H.E. Dr. Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Head of Economic Cluster 

Hon. Justice Ruben Madol Arol, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs 

Hon. Ngor Kolong Ngor, Chairperson Anti-Corruption Commission

Honourable Ministers present

Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning!

I am deeply honoured and privileged to speak on this occasion to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day in the Republic of South Sudan. I bring you greetings and sincere apologies from H.E Amb. Maj. Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) who unfortunately could not attend this important event due to unavoidable circumstances.

I thank Hon. Ngor Kolong Ngor, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission for inviting RJMEC and for organizing this event. I also thank UNMISS for partnering with and supporting the Commission to make this event a success. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

There is no doubt that corruption, misuse and abuses of public resources is one of the major conflict drivers and indeed a huge impediment to economic development, social services delivery, peacebuilding and transformation in every society. That is why reforms geared at promoting accountability, prudent and transparent management of public finances and oil revenues are at the core of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. 

Indeed, a whole chapter, Chapter 4 of the R-ARCSS is dedicated to resource, economic and financial management reforms including institutional reforms, legislative reforms, oil/petroleum management, land reforms, environmental protection, wealth sharing and revenue allocation, public expenditure, borrowing, public finance management and enterprises development funds. 

As you may all know by now, some good progress is being made in this regard. The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity has initiated a number of reforms in Public Financial Management including operationalization of the treasury single account, creation of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Authority and review of several legislation including the Public Financial Management Act, National Audit Chambers  Act, Petroluem Act, Petroluem Revenue Management Act, and the Anti-Corruption Commissions Act. 

All these laws have now been reviewed by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) which has drafted Amendment Bills and handed them over to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. These laws have been amended to align them with the Revitalized Peace Agreement and international best practices in order to ensure transparency and accountability. In the case of the Anti-Corruption Commission Bill, once enacted, the Commission will be reconstituted in accordance with the amended Act fully empowered to fight corruption and it will have all our support, consequently, South Sudan will have some of the most progressive and effective legal frameworks in the management of public finances and resources, including in the fight to combat corruption.  What will remain however will be their full implementation and for this to happen, we must all play a role. 

Therefore, the theme chosen for today’s celebration is particularly relevant for South Sudan, that is: “Your Role, Your Right. Say No to Corruption, Your No Count”.  We are all being called to action.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

As we mark this international day, dedicated to highlight the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders-including states, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media, private sector, civil society, academia, women, youth, and the public generally in tackling corruption, let it begin with us here. Let us all say no to corruption.

RJMEC would like to use this opportunity to appeal to the RTGoNU, in particular to the Honorable Justice Ruben Madol Arol, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to expeditiously present all the amendment bills already submitted to him, by the NCAC to the Council of Ministers and table the same before the reconstituted TNLA for enactment soonest possible. Further, we appeal to the Honorable Madam Speaker to forward the Constitution Bill to H.E. the President for assent. The enactment of these pending laws and the assent of the Constitution Bill will lay a firm foundation for transparency and accountability in the Republic of South Sudan and aid our collective efforts towards implementation of the Peace Agreement for a democratic process of governance that is able to combat corruption.

As I conclude, I appeal to our regional and international partners to support the efforts of the Government and people of South Sudan to curb this vice of corruption, by building capacitie of critical institutions, like the Anti-Corruption Commission and Audit Chambers and put in place the necessary systems to investigate and curb the multifaceted challenges of corruption, including by sharing best practices.”

I thank you all and wish you a successful event.

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR MAJ. GEN. (rtd) CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE HIGH-LEVEL GOVERNORS’ FORUM

 Wednesday, 23 November 2021, Juba, South Sudan 

-       Your Excellency Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan

-       Your Excellency Dr Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Governance Cluster; 

-       Your Excellency, Dr James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Economic Cluster; 

-       Your Excellency, Taban Deng Gai, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Infrastructure Cluster;

-       Your Excellency, Hussein Abdel Bagi, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Services Cluster;  

-       Your Excellency, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Youth and Gender Cluster; 

-       The Rt Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Rt Hon. Speaker of the Reconstituted TNLA, 

-       Your Excellency, Nicholas Haysom, SRSG and Head of UNMISS 

-       Honourable Ministers, 

-       Governors, Deputy Governors and Chief Administrators of the Administrative Areas 

-       Excellencies Ambassadors, 

-       Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

1.   It is my distinct honour to address this 6th High-Level Governors’ Forum, as the Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC this morning. When I had the privilege to address this Forum last year, I emphasized the core responsibility of the RTGoNU executives at national and state levels to ensure the full and timely implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

2.   This November, the implementation of the R-ARCSS is already in its fifth year since it came into force in 2018. Notwithstanding the challenges, progress has been witnessed over the past years, including resolution of the number of states and their boundaries, establishment of executive and legislative arms of government at national and state levels, legal and institutional reforms, adherence to the permanent ceasefire, unification of the Command Structure and graduation of the first batch of the unified forces, among others.   

3.   However, aware of the fact that there are critical outstanding tasks of the R-ARCSS within the limited timeframe left, RJMEC requested the Parties to the R-ARCSS to prepare a roadmap and strategy for the implementation of the outstanding tasks. 

4.   On 2nd August, the Parties reached consensus on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the R-ARCSS. The Council of Ministers of the RTGoNU endorsed it on 4th August, RJMEC consented to it on 1st September and the RTNL ratified it on 16th November 2022 pursuant to article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS. The Roadmap, which now extends the Transitional Period by 24 months from February 2023 to February 2025, was developed and owned by the Parties to the R-ARCSS themselves. 

5.   It is encouraging that the theme of the 6th Governor’s Forum is themed ‘accelerating the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in accordance with the Roadmap 2022. This Forum, which is such an influential policy platform, is a very timely way in which to collectively address this issue, and I would like to thank the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, with support from the UNDP, for all their work in putting this Forum together. In particular, enhancing collaboration between all the RTGoNU structures from the national to the State levels is critical, particularly for timely, effective and efficient implementation of the R-ARCSS.

6.   In line with the mandate of RJMEC, my statement this morning will focus on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS to date chapter by chapter, highlight key pending tasks, recurring challenges, and conclude with recommendations.    

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

7.   With regards to Chapter 1 on the RTGoNU, a number of tasks have been completed, key among these being:

a.   the number of states and their boundaries was resolved in February 2020 by returning to 10 states and three Administrative Areas, from the previous figure of 32 states;

b.   formation of government structures at the national and sub-national levels, including the executives and Transitional National Legislature and State Assemblies;

c.    incorporation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) 2011, as amended;

d.   the passing of numerous pieces of legislation by the Transitional National Legislature, including the Constitutional Amendment Bills, the SSPDF Bill, the Wildlife Service Bill, the National Police Service Bill, the Political Parties Bill; and the Constitution-making Process Bill, and ratification of the Roadmap; and

e.    initiating judicial reforms through the establishment of the ad-hoc Judicial Reform Committee in July 2022.

8.   Some key tasks of Chapter 1 remain outstanding. They include the restructuring and reconstitution of the Institutions and Commissions at the national level, judicial reforms and tasks related to elections. A focus on elections is important because it is a central task of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and the Roadmap itself is geared towards a peaceful and democratic end of the Transitional Period. In the opinion of RJMEC, careful attention to the following will greatly assist in accelerating the implementation of the Agreement, which is critical for this Forum:

a.            provision of an enabling environment for elections, including the opening and preserving of civic and political space for all, to build confidence and participation in the process;

b.            the process of making of the permanent constitution, the provisions of which will guide elections;

c.             completion of the phase 2 of the unification and redeployment of all the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF);

d.            the Political Parties Council needs to be reconstituted and operationalised;

e.             the National Elections Act, 2012 must be reviewed and amended so that it conforms to the R-ARCSS and reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct elections;

f.              implementation of programmes for relief, protection reconstruction, repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of refugees, IDPs and returnees;

g.            various critical election processes must begun early, such as voter registration, and publication of the voters register six months prior to elections; and

h.            the security forces must prepare for elections-related security tasks at least six months before the end of the Transitional Period.

9.   On the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA), the completed tasks include:

a.         establishment or reconstitution of key Chapter II Security Mechanisms;

b.         establishment of Cantonment Sites and Training Centres throughout the country, and graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces has begun, with only one more graduation event scheduled to take place before Phase I is completed;

c.          reconstitution of the DDR Commission as a critical component of the unification of forces; 

d.         the holding of the Permanent Ceasefire between the Parties to the R-ARCSS despite violations at the tactical level; and

e.         Agreement on the Unified Command structure of the united forces.

10. Considering the fact that Transitional Security Arrangements are the backbone of the Agreement, it is important to flag the outstanding tasks, which were supposed to have been accomplished by 30 September 2022 as provided for in the Roadmap. These tasks include:  redeployment of Phase 1 of the graduated NUF and commencement of its Phase 2; finalisation of the Strategic Defence and Security Review documents; provision of clear and predictable funding for DDR programmes; and development of a clear plan for the management of weapons from troops going to training centres.

11. However, the conditions of instability in parts of the country, such as in some areas of the Equatoriasand Greater Upper Nile are complicating the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements. Subnational or inter-communal violence continues to sap the energy from full implementation of Chapter 2, as do the activities of the holdout groups. In particular, the State Governors present here today have a very important role to play in addressing these incidents of instability and the conditions which give rise to them.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

12. Under Chapter 3 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on humanitarian affairs, the opening of some humanitarian corridors which have facilitated free movement of goods, supplies, services, and people across borders, enabling some voluntary returns is a critical benchmark. According to reports from UNHCR, at least half a million South Sudanese refugees have spontaneously returned home since October 2018. 

13. Conversely, the current humanitarian context in the country presents a worrying picture. The magnitude and severity of humanitarian needs have continued to rise, due to the cumulative effects of prolonged community-based conflicts, widespread flooding, and high levels of food insecurity. Also, there are concerns regarding access and safety of humanitarian workers and their assets. This year alone, eight aid workers lost their lives.

14. Under this chapter 3 therefore, there are critical tasks awaiting to be implemented. They include the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund and the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF), including preparation for the SRF programme and a detailed action plan for the reconstruction of conflict affected states and other areas. The requirement for the SRF of an initial funding of not less than USD 100 million per annum by 30th August 2022 in accordance to the Roadmap,has not been implemented. Without establishing the SRF, the South Sudan pledging conference cannot be convened. In addition, the R-ARCSS requires that the 2016, NGO Act should be reviewed to ensure that it is aligned with international best practices. But this law is yet to be reviewed and amended.

15. The tasks which are within the purview of the RTGoNU to be addressed include: the creation of an enabling environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance; instituting programmes for relief protection, repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of IDPs and returnees, and offer special consideration to the war-affected persons in the provision of public service delivery, including access to health and education; guaranteeing the rights of refugees to return in safety and dignity, and the rights of returnees and assist in the reunification of separated families; guaranteeing refugee and IDP citizenship and ensuring IDs and all documentation for spouses, property and land; and guaranteeing the rights of returnees and IDPs to return to their places of origin and/or live in areas of their choice in safety and dignity.

16. Chapter 4, on Resource, Economic and Financial Management. During the Agreement period so far, critical benchmarks have been reached in the following areas:

a.   establishment of a competent and effective mechanism that oversees revenue collection, budgeting, revenue allocation and expenditure; 

b.   review of all current employment in the oil sector;

c.    review, vetting and taking of corrective measures on all contracts awarded to oil service companies; 

d.   review and audit of the previous allocation and transfer of the 2% and 3% made to oil producing States and counties since 2011; 

e.    progress by the  Ministry of Petroleum in implementing reforms in the petroleum sector, including in the areas of employment and more transparent operations in the sale of oil.  

17. Overall, however, public financial reforms have been slow. The tasks in need of careful attention include: 

a.   completion of the audits designed to enhance the transparent management of the petroleum resources, such as the cost recovery audit and environment audit;

b.   completion of the audit of the Government’s Financial Statements, and completion of the review of banking laws; 

c.    review of the Fiscal and Financial Allocation Monitoring Commission;

d.   closing any Petroleum revenue accounts other than those approved by law, which was supposed to have been completed by 30th August 2022; and 

e.    review of the Petroleum Act 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Audit Chamber Act 2011.

 Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

18. In terms of Transitional Justice, Chapter 5; as we know the Agreement provides for the establishment of three mechanisms, namely: Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH); the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA).  

19. The following benchmarks have been achieved under the chapter:

a.   approval of a roadmap for the implementation of chapter 5;

b.   appointment of a ministerial task force to coordinate day to day implementation of Chapter 5;

c.    establishment of a consultations mechanisms i.e., the Technical Committee on CTRH establishment; 

d.   the launch and completion of the first phase of public consultations that will inform the legislation establishing the Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH);

e.    study tours of The Gambia and later this month South Africa, to understand their transitional justice experiences, particularly around truth seeking and reconciliation processes;

f.     commencement of the drafting of the CTRH bill; and

g.    consultations commenced on good practices that will inform the Compensation and Reparation Authority legislative framework.

20. That said, none of the three mechanisms is established. Key outstanding tasks include: conducting public consultations with the other remaining stakeholders, such as  refugees, IDPs and the Diaspora for the establishment of CTRH;  establishment of CTRH by law, which was to be done by 30thOctober 2022 and operationalised by 30th November 2022; and initiation of legislation to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.

21. Regarding Chapter 6, the constitution-making process was initiated by the RTGoNU in January 2021 with the adoption of a roadmap developed by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA). RJMEC convened a workshop for the Parties and Stakeholders who agreed on the details for conducting the constitution-making process in May 2021, and its resolutions informed the Constitution-making Process Bill 2022 drafted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and passed by the Transitional National Legislature last month, October.

22. Once the Bill becomes law, it will pave the way for the reconstitution of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), including the establishment of the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the convening of the National Constitutional Conference. The Agreement requires the Parties and other Stakeholders to submit the list of their nominees to the taskforce within 30 days after the coming into force of the Bill. Also, the Reconstituted NCRC is mandated to recruit the members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). These bodies are critical in the making of the new constitution to guide the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

23. Throughout the period of implementation, various challenges have surfaced again and again. They include among others: the cumulative effects of prolonged subnational and inter-communal conflicts; capacity gaps; lack of funding; and the dire humanitarian situation contributed to by natural disasters such as floods.

24. Despite these challenges, and bearing in mind the slow pace of implementation, the Roadmap provides an opportunity to renew the impetus for building peace in South Sudan. There are immense tasks ahead, even with the extension, and time is of the essence.  The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less than total implementation of the Roadmap in letter and spirit in order to enjoy the peace dividends that it brings.

25. In conclusion, I would like to offer the following recommendations to the RTGoNU, which also comprise you, the Governors. Firstly, adhere to the Roadmap timelines and prioritise their implementation through the availing of predictable, timely and adequate funding for all tasks. Next, all outstanding bills to be passed expeditiously by the TNLA. Then, pay careful attention to implementing all the tasks necessary for the smooth conduct of credible elections at the end of the extended Transitional Period. Throughout all governance-related tasks and appointments, ensure women’s participation in governance and decision-making at the Agreement-mandated level of 35%. Also please consider the Youth and People Living with Disabilities as well.

26. Next, complete phase 1 graduation and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, and commence with phase 2, which is overdue, and avail funding and political support to the DDR programmes, which is an essential component of the unification of forces. Also important is to undertake initiatives aimed at addressing inter-communal violence and the conditions which contribute to it. Finally, RJMEC recommends to fast track the establishment and operationalisation of the Transitional Justice mechanisms, and to ensure a people-led and people-driven constitution making process.

27. The end state of the Revitalised Peace Agreement is democratic transition through elections, and I have listed some of the key tasks to be implemented to help ensure their smooth conduct. State Governments have a strategic role to play in creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS, including the conduct of elections. 

28. I implore you to work collegially and in close collaboration with the national government, other state governments, lower-level government structures within your states, local capacities, and infrastructures for peace to ensure conflict early warning and mitigation, prevention, response and management. Your efforts will guarantee social cohesion, community security, safe political and civic space, public consultations during the permanent constitution-making process as well as during the time for conducting elections.

29. Finally, as the heads of State Government, I urge you to continue providing leadership in your respective States, strive to put the interest of the country first and work with your counterparts, no matter their political affiliations or identities, within the spirit of collegiality to implement the Revitalized Agreement of the Resolution to the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan - R-ARCSS.

I Thank You.

H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E Dr. Abdalla Hamdock, Prime of the Republic of Sudan

H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E. Madam Rebecca Garang, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E. Gen. Taban Deng Gai, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E. Gen. Hussein Abdelbagi, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan

H.E. Dr. Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Chairperson IGAD Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Sudan

H.E. Hon. Justice Ruben Madol, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

Honorable Ministers of the RTGoNU

H.E. Dr. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan

H.E. Amb. Professor Joram Biswaro, Head of African Union Mission in South Sudan

H.E. Nicholas Haysom, UN SRSG and Head of UNMISS

Excellencies Ambassadors, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Dr. Kathrin Scherr, Representative of the Max Planck Foundation 

Honourable Delegates-Representatives of the ITGoNU, SPLM/A-IO, SSOA, FDs and OPP

Honorable Delegates-Representatives of Eminent Persons, Youth, Women, Academia, Faith-based Leaders, CSOs, and Business Community.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Good morning.  

1.  I am greatly honoured to welcome H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, and every one of you to the official launch of the Permanent Constitution-making Process Workshop. The launch of this historic workshop today marks a significant milestone in the design and making of a durable constitution for the Republic of South Sudan. It is also a big step towards the full implementation of the Revlitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan of 2018 (R-ARCSS), and indeed further evidence of the commitment of the Parties to the Revitalised Peace Agreement to bestow upon this country a durable and people-owned constitution at the end of the Transitional Period.

2.  Under the Revitalised Peace Agreement, the new Permanent Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan is expected inter-alia to guide the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period, guarantee good governance, constitutionalism, rule of law, human rights, and gender equality.

3.  I want to thank H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President, all the four Vice Presidents and the entire leadership and members of the Parties to the RTGoNU, for staying the course of peace, and providing leadership in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, all the delays and challenges notwithstanding. 

4.  I also thank the IGAD leadership, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the IGAD Heads of Mission in Juba, the African Union representative, the United Nations Family, the Troika, the European Union, the People’s Republic of China, the IGAD Partners Forum, and all partners and friends of South Sudan, for standing with the people of South Sudan. Your continued support to the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement is critical for building a stable, peaceful, inclusive and democratic South Sudan.

5.  I congratulate the delegates who have been nominated by their Parties and Stakeholders to deliberate at this workshop and agree on the details of the permanent constitution-making process over the next two days. The whole country is looking to your technical expertise to design a viable path for the making of a constitution that will help restore permanent and sustainable peace, security and stability in the country. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

6.  I would like to underscore the importance of this workshop. Under Article 6.9 of the R-ARCSS, the outcome of this workshop shall form the basis for drafting the legislation to be enacted to govern the Constitution-making process. I would like to thank the Parties and Stakeholders to the Peace Agreement for entrusting the RJMEC with the responsibility for convening this workshop, as per article 6.7.

7.  Pursuant to article 6.8, the Agreement requires that the workshop be moderated and facilitated by an institute renowned internationally for constitution-making. I am pleased to announce that the RJMEC selected the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law to undertake the task. 

8.  In preparation for this workshop, RJMEC commissioned a comprehensive comparative study on constitution-making proceses within the region and beyond to inform this process. In addition, the Max Planck authored a series of thematic reflection papers to assist the delegates to focus on the issues at hand. Over the last few months, six sensitisation meetings and one joint consultation meeting of the nominees have been held. I am confident that the next two days will be a success.

9.  I thank Dr. Kathryn Scherr and her team from the Max Planck Foundation, who are working very closely with our RJMEC team, led by Mr Stephen Oola, our Senior Advisor on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in preparation for this workshop. I also thank all our partners, UNMISS, UN Women, UNDP, and the South Sudanese members of the Civil Society Constitutional Working Group, who have contributed enormously to these efforts, including through capacity building workshops and public advocacy for different stakeholders, and thematic discussions with delegates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

10.       This workshop marks the beginning of the constitution-making process. A lot of work will follow, including the enactment of the legislation to govern the process, the reconstitution of the National Constitutonal Review Commission (NCRC), the appointment of a Sub-Committee for the convening of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), civic education, and the implementation of all agreed workshop outcomes. This process will require a lot of political, technical, financial and logistical support. I would therefore like to appeal to the RTGoNU, regional guarantors, international partners and friends of South Sudan to fully support this process.

11.       In conclusion,  I would like to thank H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Chairperson IGAD Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Sudan, your Excellencies, and all the distinguished participants here for attending this launch, and I wish the delegates very fruitful deliberations over the next two days. Together with the Max Planck Foundation, we look forward to presenting the outcome of the workshop to the RTGoNU upon its conclusion, which will then embark on a process of the constitution-makingI

Thank You. 

REMARKS BY H.E. MAJ GEN CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON DELIVERED AT PEACE DISSEMINATION MEETING ON ROME AND NAIVASHA PEACE TALKS BETWEEN RTGONU AND SSOMA 

 THURSDAY 22 APRIL 2021, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

The Chief Guest: H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan,

-      H.E. Dr. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan,

-      Hon. Minister Beatrice Khamisa Wani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of South Sudan,

-      Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Head of the RTGoNU Delegation to the Rome Talks,

-      Dr. Paolo Impagliazzo, Secretary General, Community of Sant’ Egidio, 

-      Excellencies, Ambassadors and Chargé d’Affaires

-      Cabinet Ministers

-      Generals

-      Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning!

1.    Permit me to start by congratulating H.E. Ambassador Barnabas Benjamin Marial upon his recent appointment as Minister for Presidential Affairs for the Government of South Sudan. As RJMEC, we look forward to working closely with you, and we count on your very able leadership and a wide range of experiences, to support the Presidency of the RTGoNU, to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

2.    I thank H.E. Amb. Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan for convening this peace dissemination meeting on the Rome Initiative in Juba today. 

3.    I would like also, to acknowledge the presence of our regional and international partners here today, who have all stood by the people of South Sudan from the beginning. I thank them for always supporting RJMEC and its mandate. I therefore appeal for continued support for full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and the pursuit of an inclusive and sustainable peace in South Sudan. I also call upon all of us here, to always stand together and support this peace process to its conclusion.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

4.    RJMEC has participated in the various rounds of the Rome Talks as an observer, including the recent one held in Naivasha, Kenya. I must say that so far, the various rounds of talks have been very constructive. 

5.    There is no doubt in my mind that the two parties: the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) are all committed to the talks, and appear determined to pursue a peaceful path to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace in South Sudan. 

6.    So far, there has been some commendable milestones that have been achieved by the Parties, namely: 

a.            the Rome Declaration signed in January 2020;

b.            the Rome Resolution signed in February 2020;

c.             the CTSAMVM Technical Workshop on Implementation of the Rome Resolution convened in Oct. 2020;

d.            the Naivasha Recommitment to the CoHA and Rome Declaration and Resolution of March 2021; and 

e.             the Naivasha Declaration of Principles for Political Dialogue, signed March 2021.

7.    I therefore, would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Parties and the Mediation for the progress that has been made to date. I urge them to continue and maintain the same spirit of dialogue and compromises which has made progress possible and to expedite the Talks and join the peace implementation process. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

8.    As we move forward, however, there are a number of concerns that the Parties to the Rome Talks and the Mediation will have to address to ensure that the gains made so far are consolidated. They include the following:

a.            First, there is need to ensure immediate implementation of what has been previously agreed, for example the inclusion of SSOMA in CTSAMVM structures. This will help ensure adherence to the ceasefire and impartial verification of any alleged incidents of violations or non-compliance; 

b.            Second, there is need for the various SSOMA groups to resolve their internal disagreements, and to work together for the common good, in order to facilitate constructive engagements with the RTGoNU; and

c.             Third, there is need to expedite the political deliberations and conclude a speedy resolution of the root causes of conflicts to ensure they are fully addressed in the course of the ongoing reforms and the Permanent Constitution-making process.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

9.    In conclusion, I once again reiterate RJMEC’s full support to the ongoing Sant’Egidio facilitated Initiative for Political Dialogue in South Sudan. I am very encouraged with today’s dissemination efforts in Juba, and also the recent Naivasha round of talks, because it shows that the peace initiated by His Holiness, Pope Francis in Rome is gradually coming home to South Sudan. 

10.I would like to appeal to all the concerned parties and the mediation to make the desire for an all-inclusive peace a reality.

I thank you!

The Permanent Ceasefire and the Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) are a fundamental building block of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Its full and timely implementation is intended to underpin a stable future for the people and country of South Sudan, and it is a key part of avoiding repetition of past mistakes, and achieving a united, peaceful and prosperous society throughout the country. 

On Saturday 23 January 2021, almost one year into the Transitional Period, we, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the representatives of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria and the African Union Mission in South Sudan, undertook a field visit to Maridi, Western Equatoria, and Rajaf, Central Equatoria. The objective of the mission, which was organised by the Interim Chair of RJMEC, was to see for ourselves the status and conditions of the training centres, which is where troops for the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) are trained. Establishing the NUF is the first phase of establishing an overall unified army of South Sudan.   

Unfortunately, since the beginning of the Transitional Period in particular, there has been slow progress in the pace of implementation of the PCTSA, a fact which in turn threatens the security situation, and undermines the nation's hope for peace in South Sudan. Clearly, the training of the NUF has stalled, as we witnessed on 23 January 2021 at both Maridi and Rajaf training centres. 

It is disheartening to note that a lack of food and other essential resources, such as medicines, shelter and separate facilities for women, has led to suffering of the trainees, and to some trainees abandoning the training centres. Unsurprisingly, morale in the training centres has significantly declined. We understand that a similar situation exists in cantonment sites. 

Furthermore, no NUF graduation or redeployment plans have been published to date by the Ministry of Defence or the Security Mechanisms. Based on these facts we think that the process of the unification of forces is not going in the right direction as envisaged in the R-ARCSS.

We firmly believe that the full implementation of the PCTSA is the best way to help ensure stability across South Sudan. We look to the government, and in particular the Presidency, to drive the PCTSA forward, and to engender the political will necessary across all implementing Agreement institutions and mechanisms to make up for lost time and implement the PCTSA fully in letter and spirit. 

Accordingly, we have two recommendations which we hope will help to improve the situation in the near-term. They are:

1.     Improve conditions in Training Centres by providing adequate food and other essential supplies; and

2.     Accelerate the graduation of the NUF and publish their redeployment plan.

We believe that the successful implementation of PCTSA is a guarantee to a permanent foundation of enduring peace in the South Sudan. Protracted delays and passing of time without progress is detrimental to the overall situation in South Sudan. It is high time for positive willpower and an attitude of collaboration, respect and problem-solving, which can overcome impasses. Nothing durable is built without effort and hard work, which as we know requires cooperation, consensus, coordination, concession, compromise and sacrifice to ensure success in the peace process. Increased confidence-building among the Parties will underpin these key elements.  

We are all signatories to the R-ARCSS. We look forward to the Presidency of South Sudan to give the PCTSA the full attention it merits because the stability of the country is the clearest and nearest path to prosperity for all South Sudanese people. As in the past, our countries stand ready to assist our brothers and sisters of South Sudan to achieve lasting and enduring peace. Later this year, on 9 July 2021, South Sudan will reach the milestone of ten years of independence, and there can be no better way to celebrate this than significant progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, including with the PCTSA.  

Sincerely, we the undersigned.

Ambassador Professor Joram Biswaro, Head of African Union Mission in South Sudan

 Ambassador Ismail Waiss, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan

Ambassador Hussein Mahamud, Ambassador, Embassy of Somalia

Mr Gamal A.M. Goraish, Chargé D'Affaires, Embassy of Sudan

Mr Ali Mambo, Counselor, Embassy of Kenya

Mr Alemayehu Chasa, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Ethiopia

Mr Judah Ugochukwu, Political Officer, Embassy of Nigeria

Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC