END OF YEAR  STATEMENT TO THE RJMEC MEMBERS BY  H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMMISSION 15 DECEMBER 2020 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

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Tuesday, 15 December 2020 13:10

End of Year Statement to the RJMEC Members, By H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai

Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. 15 December 2020 Juba, South Sudan

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a challenging year draws to a close, it is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we have been, but where we are going with respect to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). This year 2020, started with some moderate progress. On 15 February 2020, the issue of the number of states and their boundaries was resolved with a decision by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to revert the country to ten states. This welcome compromise paved the way for the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on 22 February and the establishment of the Council of Ministers on 17 March 2020.
However, since that time, real progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has been dispiritingly slow. Notwithstanding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the full implementation of the Peace Agreement remains the single most important aspiration of the people of South Sudan. I therefore urge all the Parties, stakeholders, all partners, friends and the people of South Sudan, not to lose sight of this goal. The implementation of the R- ARCSS is important to lay a firm foundation for the conduct of democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
Onseveraloccasions,Ihaveurgedforthepaceofimplementationtoincrease, but this has not happened, and much of the same issues are still outstanding even as 2020 draws to a close. I will therefore set out my expectations for the coming year 2021, which I hope all Parties and partners in the Peace Agreement will approach with renewed vigour and determination. The achievement of the outstanding tasks will set the foundation for trust building, and confidence, which will contribute to sustainable peace in South Sudan.
On the issue of governance arrangements, it is important that the matter of the appointment of the governor of Upper Nile State is resolved in the earliest time possible, given that it is long overdue. However, I am encouraged to learn that last week, the Presidency met and discussed the matter in an effort to find a solution. The other key outstanding governance tasks include the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States – two critical legislative institutions of government.

Under Article 1.18.1.4 the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) is mandated to receive a list of nominees of respective parties relating to the appointment of members to the reconstituted TNLA. All Parties that have not yet submitted their list of nominees to the NCAC should do so without any further delay. Establishing and staffing the entire structures of the RTGoNU and making them operational will enhance the normal functioning of government at all levels. I would also like to urge the Parties to observe the35% level of women’s representation throughout the establishmentand reconstitution of Government structures.
On the issue of transitional security arrangements, critical tasks, which were carried forward from the Pre-Transitional Period remain incomplete. It is important to fast track and complete the training, graduation and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) under Phase I and also to expedite Phase II. I expect that the recent senior military leadership training conducted in Nairobi, by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with RJMEC, will help the Parties to address the issue of unified command.
Equally important to the security arrangements is the implementation of a well-coordinated Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process. In all cases, the RTGoNU must allocate the necessary funding and resources. It is also imperative that the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) Board complete a review of the security policy framework and develop a white paper on defence and security. These will underpin reforms in the security sector in the country. Furthermore, I hope and expect that the Rome Process will contribute to a reduction in the levels and incidents of violence, attributed in part to the activities of the hold-out groups, particularly in the Greater Equatoria Region. Defections, especially of military personnel amongst the peace partners is completely unacceptable and contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement and must not be encouraged.

On the issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), I am encouraged by the recent steps taken to curb it, including SGBV training to the forces and the operationalisation of dedicated SGBV courts. These efforts must be further strengthened in 2021.
10.On humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, I express appreciation for assistance given by all stakeholders and urge for continued support. It is important that all stakeholders adhere to the agreed principles for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction set out in Chapter III of the R- ARCSS. In this regard, I call for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid workers, removal of bureaucratic impediments, and continued efforts to address community-based and sub-national violence. In addition, there is urgent need to implement the National framework for return, reintegration and relocation of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is also important to immediately establish the Special Reconstruction Fund to pave way for the convening of the Donor Pledging Conference that will raise funds to support the implementation of the Agreement.
11.On the Economy, a lot of work still remains to be done including the need to establish the Economic and Finance Management Authority (EFMA). I welcome the commitment expressed by the Minister of Finance to align the R- ARCSS to the National Development Strategy 2018-2021. I look forward to the completion of this process, which will also clarify the financing needs of the implementation of the Agreement. I also take note of the progress being made in areas of Public Financial Management reforms in cooperation with development partners and encourage further reforms in this direction. In view of the above, I welcome the progress made by the NCAC on reviewing and amending the Public Financial Management Act and the Audit Chamber Act and I look forward to these bills becoming laws to enhance transparency and accountability .
12.With regard to the need for transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation and healing, there is need to immediately begin public consultations and make progress in establishment of the mechanisms as provided for under Chapter V of the Agreement. The participation of all stakeholders and civil society in this process will be critical and the RTGoNU should fully cooperate with the African Union Commission to expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
13.With regard to the making of a permanent constitution, as provided for under Chapter 6 of the R-ARCSS, I am encouraged to see that consultations towards the convening of the workshop for the parties to agree on the details for the constitutional-making process have begun. I call upon all parties to engage constructively and agree on a roadmap that will make the constitution-making process inclusive and participatory, within the timeline and parameters envisaged by the R-ARCSS.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. Let us use this Christmas season as a period of reflection. May we all recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace and return in the new year refreshed and ready to go the extra mile. I take this opportunity to thank all RJMEC members for the cooperation exhibited in what has been a very challenging time. I also extend our commendation to the leadership of the RTGoNU and the people of South Sudan for staying the course of peace. I wish you all good health and look forward to working closely together for more progress in the year ahead. Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year 2021.