Honourable Members, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

1.   I welcome you all to the 3rd Extraordinary Meeting of the RJMEC. As you are all aware, our 38thregular plenary meeting was scheduled for 26th September 2024. However, as provided for under Article 7.12 of the R-ARCSS, RJMEC may convene extraordinary meetings as deemed necessary. This meeting is being convened at the request of the RTGoNU for RJMEC members to consider the decision of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to extend the Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement for twenty-four months from 22nd February 2025 to 22nd February 2027.

2.   Allow me to provide some context regarding the RJMEC’s role in this regard. Under Article 7.6 of the R-ARCSS, RJMEC is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the Agreement and the mandate and tasks of the RTGoNU, including adherence of the Parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule. Under Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS “the Revitalized Agreement may be amended by the Parties, with at least two-thirds of the members of the Council of Ministers of the RTGoNU, and at least two-thirds of the voting members of the RJMEC consenting to the amendment, followed by ratification by the Transitional National Legislature”.

3.   The 1st Extraordinary Meeting of RJMEC was held almost six years ago, on 19th February 2019, to consider the budget of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC). The 2ndExtraordinary Meeting was held on 1st September 2022, during which the members consented to the  ‘Roadmap’, which extended the Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement by two years to February 2025. 

4.   Over the last nineteen months of the implementation of the tasks provided for under the Roadmap, some progress has been registered, particularly: 

a.   Under Chapter 1 the reconstitution and operationalization of the critical election related institutions namely the Political Parties Council (PPC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC); completion of the review and amendment of the remaining laws by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC); registration of new political parties; completion by the ad-hoc Judicial Reforms Committee of its work, and enactment by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) of several revised laws;

b.   Under Chapter II the completion of Phase 1 graduation of 55,000 Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), the deployment of eight (08) battalions of the army component of the NUF, as well as the appointment of 2995 non-commissioned police officers into the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), and the completion of the Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR) draft policy documents;

c.    Under Chapter III, the revised NGO Act Amendment Bill was endorsed by the RTGoNU Council of Ministers and submitted to the TNLA, and a consolidated Durable Solutions Framework for supporting the dignified return and reintegration of IDPs and Refugees was approved by the Council of Ministers;

d.   Under Chapter IV, reforms are ongoing in the resource, economic and public finance management; the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Authority (PPDA) has been created and is functional as required by the Agreement; several bills have been passed by the TNLA including: the Public Financial Management and Accountability (PFMA), Anti Corruption Act, the Bank of South Sudan and the Banking Acts. In addition, the Bill for the Fiscal Financial Allocation Monitoring Committee, which is to ensure transparency of allocations of national revenue to the States and Counties has been approved by the Council of Ministers and now awaits tabling before the TNLA. 

e.    Under Chapter V on Transitional Justice and Accountability, the Ministry of Justice undertook and completed a countrywide consultation which resulted into the drafting and enactment of the bills for the establishment of the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA) by the TNLA, which now awaits assent of the President.

f.     Under Chapter VI- the law for the making of the permanent constitution was enacted, and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) was reconstituted and has commenced its work. The Commission has since held several orientation and training workshops, and developed and adopted all its internal governing instruments. 

5.  However, despite the aforementioned progress, some very critical tasks remain pending. These include enactment of the Petroleum related bills, the Audit Chamber, and the NGO Bills; the finalization and implementation of the Judicial Reform Commission (JRC) reports; the completion of Phase I and commencement of Phase II unification of forces, and the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) processes; establishment and operationalization of the  Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensations and Reparation Authority (CRA); the making of the Permanent Constitution, and ensuring sufficient preparation for the conduct of elections. 

6.  As RJMEC, we have repeatedly expressed our concerns over the slow pace and limited progress in completing the critical requirements for elections, and the lack of sufficient funding for the implementation of the  Agreement. In March this year, we requested the Parties to the R-ARCSS to dialogue on the way forward to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in a timely manner as per the Roadmap, but despite all the pressure put, the response has been slow to come out in an appropriate time frame. However today, the RTGoNU will shortly brief you on the process and outcome of the interparty dialogue and the decisions that have been made by the Parties as a way forward to elections. 

7.   As RJMEC, our primary concern has been the lack of dedicated and predictable funding in this peace process. Therefore, any extension, without guaranteed funding, is not likely to result in a successful outcome. I therefore call upon the RTGoNU to demonstrate to RJMEC members, how funding in particular, and the other recurrent challenges that have held back the implementation of the R-ARCSS in the past will be remedied to ensure that the critical pending tasks will be completed and elections held as promised.

8.   I therefore invite all of you RJMEC voting members, pursuant to Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS, to deliberate and pronounce yourselves on the Parties’ decision, which calls for amendment of Article 1.1.2 of the Revitalized Agreement, to further extend the Transitional Period from 22ndFebruary 2025 to 22nd February 2027. 

9.   I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You.

-       President of the UN Security Council,

-       Distinguished Members of the Council,

-       Excellencies,

-       Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Mr President,

1.    I congratulate you and the Republic of Sierra Leone for assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. May I also thank you for inviting the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to address this esteemed Council.

2.    RJMEC is the official oversight body responsible for overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the status of the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

3.    Next month, South Sudan marks six years since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement, its longest period of relative peace and stability since independence in 2011. However, since then, the pace of implementation has been slow.

4.    Despite the extension of the Transitional Period by 24 months, key tasks such as completion of the unification of forces, making of the permanent constitution, and various elections-related preparatory tasks are still outstanding.

5.    My briefing today builds on previous RJMEC reports to this Council, and will therefore highlight our assessment of the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Mr President,

6.    In terms of governance, the Executive and Legislature have continued to convene regularly and discharge their respective mandates at the national and state levels.

7.    In preparation for elections, the Political Parties Council has adopted a Code of Conduct, and registered 29 political parties, but concerns exist regarding the procedures followed, and the registration fees. The National Elections Commission has reconstituted the State level High Committees, but there are concerns about criteria used, and gender representation.

8.    With regards to the prospects of elections, an inter-party Committee reviewed the Roadmap implementation, and submitted its report to the Principals, who met yesterday, 13 August. In response, the Parties to the Agreement by consensus have tasked the relevant institutions and the inter-party Committee to develop a realistic timetable for elections. It is expected that the timetable will be accompanied by a budget and guaranteed funding.

9.    In terms of the Transitional Security Arrangements, the permanent ceasefire continues to hold, which is commendable. Approximately 55,000 of the 83,000 Phase 1 Unified Forces were trained and graduated. Since then, eight battalions of the army component have been deployed, with the remainder still not yet deployed.

10.    In addition, 2,995 non-commissioned police officers of the Unified Forces were recently appointed into the South Sudan National Police Service and await deployment. Phase 2 training of the Unified Forces and the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration process have yet to commence.

11.    Regarding the ongoing Nairobi talks, also known as Tumaini Initiative, the Revitalised Agreement Parties have directed that outcomes should align with the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

12.    On humanitarian affairs, the situation in the country remains challenged by food insecurity, flooding, and the influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan. Importantly, the Special Reconstruction Fund provided for in the Agreement, intended to mobilise resources to support humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in South Sudan, has not yet been established.

13.    The resource, economic and financial management reforms continue, albeit at a slow pace. On the other hand, the economic situation continues to worsen, compounded by a reduction in oil revenue. Much of the population is in distress due to rising commodity prices, a decline in the value of the South Sudan Pound, and reduced purchasing power.

14.    The bills for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority, are still in Parliament. These institutions are intended to drive forward the much-needed process for reconciliation and healing in South Sudan.

15.    In terms of the Permanent Constitution making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission has made strides to enhance its internal readiness. However, key tasks, which include civic education and public consultations, have not substantively begun.

Mr President,

16.    The main challenges in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement include insufficient political will, trust deficit among the Parties, capacity gaps, and persistent levels of intercommunal violence in the states. Furthermore, all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have insufficient and unpredictable funding which is hampering their work.

17.   Nonetheless, the Revitalised Agreement has contributed to relative peace, inclusive governance structures, and the ongoing legal, security and economic reforms. It is evident that the Revitalised Agreement remains the most viable blueprint and transformative framework for achieving enduring peace and prosperity.

18.  I therefore appeal to this Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan and to encourage the international community to mobilise resources and political support for full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. I Thank You. 

  TO THE RECONSTITUTED TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, JULY 2024, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

-     Rt Honourable Speaker,

-     Rt Honourable Deputy Speakers,

-     Honourable Members,

-     Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

1.    I welcome this opportunity for the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to brief this august Assembly on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

2.    This briefing is pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement which mandates RJMEC to, among others, report quarterly on the status of implementation of the Agreement, followed by detailed briefings to the Executive of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and its Council of Ministers and the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA). 

3.    Furthermore, RJMEC is mandated to brief the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary General of the United Nations.

4.    Recently, South Sudan marked the thirteenth year anniversary since independence in 2011. Independence Day is always an important milestone to note because it brought to an end the years of struggle so that the world’s newest nation may enjoy the fruits of freedom, including lasting peace, stability and development. At the end of this year, in December 2024, according to the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and the Roadmap, elections are due to be held, an event long-desired by the people of South Sudan where they may freely choose their leaders. 

5.    This briefing is a summary of the RJMEC Quarterly Report covering the period from 1st April to 30th June 2024, and highlights the slow progress made in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, critical pending tasks, and challenges. It will note that while some progress has been made in establishing the key institutions charged with the conduct of the constitution-making and elections processes, a lot remains to be done to fully equip them to carry out their mandates for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. It is hoped that the dialogue by the Parties to the Agreement should help bring clarity on the best way forward.

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

6.    Under governance, some progress was made during the quarter. In terms of elections preparedness, the National Elections Commission (NEC) confirmed that it received the SSP equivalent of US $15 million from the RTGoNU as part of the pre-elections budget. Subsequently, the NEC has been able to undertake some preparatory activities, and in June 2024, it reconstituted the State Elections High Committees at the sub-national levels. However, the list of the Committees has been contested internally by some of the members of the Commission. There are also concerns that the list does not adhere to the 35% minimum threshold for women membership.

7.    The Political Parties Council (PPC) received the SSP equivalent US $5 million from the RTGoNU to enable it to commence preparatory activities. It should be recalled that in February 2024, the PPC commenced the registration of political parties, and in June 2024, announced the cut-off date was end of June 2024. As of 27 June 2024, some 29 political parties are registered, though there is still discontent about US $75,000 registration fee.

8.    During this reporting period, this august House passed the Public Finance Management and Accountability Act 2021 (Amendment) Act 2024, which now awaits assent by the President. Several amendment bills are still before this House, including the National Audit Chambers Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the Tourism Bill 2024. It is hoped that these Bills are dealt with in a timely manner.

9.    It is encouraging to note that the RTGoNU Council of Ministers endorsed the NGO Act 2016 (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to streamline the operations of NGOs and improve on their registration and regulations. 

10. At the end of June, the High-Level Standing Committee completed its review of the Roadmap with a view to determining the best way forward given the time remaining before the holding of elections and prepared a report with recommendations, which it submitted to the Presidency for consideration.

11. In Nairobi, Kenya, on 9 May 2024, the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan, also known as the Tumaini Initiative, was launched with the goal of mediating between the RTGoNU and the Non-Signatory Opposition Groups in order to bring them into the peace process. The High-Level Mediation has also included discussion on the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan and seeks to recommend appropriate constitutional, legal and policy reforms that will help restore lasting and sustainable peace in the country. 

12. The Tumaini draft consensus negotiating document generated concerns, including from the First Vice President, H.E. Dr Riek Machar, over its lack of focus, duplication of the R-ARCSS provisions, and for purporting to replace the R-ARCSS. These concerns were addressed to the Tumaini Mediation with a clear call to anchor the mediation within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and to ensure that its outcome would complement its full implementation, as opposed to any attempt to replace it.

13. With reagrds to the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), it has successfully concluded its mandate, having reviewed and drafted amendments to 24 pieces of legislation, as its mandate. It has handed over all the amendment bills to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The role of this august House in enacting 16 of the reviewed Bills so far is commendable.

14.  In terms of the judicial reforms process, the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) has completed its work, and drafted a report with recommendations for judicial reforms. However, the scheduled stakeholders’ validation and official handover of the Report to the RTGoNU remains pending. Judicial reforms mandated by the R-ARCSS include: (a) the review of the Judiciary Act; (b) building the capacity of judicial personnel and infrastructure; (c) reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission; and (d) establishment of an independent, impartial and credible Constitutional Court. RJMEC has urged the RTGoNU to expedite the conclusion of the JRC’s final report to pave the way for judicial reforms.

15. During the reporting period, the Permanent Ceasefire continued to hold with no major clashes among the forces of the signatory Parties. However, clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the hold out group National Salvation Front (NAS) of Gen Thomas Cirillo were reported in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State, and in some parts of Central Equatoria State.

16. Concerning the Transitional Security Arrangements, there has been very little progress since the last RJMEC briefing. CTSAMVM reported that on 19 April 2024, the Joint Defence Board (JDB) deployed two battalions of the army to Malakal and Bentui, which in addition to the 6 battalions that were deployed in 2023, brings the total number of Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) battalions deployed so far to eight. On Phase II training, there is no evidence of any preparations, nor has funding been availed for the DDR Commission and Security Mechanisms.

17. With regards to the unification of the second command echelon of the NUF, the SPLM/A-IO and SSOA submitted lists of the names of their officers to H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan. The SPLM/A-IO and the SSOA are still awaiting the President’s response. 

18. The SDSR Board has completed the validation of the five documents of the Strategic Defence and Security Review process, namely the Strategic Security Assessment, Security Policy Framework, Revised Defence Policy, the White Paper on Defence and Security, and the Security Sector Transformation Roadmap. These documents are yet to be presented to the Party leaders for their approval.

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

19. Regarding humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, the humanitarian situation in the country continues to worsen through increasing food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among populations that are already acutely food insecure. The situation is expected to further worsen with the cumulative effects of the deteriorating economic situation, diminishing funding, intercommunal violence, continued influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan, climatic shocks, disease outbreaks and anticipated flooding. The passing of the NGO Act 2016 (Amendment) Bill 2024 by this august House and its subsequent operationalision is expected to play a critical role in creating a more conducive working environment for NGOs in South Sudan, thus improving access to those in need.

20. According to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), by the end of April 2024, about 655,000 returnees from Sudan were registered in South Sudan through various open border points, though the transit centres, especially Renk, lack basic needs, including shelter from the heat and rain. 

21. The RRC has attributed the slow return, relocation, and reintegration processes to the delayed establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF). It is worth noting that the slow implementation of Chapter III affects inclusivity, fairness, and meaningful participation of citizens, especially women who make up the majority of the IDPs, returnees, refugees and populations in need.

22. In terms of resource, economic and financial management the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Authority (PPDAA) has been created and is almost fully functional as required by Article 4.6.1.1 of the R-ARCSS. This Authority should control and regulate public procurement and the disposal of public assets in a manner that is transparent, fair, honest, cost-effective and competitive. However, the institution is challenged by the absence of the Procurement Regulations, which is yet to be approved by this House. Another challenge is the lack of cooperation from some Ministries, agencies and departments of government to comply with the PPDAA in setting up procurement committees in their institutions.

23. The Fiscal and Financial Allocation Monitoring Commission Bill, which is to ensure transparency of allocations of national revenue to States and Counties, has been approved by the Council of Ministers and now needs to enacted by this House. Separately, the Public Financial Management and Accountability (PFMA) Bill was passed by this House and awaits assent by the President.

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

24. Under transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation and healing, RJMEC noted that the draft Bills on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) are before this august House for enactment.

25. Under the parameters of permanent constitution, during this reporting period, the reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) received the SSP equivalent of US $800,000 to facilitate its work, and has since adopted all its revised internal governing instruments. The Commission awaits a political decision on the timelines, given the Roadmap schedule for the end of the Transitional Period.

26. The RJMEC, as the commission that is mandated by the Agreement to oversee, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Agreement, has continued to have its leadership engaging regularly with the RTGoNU Executives, the Parties to the Agreement, institutions and mechanisms implementing the R-ARCSS and different South Sudanese stakeholders and adherents. The Parties to the Agreement were urged to continue to dialogue in good faith towards consensus in order to provide clarity on the best way forward with respect to the implementation of the agreement and the critical issue of the holding of elections at the end of the transition period.

27. RJMEC leadership, additionally held a number of important engagements in Juba and within the region on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS as well as challenges facing its implementation, including observer status in the Nairobi talks. The leadership also briefed and updated H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chair of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), the Facilitation Support Team for the South African Special Envoy to South Sudan, H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Gen. Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Foreign Minister of Uganda, a visiting delegation of the AU Peace and Security Council and non-resident Ambassadors of Belgium and South Korea. These high-level personalities were briefed on the progress, challenges and opportunities and possible interventions towards implementation of the Agreement.

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

28. In RJMEC’s assessment, there has been insufficient progress made in implementation of the R-ARCSS during the reporting period. Key tasks, such as the permanent constitution making, preparations for elections, and the unification of forces, remain largely at the same stage as they were at the end of the previous quarter. 

29. Failure to move forward on these key aspects of the implementation hinders the holding of elections, scheduled for December 2024. However, while it is encouraging that at least partial funding has been availed to the NEC, PPC and NCRC, key institutions that will play major roles in the constitution and election processes, more resources are needed. It is important to stress the need for a people led and a people owned permanent constitution made in accordance with provisions of the Constitution Making Process Act 2022, as the basis to guide the conduct of a credible free, fair and peaceful election at the end of the Transitional Period. With that in mind, it is hoped that the Tumaini Initiative can make progress in bringing the hold out groups into the peace process, enhancing the prospects of sustainable peace in South Sudan.

30. The recommendations which follow, are aimed at encouraging a faster pace of implementation of the R-ARCSS and will better prepare the country for the upcoming elections, if acted upon.  

a.  To the Parties to the Agreement and Relevant Stakeholders:

1.1.      engage in dialogue in the spirit of collegiality on the best way forward for the holding of elections and provide a detailed plan to the people of South Sudan on the implementation of the Roadmap; and 

1.2.      embrace the Tumaini Initiative as a means of bringing in the holdout groups into the Revitalised Peace Agreement in the spirit of inclusivity and furthering the prospects for peace in the country.

b. To the RTGoNU:

1.3.      seize this constitution-making moment given the importance of a people-led and a people-owned permanent constitution, as the basis to guide the conduct of credible free, fair and peaceful elections; 

1.4.      avail requisite funding, in a timely manner, to the NCRC to enable the effective discharge of its mandate in overseeing the making of a Permanent Constitution;

1.5.      create an enabling civic and political space for citizens’ participation in governance;

1.6.      expeditiously undertake, through the NEC, elections-related activities listed in Article 1.20.8 of the R-ARCSS; 

1.7.      provide, as a matter of urgency, all the resources necessary to complete redeployment of the remaining NUF, and in addition complete unification of the command structure so that the country can have a unified force with a national character under one Commander-in-Chief; and

1.8.         pursue establishment of the SRF and Board with a view to helping to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.

c. To the TNL:

1.9.         expedite the enactment of all pending bills, including the NGO, CTRH and CRA Bills; and

1.10.      support the process of providing the requisite funding for the constitution and election making processes by passage of the necessary supplementary spending and budget bills to secure funding for their operationalisation.

31. In conclusion, with elections scheduled for December 2024, it is hoped that the dialogue by the Parties to the Agreement will bring clarity on the best way forward. It is important to underscore that while some progress has been made in establishing the key institutions charged with the conduct of the constitution-making and elections processes, a lot remains to be done to fully equip them to carry out their mandates. 

32. Similarly, the level of resources made available to these institutions fall well short of their proposed budgets, further hindering their ability to complete the required tasks in line with the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

I Thank You!

-      Honourable Ministers, 

-      Excellencies,

-      Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   I welcome you all to the 36th plenary meeting of the RJMEC. This plenary is an important platform for all of us, as the peace oversight body, to regularly take stock of progress, or lack thereof, in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, to receive reports from the RTGoNU and from the different Agreement institutions and mechanisms, and to recommend appropriate remedial measures. 

2.   I therefore take note that, very little clarity exists regarding the position of the RTGoNU and Parties over the  the conduct of elections as scheduled in December this year. Also, critical election related tasks remain outstanding. However, I am aware that the High Level Standing Committee of the Parties on the Implementation of the R-ARCSS have been meeting. We look forward to RTGoNU’s update on this matter.

3.   The aforementioned notwithstanding, our regular plenary meeting is an important platform to encourage the RTGoNU and the Parties to exert more efforts to register progress. I therefore appeal to all RJMEC members to remain seized of our mandate and to use these regular meetings to proactively engage with the RTGoNU, the Parties and the implementation mechanisms to expedite the pace of the R-ARCSS implementation. 

4.   My statement today will focus on the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement as per the Roadmap since our last plenary meeting, and highlight recent developments chapter by chapter, critical pending tasks and concludes with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.   Under governance, it is encouraging to note that the RTGoNU Council of Ministers has endorsed the revised NGO Act 2016 (Amendment) Bill 2024. The Bill seeks to streamline the operations of NGOs, and improve their registration and regulations. This is a welcome development. The subsequent step is for the Bill to be presented to the TNLA for its consideration. 

6.   With regard to the ad-hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC), the  validation and official handover of their report to the RTGoNU remains pending. I reiterate RJMECs appeal to the RTGoNU to expedite the conclusion of this process.

7.   On preparations for the conduct of elections as scheduled, RJMEC had requested the Parties in March to engage in a dialogue so as to reach consensus on the way forward. With less than six months to the elections as per the Roadmap, time is fast running out and a number of critical election related tasks remain pending. There are reports that the National Elections Commission (NEC) has made some progress with regards to the reconstitution of the State Elections High Committees. The Chairperson of the NEC will provide further update on this matter and on the status of its work. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

8.      Regarding the Permanent Ceasefire, the ceasefire is still holding despite the reported increase of abductions of youths by NAS in Central Equatoria State and some insecurities along the roads. Since the last meeting, CTSAMVM has submitted seven violation reports to the RJMEC. I wrote to the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces’ calling for immediate action on the violations as per CTSAMVM’s recommendations. The JDB is requested to update this meeting on the status of actions taken to remedy the violations.

9.      On the Transitional Security Arrangements, RTGoNU is requested to update this meeting on the status of the mid- and lower-levels command, following the submission by both SPLM/A-IO and SSOA of their lists of officers. In addition, I request updates from the JDB on the completion of redeployment for Phase I, plans for the commencement of Phase II, SDSR process and the DDR respectively.

10.  RJMEC remains concerned with reports of continuing inter-communal violence in different parts of the country, including latest incidents in Ruweng Administrative Area and Unity States.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

11.  With regard to humanitarian affairs, the situation in the country remains challenging and is expected to worsen with  the anticipated flooding and decrease in relief support. The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) continues to decry the conditions in and around the main transit centre in Renk, Unity State where returnees lack basic needs, including shelter from the heat and rain. 

12.  The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission attributes the slow return, relocation, and  reintegration processes to delayed establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund and its Board.  In that regard, I appeal to the RTGoNU and peace partners to come to the aid of the affected persons who are in dire need. 

13.  In addition, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission is finalising the consolidated National Framework for Durable Solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities. The Framework will be a useful tool for resource mobilisation and coordination. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

14.  With regards to the management of economic and financial resources, the TNLA recently passed the Public Finance Management and Accountability Amendment Bill 2024, which awaits assent by the President. The RTGoNU has also made inroads in building the domestic private sector through strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) among rural populations and the urban poor in some States by increasing access to finance and capacity building. 

15.  However, there is need for strengthening the South Sudan Business Forum to enable it to support the review and implementation of the Private Sector Development Strategy. It is also important  that the Enterprise Development Funds for both Women and Youth are established and accessed throughout the country.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

16.  Regarding Transitional Justice, there has been no new progress to report as the Bills for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) are still with the TNLA. I reiterate our appeal to the TNLA to give these bills their urgent attention.

17.  Concerning the permanent constitution making process, I am encouraged by reports that the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) has received US $ 800,000 as promised by the RTGoNU in our last plenary. I commend the RTGoNU for availing this funds to the NCRC. 

18.  The making of ‘a people led, and people owned permanent constitution’ within the Transitional Period is one of the cardinal promises made by the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to the people of South Sudan and this constitutional moment should not be lost.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

19.  RJMEC has had a number of important engagements, here in Juba and within the region on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS, as well as challenges facing its implementation, the Nairobi talks, and prospects for elections.

20.  In this regard, I briefed Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, H.E Gen. Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Foreign Minister of Uganda, the visiting delegation of the AU Peace and Security Council, and the non-resident Ambassadors of Belgium and South Korea. 

21.  We continued our regular and close engagements with the RTGoNU Executives, Parties to the Agreement, institutions and mechanisms implementing the Agreement and different South Sudanese stakeholders. In all engagements, we keep encouraging them to make further progress, dialogue and provide clarity on the way forward.

22.  With regard to the Nairobi talks, we continue to encourage the negotiating parties to dialogue in good faith with a commitment to achieving an inclusive peace process within the framework of the R-ARCSS. 

23.  In view of the aforementioned, RJMEC recommends the following to the RTGoNU:

a.   continue sustained inter-party dialogue in a collegial manner, build consensus amongst the Parties and the stakeholders on the way forward on elections, and provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the dialogue;

b.   continue to avail the requisite resources and logistics to the Agreement institutions and mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandates;

c.   fast-track the passing of all pending bills and operationalise those already enacted by the TNLA; and

d.  complete the unification of the mid-level command echelon, redeployment of the unified forces, and commence Phase II, and DDR.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

24.  In conclusion, I would like to underscore the importance of continuous implementation of the R-ARCSS tasks, irrespective of the ongoing inter-party dialogue and the Nairobi talks. Much work remains to be done and no time should be lost going forward.

25.  I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You!

• Hon Dr. Abraham Korir SingOei CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Government of Kenya;

·     H.E. Lt. Gen Lazarous Sumbeiywo (rtd), Chief Mediator;

·     Paolo Impagliazzo, Secertary General of the Community of Sant’Egidio and Co-Mediator;

·     H.E. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan; 

·     Head of Government Delegation;

·     Head of Delegation, South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance;

·     Excellencies;

·     Honourable Members; 

·     Distinguished        Guests;

·     Ladies and Gentlemen.

1.   Good morning. Hujambo nyote. Greetings to all of you. Karibuni Kenya. Welcome to Kenya! 

2.   It is a great honour and privilege for me to address you in my capacity as the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the official oversight, monitoring and evaluation body of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. 

3.   At the outset, RJMEC wishes to congratulate the Government of Kenya, the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) for all efforts that have enabled the launching of the South Sudan High Level Mediation Process in Nairobi today. This gathering is a commendable demonstration of commitment by all that peace can only be achieved through a sustained dialogue, inclusivity and consensus building, which is an intrinsic acceptable process rather than  violence. 

4.   In this regard, I commend His Excellency Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya for accepting to facilitate this dialogue following the request from His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; and the leadership of South Sudan Opposition Alliance SSOMA for accepting this dialogue in an effort to find durable peace in the Republic of South Sudan. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,  

5.        I wish to commend the mediation team from the Revitalised Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) led by Ambassador Albino Mathem for their commitment and continued search for an all-inclusive peace in South Sudan from the time that these negotiations commenced in Rome. I also wish to commend the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) groups for their acceptance to continue to dialogue and accepting to come to the IGAD region in cognizance of the importance of regional support to these talks by embracing Nairobi as the venue for these deliberations.

6.   These talks build on seven rounds of the Rome Peace Process, led by the Community of Sant ’Egidio and IGAD, held between January 2020 and March 2023 which yielded some positive outcomes, including the recommitment to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and Declaration of Principles. 

7.    It is RJMEC’s expectation that these talks will further the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and usher the country into an inclusive, peaceful and democratic end to the Transitional Period. Since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution to the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018, South Sudan has experienced 5½ years of relative peace, despite sporadic skirmishes and communal fighting that continues to occur in several parts of the country. However, it is important to note that Permanent Ceasefire continues to hold between the Parties to the Agreement. This relative peace compared to previous years before 2018, is a commendable achievement and needs to be further consolidated. These talks are therefore a positive step and an opportunity in which the outcome could lead towards attainment of sustainable peace in South Sudan.

8.   RJMEC, as the official oversight, monitoring and evaluation body established under Chapter VII of the Agreement, is cognisant of the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, particularly regarding the Transitional Security Arrangements, elections preparation, the permanent constitution making process, and processes of truth, reconciliation and healing. 

9.   It is RJMEC’s view that the success of the South Sudan Mediation Process in Nairobi will come out with a framework of inclusivity, address the differences and bring a clear way forward that would enhance the peace process. Additionally, this success would build a momentum for the implementation of the remaining pending tasks of the R-ARCSS, towards the achievement of the lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.  

10.    With many critical tasks still pending implementation, against the backdrop of the fast-approaching end of the Transition Period as per the Agreement Roadmap, RJMEC has continued to encourage the Parties to the Agreement to ensure that implementation of these tasks is expedited and completed in order to lay a firm foundation for South Sudan’s transition to a democratically elected government. 

11.    As I conclude my remarks, I would like to underscore that the main expectation of the people of South Sudan is that your positive and constructive engagements here in Nairobi will galvanize and bolster the peace efforts already underway in South Sudan. A positive conclusion to this mediation process will no doubt empower the country’s reconciliation process, bring about enabling environment for national development and will contribute to durable peace, justice, liberty and prosperity to the people of South Sudan.  

12.    I therefore wish you fruitful engagements during this peace mediation.  

I Thank You!

-     Rt Honourable Speaker,

-     Rt Honourable Deputy Speakers,

-     Honourable Members,

-     Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

1.    It is a great honour and privilege for the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to brief this august Assembly on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

2.    This briefing is pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement which mandates RJMEC to, among others, report quarterly on the status of implementation of the Agreement, followed by detailed briefings to the Executive of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and its Council of Ministers and the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA). 

3.    Furthermore, RJMEC is mandated to brief the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary General of the United Nations.

4.    Today is more than five-and-half years since the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, more than four years into the Transitional Period and less than nine months to the elections scheduled for December 2024. The progress made to date shows that the South Sudanese leaders and people have collectively demonstrated that lasting peace, stability and development are possible and within reach.   

5.    In that regard, the collective will power and determination on the part of the RTGoNU Executive, and members of the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly are essential for the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

6.    My briefing this morning is a summary of the RJMEC Quarterly Report covering the period from 1st  January to 31stMarch 2024, and highlights the progress made in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, critical pending tasks, challenges and key milestones that need to be reached as South Sudan prepares for elections, noting that overall, there has been slow progress in the implementation.

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

7.    Under governance, progress has been made in legislative, judicial and institutional reforms. For example, the National Constitutional Amendment Committee completed its mandate of reviewing 24 pieces of legislation to conform to the Peace Agreement and international best practice. Of this about 10 have enacted into law, three (03) await assent of the President and five (05) are before this august Assembly and await enactment. RJMEC urges the expeditious enactment of these critical laws, including the National Security Service Bill which is long overdue.

8.    On its part, the Judicial Reform Committee also completed its mandate and drafted its final report with recommendations on judicial reforms aimed at ensuring an independent and credible judiciary to the RTGoNU. This report is  due for stakeholders validation and handover to the RTGoNU. RJMEC therefore urges the RTGoNU to support the JRC in this regard.

9.    In addition, the National Elections Commission, the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission which were reconstituted in the previous quarter undertook a series of induction workshops, including development and validation of their internal policy documents, workplans and budget for implementation in line with their respective mandates. RJMEC understands that budget for the operationalisation of these critical institutions and mechanisms awaits tabling and approval by this August House and appeals for urgency. 

10. On the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, whereas the Permanent Ceasefire continues to hold among Parties to the Agreement, there are concerns regarding the activities of the National Salvation Front (NAS), including skirmishes with the SSPDF mostly in the southern part of Central Equatoria, as well as clashes between the SPLA-IO and defectors affiliated with the SSPDF such as General Simon Maguek in Unity State. Of similar concern is also  intercommunal violence in areas such as Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and Jonglei and Upper Nile states with mainly civilians bearing the brunt.  

11. Regarding completion of the unification of forces, there has been no substantive progress since the reported redeployment of 4,000 Phase I Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) during the last quarter. Similarly, there has not been any movement on the preparations for Phase II NUF training and the situation in cantonment sites remains dire. The unification of the middle echelon has been delayed. Further, the DDR process for all forces ineligible to join the NUF lacks funding from the RTGoNU and partners, therefore those troops remain in the training centres. DDR is a critical component of the unification process which should not be ignored.  However, it is encouraging that the Strategic Defense and Security Review Board is now in the process of validating the security sector policy frameworks, its final step.

12. The humanitarian situation remains bleak with increasing needs and over nine million people requiring assistance. Continuing depreciation of the local currency, the South Sudanese Pound, has inflated food prices, which increased by 19 percent in February 2024 compared to January 2024, thus worsening the situation of the population, many of whom were already acutely food insecure. 

13. The conflict in the Republic of Sudan has further excerbated the humanitarian crisis. By end of March, over 640,000 people were reported to have crossed into South Sudan from Sudan since 15 April 2023. Given the limited resources, responders were unable to provide adequate clean water, food, shelter and healthcare for the arriving populations. Overcrowding and unhygienic living conditions were reported in Bulukat and Renk transit centres in Upper Nile State. Taxation of humanitarian relief materials, illegal checkpoints, and insecurity along humanitarian corridors continued to undermine the R-ARCSS expectation that there will be unfettered access for millions of South Sudanese in need of humanitarian assitance from the United Nations and impartial international and national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

14. The implementation of the Public Financial Management reforms has been slow within the quarter. The work of the PFM Oversight Committee is ongoing but has been faced with a few administrative challenges.  It continued to monitor the non-oil revenue collection, which has progressively performed well as a result of recent reforms of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). However, data on oil revenue for the period has not been released following challenges posed by insecurity in Sudan on the lifting and export of crude oil respectively. Exports have been disrupted since the last week of February 2024.

15. Based on recommendations of the private sector development strategy, the business environment has been improved by formalising a good number of informal businesses. In addition, an  innovative initiative launched by the UNDP and Stanbic Bank aim to provide microfinance for vulnerable youth, ex-combatants, returnees and IDPs. Despite these commendable activities, the relevant pieces of legislation to ensure sustainability have not been passed, namely the bills for the establishment of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Women Enterprise Development Fund. Another important legislation that needs to be enacted is regulating non-bank financial institutions.

16. Under Transitional Justice, there has been no change during the quarter. During the last reporting period, the Council of Ministers deliberated and approved the Bills for the establishment of the Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA). On 5 December 2023, the two Bills were tabled before this august Assembly for consideration for enactment. 

17. Regarding the making of the Permanent Constitution, the National Constitutional Review Commission validated and adopted its draft internal documents. The Commission awaits funding in order to commence its work, including civic education, public consultation and the recruitment of the Constitutional Drafting Committee and the establishment of the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the convening of the National Constitutional Conference.  Funding of the NCRC budget was approved by the Council of Ministers and now requires this august House immediate attention.                              

Right Hon. Speaker, Honorable Members,

18. The challenges impeding progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS include, among others, lack of adherence to the letter and spirit of the R-ARCSS; military defections which continue to undermine the confidence in the R-ARCSS and in some instances trigger conflict; insufficient political will and trust among some Parties; insufficient resources for implementation of the Agreement; capacity gaps in the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms and lack of political and civic space.

19. While the current focus continues to be on the holding of elections in a timely manner, due attention should be given to expediting the completion of the pending critical tasks, which are prerequisites to the conduct of credible elections within the framework of the Agreement. Foremost among those are unification of forces and the making of a permanent constitution. There is also a need for this august Assembly to prioritize and ensure the passage of the Agreement related legislation most particulaly the National Security Service, CTRH and CRA Bills. Passage of the NSS Bill in its current form, as agreed by the Parties at Presidency level, will help in the deepening and further protection of political and civic space in the build-up to elections. The transitional justice bills once passed will allow for the establishment of the critical mechanisms that will spearhead the processes of truth telling, justice, healing, reconciliation, compensation and reparations,  In addition, following through on the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund will help channel additional resources to deal with the growing humanitarian situation and address the needs of the returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

20. In light of the aforementioned, the RJMEC recommends the Parties to the Agreement and Relevant Stakeholders to provide clarity on how it will complete the critical pending tasks and create the necessary conditions for the conduct of elections in a timely manner. It further recommends that they should embrace the call for dialogue in the spirit of collegiality and present to the people of South Sudan a unified plan for elections, with practical steps to fast-track the implementation of the Roadmap to ensure the timely conduct of elections.

21. In addition, the RJMEC recommends that the RTGoNU considers undertaking the following measures:

a.    Expedite additional funding to the   NCRC and NEC  in order to enhance the making of a people-led and a people-owned Permanent Constitution in accordance with provisions of the Constitution Making Process Act 2022, and provide resources to undertake the election-related tasks; 

b.    provide resources for the elections process while engaging with the international community to support its efforts;

c.     together with partners, expedite judicial reforms based on the JRC recommendations in a manner that compliments the permanent constitution making process and the conduct of elections;

d.    fast-track the dialogue towards achieving its goal of delivering a clear path as well as actionable political guidance on the way forward in an effort to sustain peace throughout the country;

e.    address the ongoing intercommunal violence consistent with its obligations to maintain security throughout the country; 

f.     provide, as a matter of urgency, all the resources necessary to deploy the remaining NUF, complete harmonisation of the command structure so that the country can have a unified force with a national character under one Commander-in-Chief and fund the DDR process, a critical component of the unifcation of forces; and

g.    establish the Special Reconstruction Fund with a view to helping to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.

22. Further, RJMEC appeals to the TNLA to expedite enactment of all pending amendment bills, including the National Security Services Bill, NGO Amendment Bill, and Transitional Justice bills and, to support the process of funding the constitution and election-making processes. 

23. It further urges the TNLA to encourage the Parties to conduct the dialogue process in a manner that enables the acheivement of  its goal of delivering a clear path towards to sustainable peace throughout the country; 

24. In conclusion, the end of the Transitional Period is less than 12 months as scheduled, yet very critical tasks remains unimplemented. It is essential that this August House galvanized the Parties to consolidate the peace dividends achieved since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed in 2018 and agree on a clear path for a peaceful and democratic end to the Transitional Period..

I Thank You!