EITI right step towards transparency, accountability in the extractive industries sector
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has lauded South Sudan’s initial effort in joining the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), geared at ensuring transparency and accountability in the oil and mining industry.
Speaking during the first South Sudan conference on EITI held in Juba on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said
“As the body responsible to monitor, evaluate and provide oversight to the Peace Agreement, R-JMEC welcomes this step, because the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has great potential to improve the governance narrative in the extractives sectors.”
EITIis a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. It seeks to address the key governance issues in the extractive sectors
The use of such systems, Maj. Gen. Gituai said, together with the implementation of other provisions in the Peace Agreement, “no doubt can significantly improve transparency in the oil, and minerals sectors, as the challenges in disclosure of contracts and licenses granted to oil and gas mining companies are addressed.”
EITI is envisaged in Chapter IV of the R-ARCSS under Article 4.8.1.1.14.11 of the revitalized peace agreement which says the R-TGoNU shall "expedite the process of joining Extractive Industries EITI to enhance accountability in the management of the petroleum and mining industry."
The Interim however, said setting up an institution, alone, is insufficient to address the challenges.
“A collaborative effort will be required between the Government, the private sector and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative,” he said.
“It is imperative that the government works more cohesively with civil society to build institutional mechanisms that will help the country move from mere transparency to real accountability,” he added.
“I take this opportunity to prevail on the RToGNU and the People of South Sudan to galvanize their efforts towards implementing these Economic and Financial reforms if we want to meaningfully “lay the foundations for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law within the framework of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
