CLOSING STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR BERHANU KEBEDE
CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
AT THE END OF PHASE II OF THE HIGH-LEVEL REVITALIZATION FOURM
Wednesday, 23MAY 2018 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
H.E Chairperson, IGAD Council of Ministers H.E Dr. Mousa Faki, Chairperson African Union Commission H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Your Excellencies, Heads of Delegation, Distinguished Participants Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Excellency,
1. On behalf of our JMEC Chairman His Excellency Festus Mogae it is my privilege to address you all on the final day of the Forum.
2. I wish to take this opportunity to commend the IGAD Council of Ministers, for coming up with their concrete proposals aimed at bridging the gap between the parties, their continued leadership and tireless efforts pursuant to the revitalisation mandate.
3. I wish also to commend H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, for his resolute commitment towards a successful outcome of this process.
4. I further commend the South Sudan Council of Churches for their determined efforts to bring all the parties closer to the realization of peace.
5.Finally let me again thank the African Union, the United Nations, TROIKA, China, European Union, and all our interntional partners and friends of South Sudan for their unwavering support to the Forum and to the people of South Sudan.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Last week as we reconvened for this phase of the revitalization, the JMEC Chairman expressed his firm belief that you would be able to overcome all the outstanding issues, if you put the interest of the country first. While we may not have fully succeeded in acheiving our goal this time, I must continue to stress the need for compromise in the pursuit of lasting peace.
7. It is time to end the suffering. You heard for yourselves the deep yearning for peace by all the people of South Sudan, which was so eloquently expressed in the voices of the representatives of the refugees. We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.
8. Rather than continue on the destructive path of conflict, I urge you to invest your energy to make the best use of your resources for the good of all the people of South Sudan. To this end, you must reafirm your commitment, not only in word, but by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country.
9. In this regard, we welcome the signing of the addendum to the CoHA 2017 which fully operationalizes the CTSAMM Board, in an inclusive manner, and which will enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. Make no mistake this past week will be remembered as one in which you all stood together with the support of the regional and international partners. However, many will be dissapointed that full agreement was not reached. Consequently, you have to continue working together in the best interest of your country.
11. You must therefore go the extra mile and reaffirm your commitment to this most noble of ideals the realization of lasting peace. Under these circumstances, the bridging proposals submitted by the IGAD Council provide the best opportunity to accommodate each other through compromise and realise your ultimate objective of sustainable peace.
12. Even as we leave this venue let us be reminded that this is a journey yet to be completed. Time is no longer on your side and therefore you must not grow weary in your pursuits. At this point in time nothing is more important to the citizens of South Sudan than the realization of a lasting and comprehensive peace. Therefore, through your actions in the days and weeks ahead give them the assurance that you will not relent until and unless peace becomes a reality.
13. In closing, I must remind you that ending the conflict will bring with it opportunities to rebuild your shattered economy, return millions of refugees to their homes, hold free and fair elections, and set the foundation for growth and prosperity in which all citizens can participate fully. May God bless us all. Thank You.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
1. I welcome you all to this Press Conference,
2. First and foremost, I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, to the Transitional Government of National Unity and the people of South Sudan on the passing of the Late Gen. James Ajongo Mawut, the fomer Chief of Defence Forces of the SPLA and the Late Gen. Andrew Makur Thou, former representative of Eminent Personalities to JMEC.
3. May the Almighty grant them and those other South Sudanese who have also lost their lives, eternal peace. I also want to take this opportunity to wish all the brave mothers and women of South Sudan, a happy Mother’s Day which we marked yesterday.
4. You will recall that our last JMEC Plenary was held in November 2017. We agreed to postpone the December Plenary to enable us all to focus our energies in preparation for the then forthcoming High-Level Revitalisation Forum scheduled to be convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
5. It was our expectation that the Revitalisation Forum would quickly conclude and agree on concrete measures to restore the permanent ceasefire, a fully inclusive security and governance arrangement, and revised timelines and implementation schedules.
6. You will further recall that Phase 1 of the HLRF was successfully convened in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from December 18-22, 2017 at which the parties and stakeholders signed an inclusive Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (COHA).
7. Again, it was our expectation then that the Forum would quickly reconvene in early January 2018 to conclude all the outstanding issues. This did not happen.
8. Instead, the second phase of the Forum took place from February 5th-16th 2018 and adjourned without conclusive outcomes. Following consultations with JMEC members here in Juba, we agreed that the plenary planned for February 27th be postponed in order to consult with the Parties and IGAD Leadership.
9. However, political developments within the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia delayed the consultations. I shall also brief the new Ethiopian Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Chairperson of IGAD and seek further guidance.
Members of the Press,
10. JMEC has never suspended its work, nor has it abdicated its responsibility here in Juba. JMEC members have been at the forefront, individually and collectively supporting the HLRF process. We were mandated by the IGAD Heads of State in June 2017 to provide secretariat support to the IGAD Council of Ministers in this endeavor.
11. Consequently, it cannot be business as usual here in Juba during this period of revitalization. Our Secretariat is the core of the HLRF Taskforce, working with the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. The revitalization of the implementation of the peace Agreement is and remains our top priority.
12. Let me reiterate JMEC’s position: the status quo is not inclusive and cannot bring sustainable peace. It was we who recommended to the IGAD summit that the peace Agreement must be revitalized to restore a permanent ceasefire and achieve inclusivity.
13. All our efforts, focus and energies therefore should be dedicated to the successful conclusion of the revitalisation process and to ensure a return to full and inclusive implementation of the Agreement.
14. The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed on 21st December 2017, has not had the desired impact of halting the violence. There have been serious violations of the CoHA since it came into force.
15. I continue to urge the parties to adhere to the CoHA. The parties must refrain from all acts of violence, cease hostilities and take immediate steps to investigate and punish those responsible within their ranks.
16. The humanitarian needs remain dire. About 4.2 million people remain displaced, 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries. According to the UN, seven million people in South Sudan need humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity is widespread and it is estimated that 6.3 million people are severely food insecure.
17. The costs of the conflict to civilians continue to rise. A report by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (dated March 2018) documents the perpetration of gross human rights abuses with impunity.
18. Denial of and obstruction to humanitarian access remains a constant issue. So far this year, three aid workers have been killed and 23 aid workers detained. These impediments to humanitarian access are a violation of the CoHA and the 2015 Peace Agreement. This is unacceptable.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
19. On the economy, the situation is not any better. The net disposable revenues available to finance the TGoNU’s 2017/18 budget have declined markedly due to repayment of arrears, resulting in an increased deficit. The agreed payment of arrears in oil production fees and tariffs is estimated at USD 290m. South Sudan presently delivers around two thirds of the government’s share of oil production to Sudan in kind, and despite a marked rise in international oil prices in the last six months, this situation results in a very small impact on the Government’s cash flow. Payments resulting from the previous years’ default will continue to weigh down on net revenues until the total amount of arrears are paid, around the middle of next year.
20. The exchange rate against the US dollar continues to deteriorate, despite government efforts at the start of this year to curb activity in the black market and increase the availability of foreign currency. Combined with the deficit budget financing, this has served to fuel inflation. The inflation rate increased in March 2018 to 160 per cent compared to the same time last year.
21. Some progress has been made by the TGoNU in phasing out the fuel subsidy scheme, but more remains to be done in order to realise the level of savings that can assist in reducing government salary and payment arrears. In addition, there continues to be a reduction, and in some cases elimination, of investment spending, which has severe negative impacts on prospects for growth.
22. Furthermore, spending cuts have come about through successive postponements of public sector salary payments, and that combined with the severe inflation adds to a deepening sense of anxiety and insecurity among large parts of society. We cannot therefore, overemphasize the need for the parties at the Forum to end this conflict and embark on programmes for economic recovery, reform and development.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
23. We have submitted the most recent JMEC Quarterly Report covering the period from
1st December 2017 to 31st March 2018. I hope everyone has received a copy. The report is also published on our website for all to read. It highlights our work in the last three months and our contribution to the High Level Revitalisation process.
24. The Secretariat has also conducted several outreach activities to the South Sudanese civil society and stakeholders. We have printed and disseminated over 1000 copies of the newly signed COHA 2017, continue to create awareness and provide updates on the ongoing agreement implementation and the revitalization process.
25. We continue to receive reports from the various institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement and support their work. We are mindful that all agreement institutions and mechanisms, including JMEC, shall be reconstituted in an inclusive manner, when the revitalisation process succeeds.
26. The NCAC completed the Constitutional Amendment Bill and submitted it to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on April 13th, 2017. The Bill was approved by the TGoNU Council of Ministers in November 2017. I am informed that at long last, the Amendment Bill was submitted by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to the TNLA for ratification on April 30th, 2018. I urge the Parliament to expedite the ratification.
27. The NCAC also completed drafting amendments to the five (5) security related laws and presented the Amendment Bills to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on 25th January 2018.
28. The NCAC is currently undertaking the review and amendment of two election– related laws, the Political Parties Act, 2012 and the National Elections Act, 2012.
29. Finally, the continuation of Phase II of the High Level Revitalisation Forum is expected to reconvene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this week from May 17th to 21st.
30. This country has missed so many opportunities to make durable peace and we should not allow the HLRF to be squandered. This is the time for all parties at the forum to put the interest of the country first and make compromises necessary to achieve resolution of all the outstanding issues.
31. I want to appeal directly to the authorities here in Juba, and to all the opposition groups that you are all South Sudanese, and I urge you all to accommodate one another, to end this senseless violence.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
32. In conclusion, I want to observe and recommend the following:
a. The parties continue to wage a campaign of defiance and commit human rights abuses with impunity. This is unacceptable and I call on IGAD to make good its promise to hold spoilers accountable.
b. Full compliance and enforcement of the COHA 2017 is therefore critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment during the revitalization process. This has not been the case for the past rounds of talks and I urge parties to cease all hostilities.
c. CTSAMM has been significantly strengthened under the COHA 2017 to report expeditiously to the IGAD Council of Ministers and JMEC simultaneously and to date we have received 19 reports for which action is required.
d. The political and security situation remains uncertain. The humanitarian and economic situation remains dire. We risk further deterioration if urgent steps are not taken to end the conflict immediately. The country must embark on an inclusive peace process, as there can be no military solution to this conflict.
e. I commend all JMEC members, regional and international partners for their active support to JMEC and the revitalization process. I urge them all to
remain engaged, to ensure that the current momentum is sustained and peace is restored.
May God bless us all. Thank you.
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning and welcome to our workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, the revitalization process and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Let me begin by thanking ‘Crown the Woman’ for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important event. An important component of our mission at JMEC is to conduct outreach and inform the public and stakeholder groups, such as yourselves, about the Peace Agreement.
Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers, Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Good morning. I thank you for your kind invitation for JMEC to brief you here today. I convey the greetings and best wishes from H.E. Festus Mogae, Chairperson of JMEC, who sadly cannot be here with us in person. I am honoured to deliver this statement on his behalf.
2. I would like to begin by welcoming the renewal of the mandate of United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by the UN Security Council. UN Security Council Resolution 2406 mandates support for the implementation of the peace agreement and the ongoing High Level Revitalization Forum. The full deployment and execution of the mandate of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) remains an important component of ensuring a conducive environment for the implementation of the peace agreement and for the process going forward.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. Two months ago JMEC addressed the Council and commended both you and Ambassador Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, together with the high level facilitators, for the successful conclusion of the first phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum that culminated in a signed Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access in December 2017.
4. JMEC was all hopeful then that a cessation of hostilities would provide a peaceful environment within which all the Parties could constructively engage in the revitalization process, ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access in the Republic of South Sudan for the duration of the Forum and thereafter.
5. Unfortunately, the CoHA has been violated repeatedly since the parties signed on to it in December 2017. There must be consequences for non-compliance and JMEC urges IGAD to take concrete action against violators.
6. JMEC commends you for steering the second phase of the Forum conducted last month. JMEC has been briefed on the progress made, including agreement reached on specific articles of Chapters I and II of the 2015 Peace Agreement as well as on the divergent views on issues that the Parties are yet to reach agreement. The Special Envoy will no doubt be providing a comprehensive report on the conduct of and progress made. JMEC will continue to render its support to the Special Envoy in accordance with the terms mandated by IGAD.
7. The HLRF presents a lifeline that the parties must seize with seriousness in order to set South Sudan on a path for sustainable peace. JMEC has said before, and we repeat it now, that the revitalisation process provides the most effective platform upon which to confront and resolve the severe security, governance, economic and humanitarian crises that continue to overwhelm South Sudan.
Chairperson, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. JMEC has no doubt that the parties can reach agreement on all outstanding issues, if only they put the interest of South Sudan first. All parties must appreciate that time is of the essence. The fighting must stop. The suffering of the displaced must be brought to an end. Refugees must return to their homes.
9. The mandate of the HLRF is wide enough and sufficient enough to accommodate any proposal deemed pertinent for full and inclusive implementation. There is no doubt that for the ARCSS to be fully inclusive and effectively revitalized and implemented, there must be serious adjustments in some areas and a restructuring of all its mechanisms taking into account past and present realities.
10. Finally, JMEC recommends that, in terms of the way forward and securing a revitalised Agreement:
a. It is necessary for all Parties to a make a clear demonstration of commitment to peace and stop all forms of violence;
b. the status quo is not sustainable, and parties must explore concrete measures to revitalize the ARCSS, learn from experience and address current realities on the ground;
c. it is critical that IGAD, at its highest level, actively and collectively engages with the leadership of all parties and prevail upon those who pursue hardline positions to compromise and narrow the gaps between the various positions that currently exist.
d. Finally, the continued support of the region, international community and partners remains critical for success.
Thank you.
TGoNU Representative
Mr Lansana Wonneh, The Deputy Country Representative of UN WOMEN-South Sudan
Ms. Amer Deng- the Representative of Women’s Bloc of South Sudan,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
Let me start by thanking UN Women and Women’s Bloc of South Sudan for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important workshop on the The High Level Revitalization Forum on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict Resolution in South Sudan. Information about the content and procedures of the process is key to enabling women’s effective participation.
I would like to congratulate IGAD and the Special Envoy for South South, Dr.Ismail Wais for ensuring that women were consulted in the pre forum stage of the HLRF process and for the increased number of accredited women and civil society delegates. This is in keeping with South Sudan’s gender policies as well as regional and international standards on gender inclusion in peace processes. JMEC remains committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes and joins UN Women and Women’s Organizations across South Sudan in pressing for progress in this effort and in our monitoring mandate.
As you are aware, the High Level Revitalization Forum commenced in Addis Ababa in December 2017. During the first phase of the Forum, the parties committed themselves to end the fighting. Consequently, all parties signed an Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (CoHA), signed on 21st December 2017. This was an important first step in laying the foundation for revitalisation of the Peace Agreement.
The Women’s Bloc and representatives of Civil Society provided a critical voice during the negotiations on the CoHA and therefore must devise ways of remaining engaged to monitor its implementation. I am informed that part of your deliberations at this workshop will focus on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and its implementation.
It is my hope, and that of JMEC’s that this workshop will not only equip you with the information you need but also help strengthen your role in contributing to the HLRF’s intended outcome of a revitalized Peace Agreement as well as robust and effective implementation with the ultimate goal of sustainable peace fro South Sudan.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you very much.
- Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers, H.E. Workneh Gebeyehu
- Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat
- IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Ismail Wais
- Honourable Ministers
- Your Excellencies
- Distinguished Participants
- Ladies and Gentlemen
1. On behalf of the JMEC Chairperson, and on my own behalf, I bring you greetings and best wishes for a peaceful and joyful 2018.
2. Let me at the outset, congratulate the IGAD Council of Ministers and the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais, for the successful conclusion of the first phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum that culminated in an Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access signed by all parties on 21st December 2017.
3. The Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities (2017) marked an important first step towards creating the conditions necessary for the revitalization process and to build confidence among the population that indeed their leaders are willing and able to put the interest of their country first, and peacefully resolve their differences.
4. I commend all the South Sudanese delegations participating in this Forum for their very cordial and constructive engagement that facilitated the success of the first phase of the Forum and I urge them to continue in that same spirit during this second phase.
5. This is an opportunity that cannot be squandered. Your people are looking up to you and they pray and hope that you don’t let them down – not again. They want to get out of Protection of Civilians sites, they want to return home from the harsh conditions in refugee settlements across the borders and they want to be able to till their land, grow food, send their children to school and build the country.
6. It is sad when leaders make promises that they do not intend to keep. Citizens’ hopes are raised and dashed in equal measures. The same applies to peace agreements. We must implement and adhere to what is agreed on, not sign an agreement today and violate it tomorrow.
7. CTSAMM has reported that while the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (2017) resulted in a general atmosphere of calm in the country, several violations occurred.
8. The six violation reports submitted to JMEC by CTSAMM since December 2017, identified several incidents which constitute violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. These include fighting; unauthorized troop movements; abduction and detention; looting; rape; continued conscription of children into fighting forces as well as use of hostile propaganda.
9. I commend all the Parties to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (2017) that have adhered to the Agreement and have not been named in CTSAMM’s violation reports.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. In addition to the above incidents of alleged violations, CTSAMM too, has faced some challenges related to its reporting and verification mandate including physical obstruction and negative publicity.
11. JMEC reiterates its call to all parties to respect, cooperate and facilitate CTSAMM’S monitoring and verification teams on the ground.
12. In this respect, I commend all the Parties who attended the CTSAMM’s Cessation of Hostilities Agreement implementation workshop convened here in Addis Ababa in January 2018 which established modalities for its implementation.
13. I also commend CTSAMM for successfully convening the workshop. I repeat JMEC’s appeal to all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (2017) to fully respect and comply with its terms.
14. The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement must be taken seriously. Violations should not only be condemned but measures must be taken by all parties to hold violators accountable.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. Today, we are at a critical juncture. The commencement of Phase Two of the High Level Revitalization Forum is another milestone in the revitalization process.
16. In the next ten days, the parties will deliberate on how to achieve full and inclusive implementation of the revitalized Agreement, and how to restore and sustain the Permanent Ceasefire with revised timelines and implementation schedules.
17. This task is achievable. What is needed now is the same spirit of comradeship that won the country its independence. Accommodate one another, make compromises and agree on concrete measures to revitalize the Peace Agreement.
Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
18. Finally, let me end by recalling JMEC Chairpersons’ expectations of a revitalized Peace Agreement at the launch of the High Level Revitalization Forum namely:
i. An inclusive political process which brings together all Parties and estranged groups;
ii. Revised Transitional Security Arrangements and timelines with robust verification and enforcement mechanisms;
iii. An overall enforcement mechanism that includes accountability measures for spoilers and violators;
iv. Clear measures to address the current dire humanitarian situation and facilitate eventual voluntary return of internally displaced persons and repatriation of refugees;
v. Specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a transitional period;
vi. And finally, dedicated funding for implementation of the revitalized Peace Agreement.
I thank you!
Good people of South Sudan,
I read recently an inspiring story about a little town in Unity State. The town is called Ganyeil. It is impoverished, very hard to access, surrounded by swampland and constantly under threat of flooding and the loss of their invaluable harvest.
But here, at the very centre of a country torn apart by civil conflict, protected by the natural defence of the marshes, lies an oasis of peace; an island of tranquillity. A population of forty thousand residents live and subsist happily together with what little they have.
What is particularly remarkable about Ganyeil, however, is that it is an openly inter-ethnic community. People freely trade, socialise and indeed marry without concern for their background or origin. It is reported that, despite its isolation, or perhaps because of it, people from all backgrounds move there to enjoy a life free from violence and oppression.
Ganyeil stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Protected and removed from war, violence and conflict, South Sudanese people live together as normally as any others. At the grass roots of community life, South Sudan is a peaceful, inclusive, considerate and tolerant society.
Psalm 133 reads, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on the collar of his robes. For then the Lord has commanded the blessing, ‘life forevermore’.”
At Christmas time, millions of people around the world revisit and re-examine their faith. We return each year to the same simple message of the gospel that underpins our lives
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John, Chapter 3, Verse 16.
As so it is here in South Sudan, that this Christmas we are revisiting and revitalising the peace process that began two and half years ago but which has thus far delivered so little.
In the space of these two years since the signing of the Peace Agreement, the number of refugees, violently displaced and sheltering in neighbouring countries, has doubled. I need no other statistic to underline the tragedy that has unfolded here.
But as I promised you this time last year, I have worked tirelessly to help South Sudan to implement the Peace Agreement and sustain a pathway to peaceful political cooperation.
In March of this year, I proposed and led a One Voice initiative designed to bring regional and international leaders and stakeholders together and present a unified call to end the fighting, ensure humanitarian support without hindrance and restore inclusive governance.
In June of this year we recommended to IGAD that they should launch the revitalisation process – to restore energy, prominence and commitment to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Huge efforts have been made by IGAD and the region to bring the leaders of South Sudan around the table and to navigate that pathway to peace.
The High Level Revitalisation Forum is now underway. Dialogue has returned to South Sudan. It will take time but we will not relent until we have restored our faith in the peaceful resolution of our differences.
But like the people of Ganyeil, I urge you all to play your part in this peace revitalisation. Each and every one of us can be the change we seek through our daily words and actions.
We can reject violence each and every day; we can reconcile with our neighbours and within our communities; we can support each other and work together.
The first two years of your nationhood showed you all exactly what is possible, economically and socially. South Sudan is a beautiful and bountiful country blessed by the presence of the Nile and with unimaginable potential and prospects enough for you all. Only belligerence stands between you and a prosperous, peaceful future.
I leave you with a passage from St John’s first Epistle, Chapter 3, verses 16 – 18:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace again this Christmas Day, I urge each of you to re-light a candle of peace in your homes. Allow that candle to burn; revitalise your faith; pledge a message of peace to your neighbour; and bless 2018 with a renewed spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.
I wish you all a happy Christmas and I wish us all a very peaceful new year.
God bless us all in the relentless pursuit of peace.
The Representative of the UNDP,
Representatives of the South Sudan Civil Society
Dear Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good afternoon!
Let me start by congratulating all of you participants for attending this three-day Civil Society advocacy training workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS). I have been briefed on the presentations and fruitful deliberations that you have had, since Wednesday when I opened the workshop.
You have covered a great deal on how best you can speak with one voice and advocate for your rights as the civil society of this country and also had discussions on the Evaluation Report recently produced by JMEC. In addition, I am also informed that the discussions you have had, on the implementation of the Agreement have enabled you to find out ways and opportunities in which you can best engage in a more inclusive and participatory way in the implementation of the Peace Agreement going forward.
I am now confident that you appreciate the modest progress that has been made, the huge challenges that we continue to face together, and reflected on what you as the civil society can do better to support the TGoNU, JMEC and all the other institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement, to deliver on their mandate.
As the Civil Society, you should always be the bridge in your society. You are that public space between the state, the market and the ordinary households in which people can constructively debate and tackle issues.
A vibrant and constructive civil society voice is therefore critical for the realisation of peace, promotion of good governance, democratisation and the rule of law in any country.
The ARCSS if implemented is a foundational stone upon which sustainable peace can be built in this country. For this to happen, the civil society must collectively and continuously;
advocate for the rights of the ordinary citizens, be a watch dog against violation of human rights, educate the population on their rights and responsibilities, hold the leaders accountable, agitate for peaceful resolution of conflicts and dialogue, mobilise the communities and various constituents to participate in governance and development processes, and
Above all, you should be the social capital and a force for good. The civil society must rally on a common goal, set better standards, and rise above all social, political and economic vices like tribalism, partisanship and corruption-to mention but a few.
Finally, let us all use the knowledge we have acquired during this workshop to build a strong, independent, vibrant civil society voice to persuade the parties to the Agreement to honour their commitments and fully implement the Peace Agreement.
With these few remarks, it is my pleasure to declare this civil society orientation and advocacy workshop closed.
Thank you very much and God Bless
The UNDP Representative,
Dear Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good morning!
Let me start by thanking the UNDP and the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance for partnering with JMEC in convening this very important orientation and advocacy training workshop, for Representatives of different stakeholders within the Civil Society in South Sudan.
JMEC is keen on encouraging a vibrant civil society voice and the involvement in the implementation of the ARCSS, as well as in shaping the future for this country going forward.
Despite the many challenges in the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), we in JMEC acknowledge the need to continue to promote inclusivity and popular ownership. I am informed that most of you present here today, are already actively contributing to the search for peace in this country in many ways. That is the spirit of a vibrant civil society with which you must all continue-even against enduring challenges.
In addition to the discussions on the Evaluation Report recently produced by JMEC, I am also informed that this three-days will give You an opportunity to find out ways in which you can engage in a more inclusive and participatory way in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Notably, under the JMEC six thematic working Committees, where you can make substantial contributions through your representative to JMEC.
It is my hope that this workshop will contribute in empowering you to effectively participate, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders to ensure its full implementation, and ultimately the realisation of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan.
With these few remarks, I declare this Civil Society Orientation and advocacy training workshop open.
Thank you very much.
Your Grace, The Right Reverend Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio,
Honourable Anthony Lino Makana, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly,
Honourable Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister for Cabinet Affairs,
Honourable Tor Deng Mawien, Presidential Advisor
Honorable David Shearer, SRSG-United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS),
Excellencies, Governors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am very pleased to be here this morning. I convey to you greetings and best wishes from the Chairperson of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae, former president of the Republic of Botswana, who has sent me to represent him.
The theme of your conference “PEACE WITHIN AND ACROSS BORDERS” demonstrates your collective desire for peace for your country. This theme resonates with our mission at JMEC and we join you, the Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative as you seek to promote peace, reconciliation and development in South Sudan.
Indeed, there is a lot of faith placed in the Church to lead the way in seeking solutions to inter-ethnic and other conflicts, as well as in the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation. We salute you for leading the way in inter-communal dialogue as you build bridges across your state borders towards peace and social harmony and economic development for all South Sudanese communities.
We are all painfully aware how continued fighting has worsened the economic and humanitarian situation. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is now higher than when the Peace Agreement was signed in August 2015 - a fact which the Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiative seeks to address.
South Sudan is wonderfully endowed with natural resources, good arable land and hardworking people. I have no doubt that as the prized ‘last born’ of Africa and the World, and if you keep on the path that is proposed by this inter-faith initiative, you will rise from the current challenges and take your favoured place amongst the nations.
As you know, JMEC is the institution charged with overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The Faith Community is represented in JMEC along with other key South Sudanese stakeholders. We acknowledge the important role the inter-faith community plays in the promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts and we are grateful for your continued engagement with JMEC.
Since the signing of the Peace Agreement, implementation of its provisions has not lived up to the expectations of citizens or the regional and international partners that support the process.
In an attempt to address this, IGAD has engaged in consultations with key Parties and South Sudanese stakeholders in preparation for a High Level Revitalization Forum intended to reach agreement on steps to reinvigorate implementation of the Peace Agreement.
We must all do better in correcting the mistakes of the past and ensuring that the path to peace is firmly grounded on values of peace, justice and reconciliation. We must all work together to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in South Sudan. All of us - Faith, Political and Traditional Leaders, Women, Youth and civil society representatives - gathered here today are the critical actors that will ensure this outcome.
Finally, let me wish you fruitful deliberations, and once again thank you for your invitation to JMEC to participate in this most timely and important conference. God bless you.
Honourable Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly Honourable Dusman James, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, Honourable Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen
- It gives me great pleasure to make a few remarks at the opening session of this workshop. The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) is pleased to partner with, and support the South Sudan Women Parliamentary Caucus in convening this workshop.
- Theworkshopisbothtimelyandimportant.Weareatacrossroadsintheimplementationofthe peace agreement. As you are no doubt aware, we are currently engaged in a process to ‘revitalise and reinvigorate’ the peace agreement. There is a clear need to strengthen our collective approaches and strategies for sustainable peace. You, Honourable members of parliament gathered here constitute critical part of that effort. You must not let this window of opportunity close. Seize this opportunity.
- I recognise, and have stated many times that there is also an urgent need to increase women’s participation in the peace process broadly and in the implementation of the peace agreement. I urge you to hold the parties to the peace agreement accountable to the commitments in the peace agreement on gender equality and quotas as pertains to women’s participation and engagement in ARCSS institutions and processes. You as Members of Parliament have a voice that you can deploy to advance gender equality.
Honourable Members of Parliament,
- Let me state at the outset, that I am a firm believer in the ability and power that women have to make real contributions to sustainable peace in any country. It now widely acknowledged that women are real agents of peaceful transformation in communities the world over. South Sudanese women are no exception.
- I am informed that you have recently completed statewide consultations and have made recommendations about how best to include ordinary citizens in participating in monitoring implementation of the peace agreement. The peace agreement concerns all citizens of South Sudan and they must have ownership over it. You, as the peoples’ representatives and are best placed to make this a reality. I look forward to receiving your recommendations on this.
- This workshop presents an opportunity for JMEC to share information with you on the status of implementation and discuss the vital role that you, as members of parliament can play in advancing the process of implementation. I welcome your contribution and cooperation in this process.
- I wish you successful deliberations and now have the pleasure to declare this workshop officially open.
Thank you