Good Afternoon

1.   I wish to start by commending the conveners, facilitators and participants of this very important Workshop. The successful conclusion of this very timely Workshop marks an encouraging beginning of the extension to the Pre-Transitional Phase that begins tomorrow, 12 May 2019. 

2.  I am told the workshop went well and that significant progress was made, I congratulate youfor what you have achieved in a short time and at short notice.  It is my hope that we shall keep this momentum going and double our determination, in order to avoid the agreed roadmap and implementation schedule from falling behind schedule, again.

3.   When I addressed you yesterday I expressed my concern regarding the size and complexity of the task lying ahead of you and thetime available to achieve success. We are all aware that failure is not an option and that the people of South Sudan are watching anxiously, waiting to see real action that will improve their lives and produce lasting peace. 

4.  I also spoke about measures neededto get the key actions of Cantonment, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces back on track. 

5. The first step being,to enhance cooperation both within and between your organizations. I am informed that this Workshop has already demonstrated improved coordination and plans are already underway to enhance the work of the Mechanisms through information sharing and the allocation of more human and technical resources.

6.  In particular, I am pleased to see thepresence of NPTC and hear about their involvement in both the discussions and the development of detailed plans to meet the new targets. I understand that NPTC has pledged to provide support to the Secretariatsincluding office space, equipment, communications and movement support. We will workclosely with NPTC to assist them in fulfilling this pledge as quickly as possible.

7.  Looking forward, I expect that there will be regular meetings between the four mechanisms and involvement by NPTC, RJMEC, CTSAMVM and internationalpartners. 

8. I welcome the production of detailed action plans showing confirmed locations for Cantonment sites, resources to be procured to both establish and support them with agreed budgets. I welcome toothe agreement that planning and preparation for Cantonment will run concurrently with plans to select, train anddeploy the necessary Unified Forces. 

9.  Most important of all,will be the announcement of a startdate for cantonment and the official opening of selected pilot cantonment sites.

10.  I reiterate that logistics demands of Cantonment, training and redeployment of the necessary Unified Forces will require skilled procurement and financial staff support. I look forward to seeing the details of how this task will be performed.

11.   Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) will be key to the successful end of this conflict, and must also be urgently addressed. I shall be working closely with the IGAD Special Envoy to expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission.

12.   I wish to restate my appreciation toyou all for the two days of hard work and congratulate you for your achievements. This is a good firststep on a long road. I have no doubt that there are challenges ahead,but I am confident that the people in this room have the skills and experience to overcome them. This, however, takes leadership and teamwork.  

13.   We hope to get assistance for you from other organizations and agencies where you request for it.  RJMEC and the Office of the IGAD SE stand readyto offer whatever assistance we can provide.

14.   With these few remarks,I want to offer my sincerest thanks to you all and declare this Workshop closed

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