.        Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

-       Hon. Ministers

-       IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan

-       Incoming RJMEC Chair

-       Representative of the IGAD Executive Secretary 

-       Distinguished Guests

-       Diplomatic Corps

-       Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Afternoon!

1.   Today marks the conclusion of my tenure in the Republic of South Sudan as the Interim Chair of RJMEC, the institution which oversees, monitors and evaluates the status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

2.   When I assumed this duty in August 2020, South Sudan stood at a critical juncture. The RTGoNU has just been established, the COVID-19 pandemic was ravaging the world and had stalled implementation of the R-ARCSS. This was also the time the  Parties were in the process of establishing the remaining governance structures at the national, state and County levels.  

3.   Over the past 4½ years, I have also witnessed first-hand the dedication and resilience of the South Sudanese people, their unwavering desire for peace, and their commitment to building a better future for themselves and generations to come.

4.   This is a moment of reflection, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that remain on the path to lasting peace and stability in this remarkable nation.

5.   Notwithstanding challenges, we have jointly witnessed significant strides during my tenure. The guns have largely fallen silent since the signing of the R-ARCSS in 2018, a testament to the commitment of the parties to the permanent ceasefire. Key institutions were reconstituted, and progress have been made in various thematic areas, though a lot more is desired. In that regard, I commend the efforts of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, the Parties to the Agreement, and all stakeholders for achieving the various milestones.

6.   However, the peace journey is far from over. I would like to reiterate the need to focus on key provisions of the Agreement to be implemented. The tasks include, among others, the making of the permanent constitution, unification of forces, judicial reforms and adequate preparations for elections. The completion of these tasks will make post-elections attractive and guarantees the rule of law.

7.     Inter-communal violence remains a concern, threatening the peace. The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions still in need of assistance. More political will and trust among the political leaders, and adequate funding can help alleviate some of these challenges. 

8.   The upcoming elections in 2026 present another critical juncture for South Sudan. It is imperative that these elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring the full participation of all South Sudanese and reflecting the will of the people. RJMEC will play a crucial role in monitoring the electoral process to ensure its credibility.

9.   As the path ahead is travelled, processes of transitional justice should not be delayed. These processes are critical in promoting the healing within the South Sudanese society. The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority will need to be established to foster reconciliation and healing, and many more. 

10.       Moreover, the gender provisions of the Agreement are as important as ever. The RTGoNU needs to continue to give them the care and attention they deserve.  Also, let us not forget to support the most vulnerable population of this country – the South Sudanese returnees and IDPs in all your respective interventions. They deserve to live in dignity to enable them participate in the ongoing peace process.

11.     As the extended Transitional Period gets underway, let me reiterate what I have always said before: the R-ARCSS offers a beacon of hope, a roadmap towards a brighter future. All parties and peace stakeholders are therefore encouraged to renew their commitments to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS during the extended period. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, development, and inclusivity. It requires sustained dialogue, compromise, and a genuine commitment to putting the interests of the South Sudanese people first.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

12.  Throughout my time with RJMEC, I received much support from the people of South Sudan, as well criticisms. I take them in good faith. I wished I left this country with free and fair elections having been conducted in 2024. It is my hope that the two years extension will be the last. I therefore appeal to the leaders of this country to demonstrate a sense of urgency and immediately commence preparations for elections, focusing on priority areas.  

13.  I would like to commend H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, Vice Presidents and all other party leaders for staying the course of peace and within the Agreement provisions. I am confident that the leaders of South Sudan shall continue to guide this country during this extended period within the spirit of collegiality, consensus and collaboration.

14.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency President Dr William Ruto, the Government of the Republic of Kenya and IGAD, for affording me this opportunity to lead such an esteemed peace commission in South Sudan

15.  Further, I sincerely thank the international partners who have continued to finance the operations and logistics of RJMEC, allowing us to faithfully discharge our mandate. Your continuous support to RJMEC is highly appreciated.

16.  I would also like to thank the 43 members of RJMEC, for their commitment, devotion and focus. These distinguished members have participated in 29 plenary meetings during my watch and of which I have chaired over the period. They have played their role with diligence and distinguished devotion to duty. Their efforts and contributions, including the Working Committees that they continue to participate in, is commendable and is invaluable in the South Sudan peace process.

17.   To my very able staff at the RJMEC Secretariat, led ably by Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede: your tireless work and commitment has been of great help in my role as Chair, to all the RJMEC members and the people of South Sudan. As I hand over this RJMEC family to my successor, I am persuaded to believe that this family will provide him as much support as they have given me.

18.  Finally, I would like to thank my wife, children and grandchildren who have supported me as they endured my long intermittent absence from the family engagements. This has been their contributions to the South Sudan peace process.

19.  In conclusion, I wish my successor, Ambassador Major General (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, every success in his role as Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. I have known him for a very long time and am pleased to call him a friend. I am sure his experience and judgement will stand RJMEC in excellent stead for the coming extended period.  

20.  I appeal to all of you to offer him the same level of support and cooperation as you did to me, and in doing so, I know that the mandate of RJMEC will continue to be discharged professionally, impartially and faithfully. 

Farewell. Kwaheri ya Kuonana. Wadae. Adieu!

May God Bless You, and May God Bless South Sudan.

I Thank You.