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are complied with.
We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorise or allow its violation with impunity the next.
We must address, with one voice, the issue of non-compliance and make clear the consequences to be faced by those who wilfully violate, spoil or derail the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.
Articles 14.2 and 14.3 of the current cessation of hostilities agreement provide that the Chairperson of JMEC shall report any serious breaches to the TGoNU, IGAD, AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council for their action. The actions refered to may include the measures decided by the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, issued on 7th November 2014, namely:
The enactment of asset freezes
The enactment of regional travel bans, and
The denial of the supply of arms and ammunition, and any other material that could be used in war.
It is now time to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption to our efforts to deliver peace.
Mr President,
Over the coming weeks IGAD will continue along its path to revitalise the Peace Agreement, and along with you all, I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm my total commitment to this process.
Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process.
As I said earlier, the IGAD Revitalisation Forum is the best opportunity to restore peace and rebuild governance in South Sudan and the process must not be derailed.
Thank you, Mr President, and Happy New Year to you all.
Good people of South Sudan,
I read recently an inspiring story about a little town in Unity State. The town is called Ganyeil. It is impoverished, very hard to access, surrounded by swampland and constantly under threat of flooding and the loss of their invaluable harvest.
But here, at the very centre of a country torn apart by civil conflict, protected by the natural defence of the marshes, lies an oasis of peace; an island of tranquillity. A population of forty thousand residents live and subsist happily together with what little they have.
What is particularly remarkable about Ganyeil, however, is that it is an openly inter-ethnic community. People freely trade, socialise and indeed marry without concern for their background or origin. It is reported that, despite its isolation, or perhaps because of it, people from all backgrounds move there to enjoy a life free from violence and oppression.
Ganyeil stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Protected and removed from war, violence and conflict, South Sudanese people live together as normally as any others. At the grass roots of community life, South Sudan is a peaceful, inclusive, considerate and tolerant society.
Psalm 133 reads, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on the collar of his robes. For then the Lord has commanded the blessing, ‘life forevermore’.”
At Christmas time, millions of people around the world revisit and re-examine their faith. We return each year to the same simple message of the gospel that underpins our lives
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John, Chapter 3, Verse 16.
As so it is here in South Sudan, that this Christmas we are revisiting and revitalising the peace process that began two and half years ago but which has thus far delivered so little.
In the space of these two years since the signing of the Peace Agreement, the number of refugees, violently displaced and sheltering in neighbouring countries, has doubled. I need no other statistic to underline the tragedy that has unfolded here.
But as I promised you this time last year, I have worked tirelessly to help South Sudan to implement the Peace Agreement and sustain a pathway to peaceful political cooperation.
In March of this year, I proposed and led a One Voice initiative designed to bring regional and international leaders and stakeholders together and present a unified call to end the fighting, ensure humanitarian support without hindrance and restore inclusive governance.
In June of this year we recommended to IGAD that they should launch the revitalisation process – to restore energy, prominence and commitment to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Huge efforts have been made by IGAD and the region to bring the leaders of South Sudan around the table and to navigate that pathway to peace.
The High Level Revitalisation Forum is now underway. Dialogue has returned to South Sudan. It will take time but we will not relent until we have restored our faith in the peaceful resolution of our differences.
But like the people of Ganyeil, I urge you all to play your part in this peace revitalisation. Each and every one of us can be the change we seek through our daily words and actions.
We can reject violence each and every day; we can reconcile with our neighbours and within our communities; we can support each other and work together.
The first two years of your nationhood showed you all exactly what is possible, economically and socially. South Sudan is a beautiful and bountiful country blessed by the presence of the Nile and with unimaginable potential and prospects enough for you all. Only belligerence stands between you and a prosperous, peaceful future.
I leave you with a passage from St John’s first Epistle, Chapter 3, verses 16 – 18:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace again this Christmas Day, I urge each of you to re-light a candle of peace in your homes. Allow that candle to burn; revitalise your faith; pledge a message of peace to your neighbour; and bless 2018 with a renewed spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.
I wish you all a happy Christmas and I wish us all a very peaceful new year.
God bless us all in the relentless pursuit of peace.
Chairperson,
Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Thank you for your kind invitation to brief you all today. It is an important meeting as we look to end the year on a positive note for South Sudan.
2. I would like to begin by commending the IGAD Council of Ministers for your leadership at this critical time and for your commitment to advancing peace in South Sudan through the mandate given to you by the IGAD Heads of State and Government to urgently convene a High Level Revitalisation Forum. I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, for his determined approach to this complex and difficult process.
3. Your meeting here today is yet another milestone in the revitalization process that has been six months in the making. The end of the beginning, if you will. It is a display of collective commitment that will reassure the people of South Sudan of your determination to address their desire for peace and stability.
4. As I have said before, the Peace Agreement can recover from the turmoil of the past eighteen months, but for this to happen we must first take stock of the current situation, review progress to date and identify the key challenges that restrain comprehensive implementation of the Agreement. Of particular note, we must address the violations of the Permanent Ceasefire, lack of accountability for spoilers and violators, slippage in the implementation timelines, a lack of dedicated funding to the implementation of Peace Agreement, and the need for inclusive governance arrangements.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
5. At my last meeting with H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson of IGAD, I briefed him on recent JMEC engagements and activities and our support to the IGAD Council of Ministers and the Special Envoy.
6. I reinforced the One Voice message, and the need for the region to approach revitalisation unified and with strength of purpose. Collectively, it is crtitical that the IGAD Heads of State and Government prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance.
7. I also shared with the Prime Minister my priorities for the revitalisation process – priorities required to get the Peace Agreement back on track. I underlined my hope that the revitalisation process will achieve the following:
a. A cessation of all hostilities and a renegotiated permanent ceasefire that includes all armed groups;
b. An inclusive political process which brings together all Parties and estranged groups;
c. Revised Transitional Security Arrangements and timelines with robust verification and enforcement mechanisms;
d. An overall enforcement mechanism that includes accountability measures for spoilers and violators;
e. Clear measures to address the current dire humanitarian situation and facilitate eventual voluntary return of internally displaced persons and repatriation of refugees;
f. Specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a transitional period;
g. And finally, dedicated funding for implementation of the revitalised Peace Agreement.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
8. Over the past nine months we have consistently posed three key questions that have coalesced our thinking – how do we stop the fighting, how do we stop people starving and how do we restore inclusivity to the implementation of the Agreement? In combination with our One Voice message, these thoughts have played their part in leading to this Forum.
9. In parallel, the JMEC Working Committees have carefully assessed implementation of the Peace Agreement and the JMEC evaluation report, delivered to you all two months ago, clearly demonstrates the necessity for revitalisation.
10. Briefly, I should like to reiterate to you some of the principal observations and recommendations from our report:
a. Observations:
i. The political, security, humanitarian and economic situation in South Sudan remains precarious and not conducive for the full implementation of the Peace Agreement.
ii. The renewed conflict since July 2016 and the escalation of armed violence, the flight of key opposition figures and the emergence of new armed and political opposition has undermined the credibility of the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
iii. Continued conflict exacerbates a worsening economic and humanitarian situation and is an impediment to inclusive political, social and economic progress in the country.
iv. Gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue unabated and access to humanitarian relief continues to be inconsistent.
v. Since July 2016 there have been new political developments, including splits within some Parties to the Agreement and the flight of Dr. Riek Machar and other key opposition leaders, which has undermined inclusive implementation of the Peace Agreement and the credibility of the current peace process.
vi. The TGoNU has faced a number of impediments to implementation including financial constraints, weak technical capacity and a lack of effective coordination, particularly in cases where implementation requires cooperation across ministries. But it is also evident that insufficient political commitment and poor prioritisation is holding progress back.
vii. The continued lack of accountability and prevailing impunity undermines efforts towards reconciliation, healing and recovery.
viii. Furthermore, the governance reforms prescribed in the Peace Agreement are undermined by the non-implementation of key provisions of the Peace Agreement, including those in Chapter Six. A Permanent Constitution is a pre-requisite for reforms including the holding of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
b. Recommendations:
i. All Parties to the Agreement and estranged groups must continue to be pursuaded to embrace and participate genuinely in the revitalisation process.
ii. The IGAD High-Level Revitalisation Forum must agree on specific steps and reforms to be implemented within prescribed timelines as a pre-condition for fair and democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
iii. There must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all forms of violence.
iv. Free and unhindered humanitarian access and the security of all major corridors and trading routes should be ensured.
v. The enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2017) should be expedited and the Permanent Constitution making process should commence immediately.
vi. IGAD, in collaboration with the AU and the UN, should put in place mechanisms to enforce compliance.
vii. The AU and the TGoNU should resolve issues surrounding the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and provide relevant support to the comprehensive transitional justice and accountability efforts in South Sudan. The TGoNU should also establish all other transitional justice institutions within the timeframe provided in the Agreement.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
11. I would like to say that I am very impressed by the quality of work produced by the Special Envoy and the Taskforce. I have now seen the range of views and perspectives from our colleagues in the TGoNU and all other stakeholders as contained in the pre-Forum consultation report. Within the proposals submitted there will without doubt be some valuable inputs that will give the Peace Agreement a new lease of life and restore hope to the people of South Sudan.
12. Throughout this revitalisation process, I call upon us all to remain focused on the desperate plight of the people of South Sudan. For them, we must stop the fighting, end the violence, deal with criminality, prevent sexual and human rights abuses, reduce human suffering and address the economic crisis. The consequences of failure do not bear thinking about.
13. Progress of any sort is only possible within a peaceful and secure environment. It is simply not possible to overstate the fundamental necessity for an immediate cessation of all hostilities. Without that, we stand no chance of stemming the tide of displacement, enabling unhindered delivery of aid to those in need or contemplating the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes.
14. I reiterate my call to all South Sudanese stakeholders that, as they come to the table in search of a sustainable political solution, they must renounce violence and demonstrate political will to compromise and accommodate one another.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
15. I hope that this Council will remain united under one voice and encourage the South Sudanese leadership to seize this opportunity to restore the Peace Agreement to centre stage. I appeal to IGAD to be resolute, without fear or favour, in their determination to ensure the success of the revitalisation forum. This is a huge opportunity that cannot be wasted or squandered.
16. I should also like to underline the important role to be played by the international community, especially the African Union and the United Nations, in support of this IGAD-led process.
17. To conclude, I take this opportunity to thank the TGoNU, the South Sudanese stakeholders, IGAD, AU, Troika, EU, China, the UN, UNMISS, and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan for their commitment and continued support, and appeal for full support from everyone for this revitalisation process.
18. Finally I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless us all and continue to guide us in the relentless pursuit of peace in South Sudan.
The Representative of the UNDP,
Representatives of the South Sudan Civil Society
Dear Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good afternoon!
Let me start by congratulating all of you participants for attending this three-day Civil Society advocacy training workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS). I have been briefed on the presentations and fruitful deliberations that you have had, since Wednesday when I opened the workshop.
You have covered a great deal on how best you can speak with one voice and advocate for your rights as the civil society of this country and also had discussions on the Evaluation Report recently produced by JMEC. In addition, I am also informed that the discussions you have had, on the implementation of the Agreement have enabled you to find out ways and opportunities in which you can best engage in a more inclusive and participatory way in the implementation of the Peace Agreement going forward.
I am now confident that you appreciate the modest progress that has been made, the huge challenges that we continue to face together, and reflected on what you as the civil society can do better to support the TGoNU, JMEC and all the other institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement, to deliver on their mandate.
As the Civil Society, you should always be the bridge in your society. You are that public space between the state, the market and the ordinary households in which people can constructively debate and tackle issues.
A vibrant and constructive civil society voice is therefore critical for the realisation of peace, promotion of good governance, democratisation and the rule of law in any country.
The ARCSS if implemented is a foundational stone upon which sustainable peace can be built in this country. For this to happen, the civil society must collectively and continuously;
advocate for the rights of the ordinary citizens, be a watch dog against violation of human rights, educate the population on their rights and responsibilities, hold the leaders accountable, agitate for peaceful resolution of conflicts and dialogue, mobilise the communities and various constituents to participate in governance and development processes, and
Above all, you should be the social capital and a force for good. The civil society must rally on a common goal, set better standards, and rise above all social, political and economic vices like tribalism, partisanship and corruption-to mention but a few.
Finally, let us all use the knowledge we have acquired during this workshop to build a strong, independent, vibrant civil society voice to persuade the parties to the Agreement to honour their commitments and fully implement the Peace Agreement.
With these few remarks, it is my pleasure to declare this civil society orientation and advocacy workshop closed.
Thank you very much and God Bless
The UNDP Representative,
Dear Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
Let me start by thanking the UNDP and the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important orientation and advocacy training workshop, for Representatives of different stakeholders within the Civil Society in South Sudan.
JMEC is keen on encouraging a vibrant civil society voice and the involvement in the implementation of the ARCSS, as well as in shaping the future for this country going forward.
Despite the many challenges in the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), we in JMEC acknowledge the need to continue to promote inclusivity and popular ownership. I am informed that most of you present here today, are already actively contributing to the search for peace in this country in many ways. That is the spirit of a vibrant civil society with which you must all continue-even against enduring challenges.
In addition to the discussions on the Evaluation Report recently produced by JMEC, I am also informed that this three-days will give You an opportunity to find out ways in which you can engage in a more inclusive and participatory way in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Notably, under the JMEC six thematic working Committees, where you can make substantial contributions through your representative to JMEC.
It is my hope that this workshop will contribute in empowering you to effectively participate, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders to ensure its full implementation, and ultimately the realisation of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan.
With these few remarks, I declare this Civil Society Orientation and advocacy training workshop open.
Thank you very much.
Your Grace, The Right Reverend Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio,
Honourable Anthony Lino Makana, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly,
Honourable Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister for Cabinet Affairs,
Honourable Tor Deng Mawien, Presidential Advisor
Honorable David Shearer, SRSG-United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS),
Excellencies, Governors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am very pleased to be here this morning. I convey to you greetings and best wishes from the Chairperson of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae, former president of the Republic of Botswana, who has sent me to represent him.
The theme of your conference “PEACE WITHIN AND ACROSS BORDERS” demonstrates your collective desire for peace for your country. This theme resonates with our mission at JMEC and we join you, the Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative as you seek to promote peace, reconciliation and development in South Sudan.
Indeed, there is a lot of faith placed in the Church to lead the way in seeking solutions to inter-ethnic and other conflicts, as well as in the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation. We salute you for leading the way in inter-communal dialogue as you build bridges across your state borders towards peace and social harmony and economic development for all South Sudanese communities.
We are all painfully aware how continued fighting has worsened the economic and humanitarian situation. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is now higher than when the Peace Agreement was signed in August 2015 - a fact which the Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiative seeks to address.
South Sudan is wonderfully endowed with natural resources, good arable land and hardworking people. I have no doubt that as the prized ‘last born’ of Africa and the World, and if you keep on the path that is proposed by this inter-faith initiative, you will rise from the current challenges and take your favoured place amongst the nations.
As you know, JMEC is the institution charged with overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The Faith Community is represented in JMEC along with other key South Sudanese stakeholders. We acknowledge the important role the inter-faith community plays in the promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts and we are grateful for your continued engagement with JMEC.
Since the signing of the Peace Agreement, implementation of its provisions has not lived up to the expectations of citizens or the regional and international partners that support the process.
In an attempt to address this, IGAD has engaged in consultations with key Parties and South Sudanese stakeholders in preparation for a High Level Revitalization Forum intended to reach agreement on steps to reinvigorate implementation of the Peace Agreement.
We must all do better in correcting the mistakes of the past and ensuring that the path to peace is firmly grounded on values of peace, justice and reconciliation. We must all work together to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in South Sudan. All of us - Faith, Political and Traditional Leaders, Women, Youth and civil society representatives - gathered here today are the critical actors that will ensure this outcome.
Finally, let me wish you fruitful deliberations, and once again thank you for your invitation to JMEC to participate in this most timely and important conference. God bless you.
Honorable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
1. I thank you all, for the fruitful deliberations we have had today. I welcome the briefing by the Honorable Minister, Dr Martin Elia Lomuro on recent progress that has been made by the TGoNU in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and support to the IGAD Led Revitalization process.
2. My hope and expectation is that, we will all embrace the revitalization process with open minds and arms, and collectively do whatever it takes to make it a success.
3. I also take note of the update from the Ambassador of Kenya on the arrival of General Paul Malong in Nairobi- Kenya. Once again, I commend all those who made this amicable settlement possible. This is just one example that demonstrate that a peaceful resolution of conflict is possible and we must build on it.
4. I welcome the briefings by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), all the Chairpersons of the Agreement Boards and Commissions who have briefed us today (CTSAMM, SDSR Board, and JMCC) and NCAC for the written report, and commend their members for the progress made so far.
5. To conclude, I once again take this opportunity to thank all our partners in the TGoNU, the other South Sudanese stakeholders, IGAD, AU, Troika, EU, China, the UN, UNMISS, and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan for all the support and commitment demonstrated this year.
6. Whatever modest progress that has made this year by JMEC and all the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms would not have been possible without our collective efforts.
7. I say very modest, because peace continues to elude the majority of South Sudanese even though I am cognizant of the efforts and increment progress being made by the various institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement.
8. Finally, I must say I am still optimistic as we end the year 2017, pursuant to the revitalization initiative. I appeal for all your support and proactive engagements. Once again, I wish you all, a merry x-mas, a happy, peaceful and a prosperous new year 2018.
I thank you.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Ten days ago, millions of people around the world stood in silence for two minutes in an annual act of remembrance of those who fought and died in the two world wars of the 20th century.
2. The people of South Sudan will closely associate with the idea of fighting for freedom and commemorating those close relatives and friends of every community and every region who gave their lives for a better tomorrow.
3. As we engage in the IGAD-led revitalisation process, the questions on the lips of every South Sudanese should be – how do we secure that ‘better tomorrow’ and deliver peace and prosperity for all? And how do we honour the sacrifice made by our brothers and sisters? I shall leave you pondering those questions as I continue, and return to them at the end.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
4. Since we last met, the IGAD Special Envoy, Ambassador Ismail Wais, and his team have been engaged in studious efforts to prepare for a revitalisation forum that offers an opportunity to put the peace process back on track.
5. Three weeks of consultations, led by the IGAD Council of Ministers and supported by the Special Envoy and his taskforce, have been followed by three weeks of analysis and consideration that I hope will soon indicate the way forward.
6. Three weeks ago, I briefed H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson of IGAD, on recent JMEC engagements and activities, our support to the IGAD Council of Ministers and Special Envoy and my expectations for the revitalisation process.
7. I also reinforced the One Voice message, and the need for the region to approach revitalisation unified and with strength of purpose. Collectively, the IGAD Heads of State must prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance.
8. I made it clear that if the Peace Agreement is to get back on track we will need:
a) An inclusive political process which brings together all Parties and estranged groups;
b) A cessation of all hostilities and a renegotiated permanent ceasefire that includes all armed groups;
c) Transitional Security Arrangements with robust verification and enforcement mechanisms;
d) A clear plan of action to address the current dire humanitarian situation and facilitate eventual voluntary return of IDPs and repatriation of refugees;
e) An enforcement mechanism that includes accountability measures for spoilers and violators;
f) Specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a transitional period;
g) And finally, dedicated funding for implementation of the revitalised Peace Agreement.
h) As we await IGAD’s plan for the High Level Revitalisation Forum, I call upon us all to remain focused on the desperate plight of the people of this country.
10. For them, we must stop the fighting, end the violence, deal with criminality, prevent sexual and human rights abuses, ameliorate human suffering and address the economic crisis.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
11. The current security situation in South Sudan remains fragile. Major violations of the ceasefire continue to be recorded since we last met. CTSAMM has recently published five violation reports, one of which highlights the extent of Sexual and Gender Based Violence perpetrated by uniformed men in Yei. I condemn all incidents of violence and again call on the warring factions to cease all hostilities and abuses immediately.
12. However, it is significant to note that for the first time since the signing of the Peace Agreement, the Government has submitted written responses to CTSAMM concerning four of the recent violation reports. I urge all Parties to respond to all CTSAMM’s reports without fail.
13. On another positive note, the Joint Operations Centre here in Juba continues to improve its operations and functionality and is a clear example of good cooperation and coordination between security agencies. I truly hope that the other mechanisms of Chapter Two can emulate this level of achievement.
14. I am also pleased to hear that, so far, the reported disagreement between the Government and its former Army Chief of Staff has been peacefully resolved. I hope that the TGoNU will continue to demonstrate similar commitment to the peaceful resolution of any and all future political and security disputes.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
15. It is impossible to overstate or repeat too often the severity of the humanitarian situation here in South Sudan. According to the latest data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (the IPC), the current harvest will not reduce the number of people suffering severe food insecurity by any more than 20%. This Christmas 1.4 million more people will go hungry around the country than last year.
16. Despite this desperate situation, and credible reports that malnutrition is critical in several areas, delivery of humanitarian assistance continues to be impeded. More than one hundred access incidents were recorded in October, and yet another aid worker was killed.
17. To compound the problem, the TGoNU has announced the enactment of the threatened substantial increase in the cost of work permits, which is likely to have a further detrimental impact on the delivery of critical humanitarian aid.
18. Two of the mechanisms in place to facilitate humanitarian access are not operating as they should. The scheduled November meeting of the Humanitarian Coordination Forum has not yet taken place, and no date has been set for the Humanitarian High-level Oversight Committee meeting that is delayed since October.
19. However, the President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, has now personally intervened to order unhindered access for humanitarian organisations in South Sudan, and I join the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan in welcoming the President’s intervention. I sincerely hope that this will make an immediate difference on the ground. I appeal to all other Parties to grant unconditional access to humanitarian agencies.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
20. I welcome the progress that has been made towards economic stabilization. During the last two months the exchange rate has stabilized and there has been a downward trend in inflation. Annual inflation was 130 per cent in October 2017, as against close to 500 per cent in October of last year. Prudent domestic borrowing has contributed to this outcome. However, I must caution that there are serious threats to this progress.
21. Fuel subsidies are budgeted to reach 160 million USD by the end of 2017, which is almost half of total net oil revenues. The consequence of high fuel subsidies is a significant reduction in budget allocations to other essential areas.
22. Additionally there has been a decline in oil production. So far, the impact on revenues has been counteracted by higher world oil market prices, but these are subject to constant change and fluctuation as we have seen in recent times.
23. I understand that the Government is working on economic reforms and is receiving technical advice from the IMF on the way forward. I note that South Sudan has made a formal application for an IMF-programme, which will constitute important support to the revival of the economy.
24. Given the severe budgetary constraints, I would therefore urge the TGoNU to continue with its plans to unwind the fuel subsidy and use available resources to pay down arrears owed to public sector workers as outlined in its Budget.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
25. The Council of Ministers has finally approved the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan Amendment Bill (2017) and directed the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs to present the Bill to the TNLA. It is expected that the Bill will be tabled before the legislature goes on recess in December.
26. JMEC welcomes this significant progress. This Bill incorporates the Agreement into the Constitution, and thus lays a firm foundation for progress in the establishment of all the institutions and mechanisms provided for in the Agreement. I urge the TNLA to expedite the ratification of the amendments to the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.
27. The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) is now finalizing the drafting of five Bills for the amendment of the key security laws in order to conform them to the Peace Agreement and complement existing efforts to reform the security sector. It is anticipated that these Bills, drafted with expert consultation and input from key stakeholders, will be presented to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs by the end of this month.
28. In addition, the NCAC is making significant progress towards the amendment of the Elections Act (2012) and the Political Parties Act (2012) and is reviewing submissions from the Parties to the Agreement, the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission, the South Sudan Law Review Commission and civil society.
Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
29. I expect this Plenary to:
a. receive a briefing from the TGoNU on recent progress made in implementing the Peace Agreement and on steps taken to facilitate humanitarian access;
b. receive an update from UNMISS on the current humanitarian situation; and,
c. receive reports from the various Boards and Commissions of the Peace Agreement on the progress towards their objectives.
30. To conclude, and to address the questions I raised at the beginning, it is beholden upon us all to support IGAD and the revitalisation process and seize this opportunity to restore peace and hope to the people of South Sudan.
31. Let us now honour all those South Sudanese men and women, who stood resolutely side by side for decades and fought and died for this young nation. It is in their name and heroic memory that we strive for peace and prosperity for all.
32. It is possible that, due to the anticipated revitalisation activities, we may not be able to hold another Plenary before the Christmas holiday season, and so finally, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all our partners in the TGoNU, the other South Sudanese stakeholders, IGAD, AU, Troika, EU, China, the UN, UNMISS, and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan for their unwavering commitment to JMEC and the South Sudan peace process throughout the year, and I appeal for your continued support in 2018.
33. May God bless us all and continue to guide us in the relentless pursuit of peace. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you.
Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
- I thank you all for the deliberations we have had today. I welcome the Honorable Minister, Dr Martin Elia Lumoro for delivering the TGoNU’s observations and response to the JMEC Working Committees evaluation reports.
- As I said earlier, these reports, will all be submitted to IGAD and the international community, to guide deliberations towards the revitalization of implementation of the Peace Agreement in the coming weeks and months.
- I commend all the Committee Chairpersons, their members for the rigor and honesty with which they undertook their assessments. I also commend the TGoNU for its support and participation in the Committee meetings and for their rejoinder.
- We are all now, in a much better position to undertake the revitalisation process from an informed point of view.
- In the meantime, I continue to urge the TGoNU to take immediate steps and conclude on key pending tasks, including the Constitutional amendment and legislative review mandate and welcome their stated commitment to the revitalization process.
- I also urge the JMEC Working Committees to continue with their work. Our hope is that the revitalisation process, when successful, will ignite a new momentum and accelerate progress in our work and the realisation of long lasting peace in South Sudan.
- Finally, I welcome the briefings by the SRSG, all the Chairpersons of the Agreement Boards and Commissions today, and commend their members for the progress made so far.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. I welcome you all to our long overdue JMEC plenary.
2. Over the past three weeks, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development has, through its Council of Ministers and Special Envoy, conducted a round of pre-consultation meetings pursuant to the decision to convene a High Level Revitalisation Forum.
3. I am delighted to hear from the Special Envoy, Ambassador Ismail Wais, that positive progress has been made and that all Parties consulted have approached the process in a constructive and peaceful frame of mind. I wish to thank all those who took part for their engagement.
4. After more than a year of unacceptable turmoil and unimaginable distress suffered by millions of South Sudanese, this revitalisation process offers an opportunity for the leaders of all communities to sit together, bring the violence to an end and determine a political path forward.
5. The people of South Sudan hope and pray for peace and stability and the world is watching with high expectations.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
6. JMEC remains fully focused on its mandate to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to support IGAD.
7. The JMEC Working Committees, comprising regional and international guarantors, the TGoNU and other South Sudanese stakeholders, have undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement complete with observations and recommendations.
8. This evaluation report will be presented to IGAD pursuant to our mandate and will form part of our contribution to ensuring a successful High Level Revitalisation Forum. The TGoNU has stated its intention to provide its own comments, which will also be forwarded to IGAD.
9. I will now place on record a summary of the key findings, observations and recommendations of our JMEC Working Committees, which will be made available publicly on our website after formal submission to IGAD.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
10. I have previously described implementation of the Peace Agreement as being “modest, at best” and from the evaluation reports presented I have heard nothing to change my view.
11. Although initially reasonable progress was made in the formation of the various institutions and bodies, implementation of the Peace Agreement was disrupted in July 2016, and very little progress has since been made in the delivery of its key provisions.
12. Fundamental to the whole report is the irrefutable fact that the permanent ceasefire has been and continues to be violated by all the Parties with impunity and as such security has deteriorated to a critical level. Violations reported to both SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO have not been addressed.
Honourable Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. 13. With regard to Chapter One:
1. The main institutions, such as the Transitional Government of National Unity and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, have all been established with varying degrees of adherence to the letter of the Peace Agreement and the specified power-sharing formulas. Representation of women is still below expectation.
2. The expansion of the number of states, from 10 to 32, in contravention of the Peace Agreement, has also fundamentally adversely affected the intended power sharing formula.
c. The National Constitutional Amendment Committee, whose establishment according to the Peace Agreement should have preceded that of all the other institutions, was eventually established. However, it has proceeded expeditiously and has completed the drafting of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2017), which has since been presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
d. Key among those provisions still awaiting implementation include enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2017), commencement of judicial reforms and a review of the Judiciary Act, and reconstitution of the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 14. With regard to Chapter Two:
a. The Permanent Ceasefire was signed, but has been consistently violated by the Parties with impunity. Fighting between government and opposition forces continues in different parts of the country, particularly around Pagak.
2. The assembly and cantonment of troops is only now seeing some progress as several SPLA-IO (Taban) commanders have declared troops for cantonment in some areas of South Sudan. This process is months behind schedule and SPLA-IO (Machar) is not participating.
3. The Strategic Defence and Security Review Board, the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanisms and the Joint Operations Centre have all been established, yet most are not following prescribed guidelines or timeframes; the National Architecture has not yet been fully established; and the Joint Integrated Police, though formed, is not functional.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 15. With regard to Chapter Three:
1. The number of people displaced since the signing of the Peace Agreement has practically doubled, from approximately 2.3 million to around 4 million. I require no other statistic to underline the tragedy that has unfolded here.
2. There is grave concern regarding inconsistent humanitarian access. In addition to bureaucratic impediments, the killing of aid workers continues, in clear violation of International Humanitarian Law. The total number of aid workers killed since the signing of the Peace Agreement is forty-eight. Perpetrators include state and non-state actors.
c. The TGoNU is implementing the NGO Act without having subjected it to public consultation as required by the Peace Agreement. In addition, the Special Reconstruction Fund has not been established.
d. Whilst the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the country is attributed to several causes, the persistence of armed hostilities is the main factor. Renewed offensives resulted in the further displacement and civilian flight across borders into neighbouring countries.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 16. With regard to Chapter Four:
1. The degree of implementation of this Chapter is low. Only 16 provisions out of the 127 considered have been recorded as implemented.
2. In sections covering resource management, institutional reform and public financial and economic management, 16 out of 98 provisions have been implemented.
c. In sections covering the review of National Legislation, Environmental Protection and the Enterprise Development Fund, none of the provisions have been implemented.
d. The TGoNU also reports that work has yet to start on the seven provisions needed to establish the Economic and Financial Management Authority. In that regard, there is a clear need to establish the TGoNU’s position in order to move forward within the framework of the Peace Agreement.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 17. With regard to Chapter Five:
1. The TGoNU has not adhered to the timelines set out in the Peace Agreement. None of the institutions intended to implement a transitional justice agenda have been established.
2. There has been some progress regarding initiating processes towards the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
c. In June 2017, six months after its creation, an inclusive multi- stakeholder technical committee established for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, commenced its work to conduct sensitisation on the consultations envisaged in the Peace Agreement.
4. As regards the mandate for the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the court, and a Draft Statute were tabled before the Council of Ministers in September 2017.
5. The Compensation and Reparations Authority has not yet been established.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen; 18. With regard to Chapter Six:
1. There has been no progress whatsoever within this Chapter.
2. Key pending tasks include the review and reconstitution of the National Constitutional Review Commission to undertake the Permanent Constitution-making process; and drafting and enactment of legislation to guide the Constitution-making process.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
19. JMEC’s evaluation report also includes numerous observations and recommendations:
a. Observations:
i. The political, security, humanitarian and economic situation in South Sudan remains precarious and not conducive for the full implementation of the Peace Agreement.
ii. The renewed conflict since July 2016 and the escalation of armed violence, the flight of key opposition figures and the emergence of new armed and political opposition has undermined the credibility of the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
iii. Continued conflict exacerbates a worsening economic and humanitarian situation and is an impediment to inclusive political, social and economic progress in the country.
iv. Gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue unabated. These violations have included targeted killings of civilians, rape and sexual violence, mass displacement of the population and the destruction of property. In addition, access to humanitarian relief continues to be impeded.
v. Since July 2016 there have been new political developments, including splits within some Parties to the Agreement and the flight of Dr. Riek Machar and other key opposition leaders, which has undermined inclusive implementation of the Peace Agreement and the credibility of the current peace process.
vi. The TGoNU has faced a number of impediments to implementation including financial constraints, weak technical capacity and a lack of effective coordination, particularly in cases where implementation requires cooperation across ministries. But it is also evident that insufficient political commitment and poor prioritisation is holding progress back.
vii. The continued lack of accountability and prevailing impunity undermines efforts towards reconciliation, healing and recovery.
viii. Furthermore, the governance reforms prescribed in the Peace Agreement are undermined by the non- implementation of key provisions of the Peace Agreement, including those in Chapter Six. A Permanent Constitution is a pre-requisite for reforms including the holding of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
b. Recommendations:
i. All Parties to the Agreement and estranged groups must continue to be pursuaded to embrace and participate genuinely in the revitalisation process.
ii. The IGAD High-Level Revitalisation Forum must agree on specific steps and reforms to be implemented within prescribed timelines as a pre-condition for fair and democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
iii. There must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all forms of violence.
iv. Deployment of the Regional Protection Force in Juba should be expedited in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2304 (2016).
v. Free and unhindered humanitarian access and the opening of all major corridors and trading routes should be ensured.
vi. The enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2017) should be expedited to finalise incorporation of the Peace Agreement into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.
vii. The Permanent Constitution making process should commence immediately.
viii. IGAD, in collaboration with the AU and the UN, should put in place mechanisms to enforce compliance.
ix. The region and the international community must speak with one voice and coordinate their actions.
x. The AU and the TGoNU should resolve issues surrounding the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and provide relevant support to the comprehensive transitional justice and accountability efforts in South Sudan. The TGoNU should also establish all other Chapter Five institutions within the timeframe provided in the Agreement.
xi. Finally, JMEC reiterates the urgent need to engage all the Parties and estranged groups in the revitalisation process and to take concrete steps to restore the
Permanent Ceasefire, ensure inclusive implementation of the Peace Agreement and develop revised realistic timelines towards democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
20. I wish to thank all the Chairpersons and members of the Working Committees for their dedication and commitment to the process of evaluating the progress, and lack thereof, in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. I also wish to thank and commend the TGoNU for its cooperation and participation in the Working Committee meetings.
21. I have full confidence in our evaluation and I hope and expect that these assessments and recommendations will enable the Parties, the region and all South Sudanese stakeholders to pursue the revitalisation process from an informed point of view.
22. I encourage them all to take the necessary steps and compromises to revitalise the implementation of the Peace Agreement without further delay and deliver a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan.
Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
23. I expect this Plenary to:
1. welcome the reports and recommendations of the JMEC Working Committees, which are to be submitted to IGAD;
2. receive a briefing from the TGoNU on recent progress made in implementing the Peace Agreement;
3. receive an update from TGoNU and UNMISS on the current humanitarian situation, in particular on steps taken to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access; and,
4. receive summary reports on the status of the various Boards and Commissions of the Peace Agreement and the progress towards their objectives.
24. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all our partners in the TGoNU, the other South Sudanese stakeholders, IGAD, AU, Troika, EU, China, the UN, UNMISS, and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan for their commitment and continued support to JMEC, and appeal for full support for the revitalisation process.
25. May God bless us all and continue to guide us in the relentless pursuit of peace. I thank you.
Honourable Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly Honourable Dusman James, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, Honourable Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen
- It gives me great pleasure to make a few remarks at the opening session of this workshop. The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) is pleased to partner with, and support the South Sudan Women Parliamentary Caucus in convening this workshop.
- Theworkshopisbothtimelyandimportant.Weareatacrossroadsintheimplementationofthe peace agreement. As you are no doubt aware, we are currently engaged in a process to ‘revitalise and reinvigorate’ the peace agreement. There is a clear need to strengthen our collective approaches and strategies for sustainable peace. You, Honourable members of parliament gathered here constitute critical part of that effort. You must not let this window of opportunity close. Seize this opportunity.
- I recognise, and have stated many times that there is also an urgent need to increase women’s participation in the peace process broadly and in the implementation of the peace agreement. I urge you to hold the parties to the peace agreement accountable to the commitments in the peace agreement on gender equality and quotas as pertains to women’s participation and engagement in ARCSS institutions and processes. You as Members of Parliament have a voice that you can deploy to advance gender equality.
Honourable Members of Parliament,
- Let me state at the outset, that I am a firm believer in the ability and power that women have to make real contributions to sustainable peace in any country. It now widely acknowledged that women are real agents of peaceful transformation in communities the world over. South Sudanese women are no exception.
- I am informed that you have recently completed statewide consultations and have made recommendations about how best to include ordinary citizens in participating in monitoring implementation of the peace agreement. The peace agreement concerns all citizens of South Sudan and they must have ownership over it. You, as the peoples’ representatives and are best placed to make this a reality. I look forward to receiving your recommendations on this.
- This workshop presents an opportunity for JMEC to share information with you on the status of implementation and discuss the vital role that you, as members of parliament can play in advancing the process of implementation. I welcome your contribution and cooperation in this process.
- I wish you successful deliberations and now have the pleasure to declare this workshop officially open.
Thank you