Following welcome remarks delivered by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyahu, IGAD Executive Secretary, various speakers paid tribute to the work of the outgoing interim chairperson in his four years with RJMEC in South Sudan, while extending their warm welcome to the incoming interim chairperson.

In his remarks, outgoing Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. Gen. Njoroge said: “The R-ARCSS is and will always remain a significant milestone in the history of South Sudan. I am glad to have been involved with such a consequential period of this country’s history.” 

However, he continued: “Throughout the period since signing the Agreement, I have had concerns about the pace of implementation. At times, it appeared to me like progress stalled. What is clear, is that the implementation pace must accelerate.” 

“The RTGoNU, especially the President and Presidency, should set and drive the pace of implementation of the Agreement,” he added.

For his part, incoming interim chairperson Maj. Gen. Tai Gituai, in his remarks expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit “for creating an enabling environment for the Peace Process and for the significant progress registered so far.”

He continued: “I believe that the framework of the Revitalised Agreement, provides a credible and fair basis and platform that lays the foundations of a sustainable peace to benefit the current and succeeding generations.”

He added: “On my part as the new Chair, I will endeavour to focus on giving strategic direction to the monitoring and evaluation mechanism, in overseeing the implementation of the Agreement within the procedural guidelines and mandate of RJMEC.”