-         Honourable Ministers, 

-         Excellencies,

-         Ladies and Gentlemen,

-         Good morning!

1.    I welcome you all to the 4th Extraordinary Plenary meeting of the RJMEC. I assumed this office as the Interim Chairperson on the 1st March 2025 amid unfolding events which prevented us from convening monthly plenaries due to a number of unfortunate developments.

2.    As you may recall, our planned end of March meeting was cancelled at the last minute on advice from government due to security concerns. Proposed meetings in April, May and June were also postponed due to concerns raised by a number of RJMEC members on their timing due to various reasons. In June and July, the Interim Chairperson was requested by the regional leaders for a series of briefing sessions on the situation in the Republic of South Sudan and also to receive some strategic guidance. 

3.    Despite not being able to meet, the RJMEC has continued to prepare and disseminate detailed quarterly reports, i.e., 1st quarter report January – March 2025, 2nd quarter report April-June 2025, and the 3rd quarter report July to September 2025 will be ready in due course. Above all these, I have since held several rounds of consultative meetings with you, bilaterally and in separate groups on varied issues related to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) with the intent of upholding its fidelity.  

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

4.    The main objectives of convening this Extraordinary Plenary today, are therefore, as follows: 

a.    to provide an update to the RJMEC members on the status of the implementation of the R-ARCSS, and the impact of the recent developments on the peace process;

b.    to provide a platform to the RJMEC members, as peace monitors, to deliberate on the current status of the Agreement implementation; and 

c.     to recommend appropriate remedial measures to the RTGoNU,  the Parties to the R-ARCSS, and to the regional guarantors with a view to restoring the full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.    On the implementation of the R-ARCSS, this has been largely affected. What started as a series of political and security tensions culminated into fatal clashes, including the 7th March incident in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, that claimed the life of a senior SSPDF General and an UNMISS helicopter crew member, among other fatalities. This was followed several arrests, detentions and subsequently arraignment in court of senior SPLM/A-IO leadership, a minister, an RJMEC member, senior military leaders and politicians, among them H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, First Vice President. The Special Court is currently in session on the matter. The rippling effect of this incident affected some implementation mechanisms, whose personnel either left or are not participating effectively. A case in point is the CTSAMVM, where SPLA-IO representation at the headquarters has been problematic and the Monitoring and Verification Team in Malakal has been dysfunctional. 

As this situation prevailed, RJMEC intensified its diplomatic engagements, particularly nationally and within the region. RJMEC urged the regional and international guarantors to urgently apply their diplomatic influence to resolve the political and security deadlock between the SPLM/A-IO and ITGoNU. RJMEC called for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue, release of detainees and return to focus on the implementation of the R-ARCSS. This call was widely supported by national, regional and international peace actors. 

6.    On the humanitarian front, the situation resulted in the destruction of healthcare and supply chain infrastructure, to the effect that insecurity and the weather especially flooding affected citizens in many counties.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

7.    All the aforementioned has had a negative effect and undermined trust and confidence in the peace process. It has also called into serious question the commitment of the Parties to the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit. It has equally thrown a spotlight on the role of the national, regional and international guarantors and peace partners. There is no doubt therefore that the R-ARCSS is facing its greatest challenge since its signing. If the current challenges are not urgently addressed, there is a high risk of reversal of the gains already made and may lead to a collapse of the Agreement altogether.

8.    In RJMEC’s analysis, the persistence of the current political and security impasse and the systematic violations of the R-ARCSS is attributable to several factors, including, among others, the following:

a.    Mistrust between the Parties to the R-ARCSS, hence inability to openly and honestly dialogue on issues. This mistrust therefore erodes the political will to push implementation of the R-ARCSS forward.

b.    Lack of collegiality and genuine consultations by Parties to the R-ARCSS resulting in unilateral decisions that further erode trust.

c.     Internal party disputes which affect effective participation in the mechanisms and generally in the implementation process.

d.    The slow traction in unifying forces that has resulted in the forces of two major parties clashing in several parts of the country, which is a serious violation of the Permanent Ceasefire and threat to the R-ARCSS.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

9.        In my role as Interim Chairperson, I have regularly engaged the RTGoNU, the Parties to the R-ARCSS, Stakeholders and Adherents, Regional Guarantors, International Partners and Friends of South Sudan in an effort to address emerging issues as pertains to the R-ARCSS.

10.    I have also briefed the regional, continental, and international guarantors on a very regular basis on the status of the implementation of the R-ARCSS. Particularly, I briefed H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, the President of the Republic of Djibouti, and Chair of the Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, H.E Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti and Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, and other regional leaders and senior state officials.

11.    Furthermore, I briefed the AU Peace and Security Council, the UN Security Council, as well as the AU Panel of the Wise and a joint IGAD and AU delegation in Juba. In these briefings, I highlighted the deteriorating political and security situation in the country, and the ongoing violations of the R-ARCSS. In all these engagements, I have drawn their attention to the serious violations of the R-ARCSS and recommended appropriate remedial measures to safeguard the peace process. 

12.    Recently, RJMEC conducted an audit of the implementing institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement. This confirmed that the current political and security situation has taken a heavy toll on many institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement at the national and State levels, in terms of representation and participation of the Parties to the R-ARCSS as provided for in the responsibility-sharing arrangements. The impasse has led to a systematic violation of the responsibility-sharing arrangements across all crucial bodies including functionality of the executive and legislature alike. The violation must be addressed urgently to return the implementation process back on track. 

13.    I have appealed to the Parties and all peace partners to focus their attention to restore full fidelity to the R-ARCSS in order to safeguard the gains of the peace Agreement and to prevent a relapse to violence in South Sudan. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

14.     My assessment is that the region, the continent and the international community are well aware of the precarious situation that South Sudan finds itself in. It is a shared concern, generally, that despite the commendable progress that had been made since the signing of the R-ARCSS in September 2018, the country is once again at a pivotal moment.

15.     Their views are unanimous that the responsibility for addressing this crisis and for its escalation lies squarely with the RTGoNU leadership and the Parties to the R-ARCSS through the mechanisms provided for, under the Revitalised Peace Agreement. 

16.     RJMEC is therefore seriously concerned with the recent developments on this matter, particularly when parts of the Agreement are continuously violated, in total disregard to its letter and spirit. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

17.     In view of the above, it is my expectation that the RJMEC members will use this Extraordinary Plenary to: 

a.      urge the Parties to the R-ARCSS to cease all forms of hostilities, embrace inclusive dialogue, re-activate the implementing institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement and fully adhere to the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements;

b.      urge the leadership of all the Parties to the Revitalised Agreement to desist from taking actions that further erode the political trust and confidence in the Revitalised Agreement and resolve the political crisis through dialogue and through Agreement institutions and mechanisms;

c.       urge for the expansion and protection of political and civic space to enable the return of peace partners to the Agreement mechanisms and further the creation of a conducive environment for implementation of elections and Constitution-making related tasks, noting barely 13 months are left to December 2026, which is the date of elections as scheduled; and

d.      urge the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to faithfully adhere to its mandate to implement the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit to realise free, fair and credible elections as scheduled. 

18.    In light of the aforementioned, I would like to urge the RTGoNU to re-activate and re-energize the functionality of all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms, especially the Joint Defense Board and all other Security Mechanisms, fast-tract the Constitution-making and Electoral process by availing adequate funding to all the institutions to enable timely implementation of their respective mandates.

19.    I thank you and wish you fruitful deliberations. 

I Thank You!

 -      H.E. Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, President of the UN Security Council,

-     Distinguished Members of the Council,

-     Excellencies,

-     Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Mr President,

1.    I congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to thank you for inviting the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to address this esteemed Council.

2.    This is my first address to this esteemed Council since I assumed office in March 2025 as the Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC. 

3.    The RJMEC is the official oversight body responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and it is mandated under Article 7.10 of the R-ARCSS to submit status of implementation reports quarterly, followed by detailed briefings to, inter-alia, the United Nations Security Council.

4.    When RJMEC last briefed this august Council in February 2025, my predecessor informed you that in spite of the slow pace of implementation of the R-ARCSS, the permanent ceasefire was holding and efforts were underway to expedite the implementation of the outstanding critical election-related tasks. He also informed that the Parties had agreed by consensus to extend the Transitional Period from 22 February 2025 to 22 February 2027, with elections rescheduled to December 2026.

Mr. President, esteemed Council Members,

5.    Since then, however, I wish to inform the Council that the political and security situation in the Republic of South Sudan has substantially deteriorated. In March this year, shortly after commencement of the extended Transitional Period, an administrative military deployment coordinated by the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO   forces into the town of Nassir in Upper Nile State, turned into a disagreement which quickly escalated and resulted in armed clashes, which consequently displaced tens of thousands of civilians and killed many. 

6.    On 3rd and 4th of March, a Nuer militia, allegedly affiliated to the SPLM/A-IO (locally known as the “White Army”), attacked an SSPDF garrison in Nasir, overran it, killed many soldiers and on 7th March, the garrison's commanding officer was also killed.

7.    This incident triggered a serious political and security crisis, which was followed by the arrest and detention in Juba of several senior SPLM/A-IO political leaders, including national Ministers and MPs, as well as the SPLA-IO Chief of Defence Forces and other military commanders. In the days that followed, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the First Vice President, a major peace partner under the R-ARCSS, was put under house arrest where he remains to date.

8.    The permanent ceasefire has since been severely violated repeatedly, with aerial bombardments of SPLM/A-IO occupied areas by the SSPDF, including cantonment areas and training centres. There have also been reported violent armed clashes between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO, including with their affiliate groups and forces in different parts of the country. The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), on a bilateral arrangement, also deployed into the country, a move contested by some Parties to the R-ARCSS.

Mr. President,

9.    Taken together, the clashes, deployment of UPDF, house arrest of the FVP, and detention of several senior SPLM/A-IO officials have created widespread fear, subsequently forcing many senior opposition figures into self-exile, including H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s deputy, the Rt. Hon. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, who is the Acting Chair of the SPLM-IO and who was recently dismissed from the position of First Deputy Speaker of the TNLA. 

10.   This situation, coupled with numerous unilateral dismissals and appointments of officials at the national and State levels, undertaken by the Government in breach of the letter and spirit of the responsibility-sharing arrangements under the R-ARCSS, has rendered the implementation of the R-ARCSS virtually untenable, requiring serious interventions. There is very little progress in terms of implementation of the critical pending tasks and preparation for the conduct of elections as scheduled for December 2026. 

Mr. President, 

11.   The current situation and trajectory in the country, if not urgently addressed, risks to reverse all that has been gained and may lead to a collapse of the R-ARCSS, which could return the country back to an armed conflict. RJMEC and its partners, African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), have repeatedly called for constructive dialogue, de-escalation of tensions, addressing the issue of detainees, and return to full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS. 

12.   This clarion call for peace has been repeated by the region, the continent, and international partners and friends of South Sudan since the outbreak of this crisis. However, all efforts in this regard have not yet yielded a breakthrough. Instead, the violations of the R-ARCSS continue, resulting in disruption of humanitarian activities, including health facilities, and an increasing number of deaths and displacement of civilians. 

13.   Already, an estimated more than 130,000 people are reported to have been displaced in Upper Nile State alone since March 2025, and the forecast of heavy rain and flooding is expected to worsen the situation. Furthermore, persistent inflation continues to diminish the value of the domestic currency, leading to heightened economic challenges for the population of South Sudan.

Mr. President, Distinguished Council Members,

14.   In view of the aforementioned, RJMEC recommends the following to the Council:

a.    Endorse the call by the IGAD Summit and the AUPSC to the South Sudanese Government to de-escalate tensions, address the issue of the FVP and all the other detainees, embrace dialogue, and return to full and inclusive implementation of the R-ARCSS and adhere to its letter and spirit.

b.    Consider undertaking an urgent high-level diplomatic mission to Juba to assess the situation and directly engage the Parties to the R-ARCSS; 

c.     Support the regional efforts towards assisting the Parties to commence dialogue and expedite implementation of the critical pending tasks towards a permanent constitution-making and the conduct of elections in a timely manner.

d.    Call upon the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO commands to cease all hostilities and to urgently restore full adherence to the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, and refrain from acts of violence; and

e.     Consider all possible measures to hold peace spoilers and/or violators of the R-ARCSS accountable.  

Mr. President,

15.   In conclusion, RJMEC would like to thank Your Excellency for convening this UNSC session on South Sudan. We also commend the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), which recently visited Juba. I have also had the privilege of briefing the different regional Heads of State and Government, including the Chairperson of IGAD in Djibouti last week, and my assessment is that the region, continent and the international community do not want to see South Sudan relapse into armed conflict again.

16.   RJMEC would like to remind this august Council that the R-ARCSS, in spite of all its challenges, has restored relative peace across the country, with numerous peace dividends, since its signing in September 2018 and remains a blueprint for the building of a lasting peace and stability in the country. It will be tragic if the gains of the R-ARCSS to date are lost beyond restoration.

17.   RJMEC, therefore, appeals to this esteemed Council to bring its leverage to bear in order to salvage the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and to remain seized of the situation in South Sudan.

I Thank You!

• Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

• Mr. Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN

• Ms. Delphine Serumaga, Country Representative of the UN Women South Sudan

• Hon. Dr. Riang Yer Zuor, Chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission,

• Distinguished Guests,

• Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It an honor to address you all at this important workshop dedicate to discuss on how to enhance the active role of women’s leadership in the constitution-making process in the Republic of South Sudan.

2. This meeting comes at a very climactic moment in South Sudan’s transitional period– a moment that calls for bold and farsighted leadership, cessation of hostilities, des-escalation of violence, inclusive political dialogue, and reconstitution of Agreement implementing mechanisms to ensure a return to full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

3. The ongoing hostilities in some areas of the country raise concerns regarding the commitment of the Parties to the R-ARCSS and whether they are going to accomplish the pending tasks of the R-ARCSS to usher in the country towards its first post-independent democratic elections in December 2026.

4. As RJMEC, we have been engaging with various national, regional and international interlocutors in a bid to prevent violence, de-escalate the ongoing tension, and to appeal for an inclusive political dialogue as the way forward. Consequently, the swift efforts of the regional leaders, envoys, the IGAD Summit, AU Peace and Security Council, the AU Panel of the Wise, the joint IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary and the AU Commission Chairperson’s solidarity mission to South Sudan, the United Nations general efforts were a demonstration of the regional and international community commitment towards the South Sudan peace process.

5. Time is of the essence if we are to collectively deliver elections as scheduled. One of the critical pending tasks for elections is the making of the permanent constitution, which require full participation of the whole spectrum of South Sudanese society in which the role of women should be recognized as of paramount importance. 

6. Women’s participation in constitution making is not simply a matter of policy preference; it is a fundamental right, enshrined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol. These instruments affirm that women must have an equal voice in shaping the laws and institutions that govern their lives.

7. In South Sudan, the need for women’s leadership in constitution making is even more urgent. South Sudan’s history of conflict has left deep scars, and women have borne unique and disproportionate brunt – from displacement and loss of livelihoods to conflict related sexual and gender-based violence as well as exclusion from decision-making. Ensuring women’s meaningful participation is therefore not only a legal obligation, but also a critical step toward finding lasting solutions to the challenges which the country faces.

8. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) recognizes this imperative. As you may be aware, the Agreement includes specific gender provisions to support women’s effective participation at every stage of the constitution-making process. 

9. Of particular significance are the Women’s Empowerment Bill, which aims to provide a robust legal framework for women’s participation, and the Women’s Enterprise Fund Bill, designed to help women rebuild their livelihoods, meet their basic needs, and thereby free up time and resources for civic engagement.

10. Furthermore, the Revitalized Peace Agreement’s commitment to 35% affirmative action is a milestone for gender equality in South Sudan. This provision calls for women’s representation at all levels of the constitution-making process, including in all the relevant subcommittees, ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard, but are prominently reflected in shaping the future of South Sudan.

11. Women as the guardian of the family and the nation as well as flag bearer of lasting peace in society, any political, economic, and social transformation cannot succeed without their active and inclusive participation

12. As we embark therefore, on this workshop, let us remember that women’s leadership in constitution making is not only about justice and rights, it is also about building a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive South Sudan for all. I urge each of us to engage fully, to listen attentively, and to work collaboratively to advance the cause of women’s leadership in this historic process.

13. I wish you fruitful deliberations during the workshop.

I Thank You.

-     Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council,

-       Commissioner for the AU Political Affairs, Peace and Security

-       Your Excellencies, Distinguished Permanent Representatives

-       Ladies and Gentlemen

Your Excellency,

1.      It is my distinct honour to address this august Council for the first time as the new Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). I took over this position in February 2025.

2.      The current situation in the Republic of South Sudan is deeply concerning, and the Revitalised Peace Agreement is facing the most serious challenges since its signing in September 2018. 

3.      Although the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Peace Agreement was extended for another two years from 22nd February 2025, with elections scheduled for December 2026, the slow pace of its implementation has long been worrying.

4.      Reports in January and February 2025 of armed clashes involving forces belonging to Parties signatory to the Agreement in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States were followed by clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. These clashes were preceded by some contentious political decisions made in Juba by Presidential decree weakening the IO, as well as arrest of senior politicians and members of its armed forces. 

5.      On the recent case of Nasir, in RJMEC’s assessment, it appears that a rotation of SSPDF forces who are garrisoned there turned into armed clashes involving forces of the Parties signatory to the Agreement, as well as local militia. These clashes caused several fatalities, including a UN helicopter crew member.

6.      As a result, political tensions in Juba and around the country are heightened, and there is urgent need to prevent them from rising any further.

Your Excellency,

7.      Given the aforementioned, I would like to conclude with some recommendations to this Council: 

                     i.     urge the leadership of all the Parties to the R-ARCSS to desist from actions that may escalate tensions, undertake constructive dialogue, speak with one voice and to demonstrate their commitment not to return the country to war through regular scheduled Presidency meetings and joint messaging;

                  ii.     prevail on the Parties to the Revitalised Peace Agreement to cease all actions that further undermine trust and confidence in the peace process, and reactivate the functioning of the security mechanisms;

                iii.     urge the RTGoNU to prioritise the completion of Phase I of the unification of forces and commence Phase II, as well as DDR, and proceed with the constitution-making process and preparations for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in December 2026; and

                 iv.     Consider activating existing mechanisms in support of South Sudan, which could include the Panel of the Wise, to proactively engage with the Parties going forward in a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation. 

8.      Finally, RJMEC welcomes the efforts and resolutions of the 43rd Extraordinary IGAD Heads of State and Government meeting, held on 12 March, as a strong catalyst to the South Sudan’s peace process.

I Thank You

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

1.        I welcome you all to the 39th plenary meeting of the RJMEC. This is the first meeting of the year 2025. In two days’ time, the Revitalized  Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) completes  5 years of governing the country. It also marks the end of the ‘Roadmap extension’ and the beginning of the recent extension scheduled to end in February 2027 with elections in December 2026. Since the signing of the Peace Agreement in 2018, there has been relative peace and stability compared to previous years.

2.        As we commence the 24 months of the extension, the elections date of December 2026 may seem distant. However, my assessment of the critical milestones required to lay ground for credible elections indicate that there is no moment to waste. The RTGoNU should therefore demonstrate unprecedented sense of urgency to accomplish the critical pending tasks for the conduct of credible, peaceful, free and fair democratic elections.

3.         As you may recall, the key tasks whose non-implementation necessitated this extension include the unification of forces and their redeployment, making of the permanent constitution and preparations for the conduct of credible elections. As we meet here today, these tasks remain incomplete. It is our expectations that the RTGoNU will demonstrate to this plenary how it intends to fast-tract implementation of these tasks within the stipulated timeline.   

4.        My statement this morning will therefore highlight some of the recent developments in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement since our last meeting, expectations for the extended period, challenges and opportunities to build on the progress made thus far, and close with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.        Firstly, governance. The budgets submitted by various institutions and mechanisms tasked with implementation of the critical elections-related tasks were approved by the TNLA and await disbursement at the level of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Without the requisite funding, the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Elections Commission (NEC), and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) are unable to fully discharge their mandates.  

6.        In the meantime, RJMEC commends efforts being made by all the elections-related institutions, with support from various partners, in strengthening their internal capacities. That said, enhanced synergies and cooperation between these institutions are essential for their respective workplans and priorities to be aligned. I look forward to receiving an update from the RTGoNU on the status of resource mobilisation and funding to these institutions. 

7.        As was reported at the last plenary meeting, both the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) and the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) have delivered on their mandates, and completed their tasks as per the R-ARCSS requirements. Since then, the final report of the JRC was presented to the RTGoNU and endorsed by the Presidency. RJMEC therefore appeals for the expeditious implementation of the JRC recommendations, in particular, the review of the Judiciary Act and reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in order to spearhead other reforms.

8.        In regard to the Permanent Ceasefire, clashes have been reported between two forces of the signatory parties to the Agreement, in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States and in Nassir County in Upper Nile State. This is a serious setback considering that over the last  four years, there has been relative peace without any major security incidents between the forces of the parties to the R-ARCSS. This further vindates the urgency and necessity of the unification of forces. RJMEC calls upon the JDB to act with urgency to defuse  the tensions and CTSAMVM to investigate these incidents and report to RJMEC.

9.        In terms of the Transitional Security Arrangements, completion of the unification of forces and their redeployment are essential components of the pending tasks to be accomplished during this coming extended period. RJMEC would like to underscore the importance of completing the unification of forces which is critical for addressing the emergent security concerns, including intercommunal violence as recently witnessed in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State and in the provision of a secure environment for the conduct of credible elections.

10.   In regard to the SDSR Board, some progress has been made towards the finalization of the five policy documents which were validated in December 2024. These documents should now be  submitted to the Executive for consideration. The SDSR Chairperson will provide further updates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

11.   The people of South Sudan continue to face dire humanitarian conditions due to prevalent food insecurity, armed clashes and intercommunal violence, climatic shocks and economic crisis. The situation is worsened by the cholera outbreak which has resulted in nearly 27,000 cases and almost 500 deaths as of 6 February 2025. According to UN OCHA, the total number of returnees fleeing the conflict in Sudan has now exceeded 1 million, exerting more pressure on the already limited resources and services in South Sudan. 

12.   In this regard, the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund which is critical for the mobilization of resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of South Sudan should be given priority at this critical time.

13.   As the extended period begins, RJMEC is further concerned about the slow progress in the resettlement and reintegration of the returnees and IDPs to enable them to meaningfully participate in the ongoing peace process, especially in constitution-making and electoral processes. The RTGoNU is therefore encouraged to scale up basic service provisions in order to support their resettlement and reintegration.

14.   In regard to the refugees and returnees fleeing from Sudan, I would like to appeal to the RTGoNU, with support from the international community, to prioritise interventions to decongest transit centres. This will enhance protection and reduce gender-based violence and health risks. 

15.   RJMEC commends the Ministry of Gender upon reviving and strengthening the South Sudan Women’s Union (SSWU) aimed at increasing women’s meaningful participation in the peace process. I would like to hear from the women representatives about this development.

16.   On Resource, Economic and Financial Management, it is important that as the extended period starts, the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee continues to show steady commitment to economic reforms, which have so far resulted in improved monitoring of public spending of the national budget, and of revenue collection, especially non-oil revenue. 

17.   Further, reforms that are intended to promote financial stability, such as reforms to the Bank of South Sudan, should also continue, as the Bank plays a key role in promoting price stability and monetary policy formulation. The oversight institutions of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Audit Chamber need to be fully functional to enable them to execute their mandates of ensuring transparency and accountability, as provided for in the reviewed legislations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

18.   On Transitional Justice, the legislation for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) have been enacted. The processes of establishing these mechanisms are underway following the approval of a Cabinet Memorandum by the RTGoNU Council of Ministers in January 2025. In this regard, I request the RTGoNU to update the plenary on the status of appointment of the Commissioners for the CTRH. Hastening the appointments and operationalisation of these bodies are critical in driving forward the processes of national healing and reconciliation.  

19.   Regarding the permanent constitution-making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) is currently engaging various partners to support its national launch of civic education and public consultations. RJMEC welcomes this proactive approach and appeals to the partners to support this endeavour. 

20.   I would like to underscore the importance of the drafting of a people-owned and people-led constitution, as it will help determine, among others, the types of elections which will be held in December 2026. The NCRC Chairperson will provide further updates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

21.   For its part, RJMEC has continued its engagements since the last Plenary pursuant to its mandate. These engagements included, among others, the briefing to the Presidency, national Ministers, TNLA, the ministerial delegation of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), and the African Union Panel of the Wise. I also briefed the Security Council of the United Nations. 

22.   Overall, in all these international engagements, there is the general impression that there is a shared concern over the slow pace of implementation, absence of dedicated funding and the failure to adhere to agreed timelines. Further, the regional and international partners would like South Sudan to disburse funds and implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement as a sign of commitment and good will; in order to attract international support.

23.   As you may recall, during our last plenary in the month of October last year, the expactations were that RTGoNU would call for an extraordinary meeting to provide the work plans on how the extension will be implemented. This did not happen. Further, there was a call to do things differently and not business as usual. In that regard and given the aforementioned, I would like to offer the following recommendations to the RTGoNU as the extended Transitional Period begins:

a.        Provide a strategy with a clear, coherent and overarching action plan, feasible budget and timeline for the implementation of the priority tasks for the extended transitional period;

b.        Ensure that the workplans of the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms are aligned and collaborative to ensure effective and efficient implementation;

c.         Provide the necessary funding in a timely manner  to the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms;  

d.        Expedite completion of the unification of forces, their redeployment and DDR;

e.        Create a conducive environment for voluntary  return, resettlement and reintegration of South Sudanese refugees and IDPs to enable them participate in the ongoing peace process; and

f.          Establish, operationalise and fund the CTRH and CRA.

24.   Further, I appeal to the regional guarantors and international community to have a more accommodative  approach that aligns with the need  to do things differently as well, in order to have South Sudan transit from perpetual extensions. This could be through the following, among others: 

a.    frequent, proactive and coordinated  engagements of Special Envoys of different countries and organizations; 

b.   prominent presence and engagements of the regional guarantors at the highest political level; 

c.    effective and efficient direct support to the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandates; and 

d.   periodic coordination between the regional guarantors and international partners through alignment of  messages and actions.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

25.   In conclusion, I would like to inform you that this is my last Plenary having completed my tour of duty this month. It has been four-and-half years since I took over as the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. I thank all of you for the support and constructive engagements throughout my truly memorable years here. 

26.   It has been a privilege and a humbling experience for me, to have had this opportunity of chairing such a meeting composed of senior stakeholders, diplomats, party leaders, government officials and security officers. Thank you for your coorperation and support. It has been a rich learning curve for me and I do not take it for granted.  I have learned a lot from all of you in the course of time that we have shared here.

27.    I want to thank H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit,  First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and all other party leaders for staying the course of peace and within the Agreement provisions. It is my conviction that R-ACRSS, remains  the most transformative blueprint that would deliver this country to a democratic dispensation if implemented in letter and spirit.

28.    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.  It is my hope that my successor H.E. Amb. Maj Gen (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, will find the same support that you have given me, as he steers RJMEC to the next level. 

29.   I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You!

-      Hon Kuol Manyang Juuk, Senior Presidential Advisor, Security and Chair, National Transitional Committee

-       Honourable Ministers present

-       Honourable Members of Parliament present

-       Nicholas Haysom Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN

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

-       H.E. Prof Joram Biswaro, Head of the AU Mission to South Sudan

-       Hon Prof Abednego Akok, Chairperson, National Elections Commission

-       Hon. James Zakayo Akol, Chairperson, Political Parties Council

-       Hon. Dr Riang Yer Zuor, Chairperson, National Constitutional Review Commission

-       Maj-Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson, Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM)

-       Distinguished Guests 

-       Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning! 

1.  Allow me at the outset to extend greetings and best wishes from H.E. Amb Maj Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC who could not join us this morning due to prior commitments, and he has delegated me to deliver these remarks on his behalf. 

2.  I would also like to cease this opportunity to thank the United Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and partners for their great efforts towards making this High-Level Leadership Forum on Completing the Political Transition in South Sudan a reality. 

3.  This Forum whose theme is: “Finalizing Security Sector Unification, Advancing the Permanent Constitution-Making Process and Progressing Preparations for Elections” is quite apt at this moment as the country commences the extended Transitional Period in just a few days’ time on 22nd February 2025. 

4.  This Forum seeks to objectively reflect on the realities that inform the current status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, enable information dissemination of the status of the peace process, and adopt concrete strategies that enable the country achieve the aspiration of having the first democratic elections in December 2026. 

5.  Further, this Forum will be critical in bringing common understanding among partners on the impediments to the implementation of critical pending tasks, including completion of unification of forces, writing of a new permanent constitution and adequate preparations for the conduct of peaceful elections.

6.  I wish to pay great tribute to the critical actors and stakeholders who have continued to play a vital role in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement over the past years. Your continuous push and encouragement to the RTGoNU and the Agreement Parties to stay the course is noteworthy. I hereby urge the participants of this workshop to work collectively in generating insightful recommendations that can inform arriving at a common understanding on how best to complete the transition.  

Honourable Members, Excellencies distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 

7.  South Sudan has now enjoyed six and a-half years of observance of the Permanent Ceasefire, which is commendable. The recent unfortunate skirmishes in some parts of the country between parties’ signatories to the Agreement, even though it is a violation of the Permanent Ceasefire provisions, it is important to recognize the strength of the Agreement institutions and mechanisms’ commitment and the resolve of the political leaders of South Sudan to overcome the challenges encountered in the course of the implementation the Peace Agreement.

8.  More importantly, it is evidence enough that the RTGoNU should work with greater urgency to ensure the completion of unification of forces and their redeployment to unify commands and to ensure proper command and control. The unification of all forces will undoubtedly lay a firm foundation for attainment of sustainable peace, security and prosperity for South Sudan.

9.  In this extended Transitional Period, the RJMEC being the official oversight, monitoring and evaluation body established under Chapter 7 of  the Revitalized Agreement will do its part and will continue to robustly execute its mandate, including reminding the Agreement Parties to maintain peace, focus on their commitments to the R-ARCSS including urging them to scale up their efforts in implementing all critical  tasks and adhere to agreed timelines and implementation schedule. 

10.     Key priorities of the transitional period include, among others, the making of the permanent constitution whose provisions will guide the conduct of elections, completion of unification of forces, and sufficient preparations for the conduct of elections. These are the very tasks which have necessitated the repeated extensions of the Agreement to date, because their non-completion risks reversing all the peace gains to date. 

11.     Given that we have only 24 months to the end of this extended transition, RJMEC therefore takes this opportunity to remind the Agreement Parties that the country, the region and the international community have high expectations that there will be no further extension and that all necessary milestones will be realized and marked by a peaceful democratic transition at the end of the Transition Period. 

12.     RJMEC encourages the Agreement Parties, stakeholders and all partners participating in this  Leadership Forum to explore practical approaches to achieve the critical benchmarks that will make the post-transitional arrangement more attractive than the status quo. Such a framework will ensure peaceful democratic elections that will usher in a smooth transition and consolidate the gains of the R-ARCSS. 

 I hereby wish you a successful Forum and fruitful deliberations.