HonourableMinisters,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
1. I welcome all of you to the 10thRJMEC meeting. This meeting is important because the extended Pre-Transitional Period is due to end in less than four weeks. Ideally, at this stage we should all be excited with the real prospect of the R-TGoNU being formed, but unfortunately, we still have a lot of work to do in the days ahead to cross this bridge. I will revert to this matter later on in my statement.
2. My statement today will highlight only the most recent progress made in the implementation of the activities of the Pre-Transitional period, but will particularly focus on the critical outstanding tasks necessary for the timely and smooth formation of the RTGoNU, and I will conclude with some recommendations on the way forward.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. Since our last meeting held in September, some progress has been made in the cantonment of forces. Out of the 25 designated cantonment sites for the opposition and 10 barracks for government forces, 24 cantonment sites and 6 barracks are operational. The total number of troops registered continuesto increase, and I expect to hear the latest details from the Security Mechanisms. I commend the Security Mechanisms for the significant progress made in registration. I note, however, that registration is just a first step. What follows is screening, selection, training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. I therefore urge the remaining process to be expedited and to be undertaken concurrently to catch up with lost time.
4. As you will recall, the IGAD Council of Ministers had required that at least half of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Forces “be cantoned and barracked, trained and deployed before the end of September 2019”. Unfortunately, this deadline was not met. I am, however, encouraged to hear that about 1,500 trainers are ready to begin their work. I appeal to the Security Mechanisms to expedite the selection of the forces for immediate training. In addition, I urge the DDR Commission to begin their work in the cantonment sites and barracks. I await an update from the JTSC on the plan for commencement of the training of forces.
5. On Tuesday 15 October, I briefed the AU Peace and Security Council and also the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers on the status of the pending Pre-Transitional tasks. In my message to both the Council and the Chairperson, I observed that it is unlikely that the 83,000 Necessary Unified Forces will be trained and deployed by the deadline of 12thNovember 2019.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. In addition to the training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, there are a number of other critical tasks vital to the formation of the RTGoNU. These include the following:
a. resolution of the number and boundaries of the States;
b. enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the other Bills;
c. agreement on allocation of ministerial portfolios;
d. submission by the Parties of their nominees for the TNLA to the NCAC; and
e. complete demilitarization of civilian centres.
7. These tasks can be expedited and resolved by the leadership of the Parties before the November 12thdeadline. In my consultations with the Parties yesterday, they tentatively agreed to hold a meeting this Saturday to address some of the outstanding issues.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. Overall, the RJMEC Secretariat’s assessment is that of the 63 identified Pre-Transitional tasks, 31 tasks have been completed, 22 are ongoing, and 10 are still pending. The updated assessment matrix has been shared with all of you.
9. Indeed, the full implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks was intended to lay a firm foundation for the effective implementation of the Agreement and for the Parties to demonstrate their commitment to implement the Agreement in letter and spirit. The tasks were also informed by the bitter experiences of forming a government without the legal and security foundation during the 2015 Peace Agreement.
10. As I told the AU PSC and Chairperson IGAD Council of Ministers on Tuesday, there is no doubt that the Revitalized Peace Agreement has yielded dividends in the Republic of South Sudan. Since the signing of the Agreement, the Permanent Ceasefire has held and there is an overall improvement in the security and humanitarian situation across the country. According to UNMISS, close to 600,000 people have returned to their homes. These are gains that must be consolidated by ensuring that there is a firm foundation upon which the RTGoNU is established.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. In view of the above, I would like to make the following recommendations:
a. the Incumbent TGoNU should, as a matter of urgency, availmore andadequate resources to the NPTCtofacilitate ongoing cantonment, concurrent training and deployment of forces;
b. the Parties should meet and resolve the outstanding issue of the number and boundaries of States without further delay;
c. the leadership of the Parties should meet very soon and agree on what options are available come the 12thNovember deadline;
d. the regional and international partners and friends of South Sudan should enhance their financial, political and in-kind support to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS.
12. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the gains of the last 13 months must be consolidated, and I call upon the RJMEC members to pronounce themselves and provide guidance on the best way forward.
13. I wishyou fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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I welcome all of you to the 9th RJMEC meeting. This meeting marks exactly one year since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which is a laudable achievement, not least because of the silencing of the guns across the country, but this also presented a real opportunity to end the conflict in South Sudan permanently. In the past 12 months, we have witnessed constructive engagement of the Parties in implementing the Peace Agreement, which has rekindled hope of attaining sustainable peace in the country.
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However, today we have only two months to the end of the extended Pre-Transitional Period, and much remains to be done. We must therefore redouble our efforts to accomplish all the outstanding Pre- Transitional tasks within this remaining short time.
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In my statement this morning, I will provide an update on the progress of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks since we last met, including a review of the status of the resolutions of the last meeting, the recurring challenges, and then I will conclude with some recommendations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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To begin with, an update on the progress of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks. You will recall that the last time we met, I expressed concern at the slow pace of implementation. This slow progress was partly the reason why IGAD invited the Parties to the Agreement to Addis Ababa for urgent consultations on 21st August 2019. However, I am pleased to report that the pace has since picked up.
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Regarding the transitional security arrangements, I am happy to report that at long last, some cantonment sites have become operational, and I want to commend the Parties, the Joint Defence Board (JDB), the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) for this milestone. I am aware that the JDB continues to put in place the necessary framework for cantonment of all forces, and the JMCC continues to prepare the remaining cantonment sites. The JTSC is also making progress in preparing the designated 18 training sites. That said, time is running out and much still remains to be done if 50 per cent of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Forces are to be cantoned, selected and in training by 30 September 2019. I urge the JDB to provide leadership in planning and coordination in order to ensure expeditious and concurrent implementation of the cantonment and training of forces.
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I am happy to report that the expected in-kind support from the AU Commission arrived in Juba, and I wish to commend AU Commission for fulfilling its pledge of delivering the materials and Ambassador Joram Biswaro for coordinating the delivery. Similarly, I wish to thank the government of the People’s Republic of China for providing 1500 tons of rice, and the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for providing medical supplies.
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As implementation of the Peace Agreement is mainly the responsibility of the Parties to the Agreement, I would like to underline the importance of the timely and predictable disbursement of the $100 million for the cantonment, training, and unification of the NUF to be completed by 11th November.
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I once again reiterate my humble appeal to the Regional governments who have pledged support, to expedite delivery. I also urge the Partners and Friends of South Sudan, and the international community, to offer more support to the cantonment process. I am keen to learn of the latest progress on cantonment, and I expect the Chairperson of the JMCC to update today’s meeting shortly.
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The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has finalized the drafting of the Fire Brigade Service Bill, 2019 and has scheduled its submission to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. However, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the delay in the ratification and enactment of the amended Constitution, and the other laws already submitted by the NCAC. I urge the I-TGoNU and the TNLA to expedite the process. In the meantime, the NCAC has embarked on the review of the Public Finance Management and economic sector laws, and I look forward to hearing more from the Chairman of NCAC shortly.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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Now, for an update on the progress of the resolutions of the last meeting in which the Plenary appealed to the I-TGoNU and the NPTC to expedite the nominations and appointment process of theDDR Commission’s Chairperson and Deputy and to ensure itsimmediate reconstitution. I communicated this matter of the DDRCommission’s reconstitution to the IGAD Council of Ministers, who decided that the matter be completed by the end of August 2019. I understand that the appointments were made by Presidential Decree yesterday. I will await further detail from the NPTC.
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You may recall that the Plenary resolved that the JMCC and CTSAMVM should conduct an assessment on protection-related risks to the civilian population at cantonment sites and recommend mitigation measures to be put in place. I expect the JMCC and CTSAMVM to give a report on this.
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As you may also recall, the Plenary endorsed my recommendation to the IGAD Council of Ministers that a meeting of the Parties be convened to review progress in the implementation of the critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks. I am pleased to report that this meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 21st August 2019. Its communique has been availed to you today.
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The Plenary further resolved that the Parties continue with coordinated dissemination and joint confidence-building measures and encouraged the other stakeholders and partners to equally engage in disseminating the Agreement and messages of the peace to their various constituents. I am pleased to note that there have been at least two occasions in Rajaf and Gudele 2 where the Parties appeared together and addressed grassroots dissemination meetings. These events, staged by the NPTC Dissemination Unit, supported by RJMEC, and UNMISS, are positive steps and should continue. I would like to see all Stakeholders to the Agreement participating in future events.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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The citizens of South Sudan are demanding to know more about the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and the progress of its implementation. Accordingly, the RJMEC Secretariat has in the past few weeks, in partnership with faith-based and civil society leaders, undertaken dissemination in the towns of Wau, Torit, Yambio and Maridi. Our experience demonstrates that citizens have limited knowledge of the R-ARCSS. This justifies the need for more work to be done on dissemination.
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I would like to add a word about the National Dialogue. We are all aware of the ongoing political process being undertaken by the National Dialogue. This process is complementary to the Revitalised Peace Agreement as both are key to the peace process in South Sudan. My appeal to the National Dialogue Committee is that their various dialogue platforms also be used for disseminating the revitalized Peace Agreement to the citizens. We are fortunate to have an RJMEC member representing the Eminent Personalities, and who is also a member of the National Dialogue. I wish to request that he be given the opportunity to inform the RJMEC meetings on its progress from time to time.
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On the number and boundaries of States, this issue was included in the agenda of the Addis Ababa meeting of the Parties and it was agreed that the Parties would discuss the matter further with a view to finding a common solution, and report to the IGAD Ordinary Summit, due in mid-September 2019.
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You may recall that in the last meeting, we called upon the Parties to hold regular face to face meetings of all the political leadership in order to build trust and confidence among themselves and address the challenges facing implementation. In that regard, I would like towelcome this week’s face-to-face meetings of His Excellency Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO. Their commitment to resolve the outstanding issues, either personally or by putting in place official mechanisms, is critical for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
18. The Permanent Ceasefire is holding. However, I am concerned by the recently reported insecurity incidents in the areas of Aweil East, Raja and Yei River. The Chairperson of CTSAMVM will shed more light on these incidents shortly.
19. In terms of the humanitarian situation, the UNHCR reported that there was the spontaneous return of displaced persons and refugees during August. I hope to hear more from UNMISS.
20. Regarding the economy, I am encouraged that the exchange rate continues to remain fairly stable. However, rising food prices continues to be the main contributor to inflation.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
21. I would like to conclude with the following recommendations:
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that the DDR Commission immediately operationalizes a plan
of action, which is vital to the cantonment process;
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the I-TGoNU should expedite the disbursement of additional
funds for cantonment so that its pace can be increased;
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the Parties to the Agreement should resolve the issue of the number and boundaries of States of South Sudan as per the resolution of the IGAD Council of Ministers in consultation with the Parties of 21st August 2019;
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I reiterate my appeal to the Region, Partners and Friends of South Sudan, and the international community, to support the implementation of the revitalized Peace Agreement, in particular, the cantonment process; and
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I also reiterate my appeal to the NPTC to organise joint dissemination of the revitalized Peace Agreement to all South Sudanese, within the country, in displaced persons’ camps, inrefugee camps and in the Diaspora.
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Finally, I must remind the Parties once again how short the time is, and that they must work closely together in order to accomplish the remaining critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks within the remaining two months.
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I wish you fruitful deliberations. God bless you all.I thank you.
− Your Excellency, Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers,
− Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary,
− Your Excellencies, Members of the Council,
− Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan,
− Honourable Ministers,
− Your Excellencies,
− Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Thank you for the invitation to address this consultative meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
2. The convening of this meeting, against the backdrop of renewed commitment of the Parties in May 2019 to expedite implementation of Pre-Transitional tasks, is crucial for us to assess progress since then. It will also enable us to discuss practical remedial measures for expediting the implementation of pending tasks before the extended Pre-Transitional Period elapses.
3. My statement, therefore, focuses on an update of the activities of the Pre-Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, with particular emphasis on the transitional security arrangements and the question of the number of States of South Sudan. I will then make general observations on the main impediments to effective implementation of the pending tasks and conclude with specific recommendations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. Since the Pre-Transitional Period was extended by six months in May, some progress has been made in the implementation of some provisions of the transitional security arrangements and attempts to resolve the issues of the number and boundaries of States in the Republic of South Sudan.
5. On transitional security arrangements, the National Constitutional Amendment Committee has completed the review of five security Bills as well as election related Bills. It also incorporated the six months’ extension of the Pre-Transitional Period into the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019 and made significant progress in drafting of the Fire Brigade Service Bill 2019. The NCAC has just held experts consultative meeting on Public Finance Management laws.
6. All the completed Bills have been duly submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Incumbent TGoNU awaiting enactment by the Parliament. The NCAC has also made significant progress in the process of drafting the Fire Brigade Service Bill.
7. The Permanent Ceasefire has continued to hold, and this has resulted in an overall improvement in the general security situation that we witness today across the country. I commend all the Parties for observing the Permanent Ceasefire. The security situation has contributed to improved access to humanitarian activities, including decisions by some refugees and IDPs to spontaneously return to their areas. I, however, regret to report sporadic incidents of fighting between NAS forces allied to Gen. Thomas Cirillo and the SSPDF that occurred in Yei area in June 2019.
8. Civilian centres occupied by some armed forces are gradually being vacated. I am encouraged by reports that the SPLA – IO vacated all the civilian centres they had initially occupied. The SSPDF, on the other hand, is yet to vacate all the civilian centres its forces have been occupying. I reiterate my appeal to all the concerned commanders to immediately and completely demilitarize all the civilian centres. I also appeal to all forces to desist from any temptation of reoccupying any civilian property.
9. The National Pre-Transitional Committee has to date made two disbursements to the Joint Defense Board totalling USD 6.5 million to facilitate the implementation of the transitional security arrangements. The NPTC disbursed USD 2 million in April and an additional USD 4.5 million in July 2019. In addition, the NPTC allocated USD 2 million to procure food supplies for cantonment.
10. In terms of suitability of the cantonment sites and barracks, CTSAMVM verified 23 cantonment sites and 10 barracks as suitable for cantonment and barracking of forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) also identified 18 training centers for the 83, 000 Necessary Unified Forces.
11. Regrettably however, none of the designated sites is operational, and not a single former combatant has been registered. This has also meant that the training of forces has yet to begin. Logistical constraints remain a huge hurdle to overcome. These challenges notwithstanding, I am encouraged by the report of initial food supplies for cantonment and barracks being delivered by the JDB to some of the cantonment sites. However, these supplies are not enough as they will soon run out unless there is a steady and predictable supply of necessary commodities.
12. I welcome the interest exhibited by the region and AU C5 towards support for operationalization of cantonment, including pledges for in-kind support to make that happen. I understand the list of the required items for cantonment were availed to them. I, therefore, appeal to them to expedite the fulfilment of those pledges.
13. Linked to the success of cantonment is expeditious reconstitution of the DDR Commission, a task which is overdue. The Commission is critical to address the needs of former combatants who shall not qualify for selection or training with the Necessary Unified Forces and who will require a dignified reintegration into civilian life.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
14. On the question of the number of States of South Sudan, the Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) and Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) concluded their work in March and June respectively. On 17 June 2019, the IBC issued “A Report of the Work and Activities of the IBC for the Republic of South Sudan” and submitted its findings to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. The report was subsequently submitted to the Parties to the Agreement last week.
15. Despite the IBC’s concerted efforts, it was unable to conclusively make a determination on the number of States of the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, as per the Agreement. Nonetheless, the IBC referred the matter to IGAD for a political solution.
16. This is now an urgent matter to be concluded by the Parties before the formation of the RTGoNU.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. Despite the above progress, there are Pre-Transitional tasks which remain unaccomplished. These include: fulfilment of the funding pledge made by the I-TGoNU in May 2019; operationalization of cantonment; reconstitution of the DDR Commission; persuading the South Sudanese non-signatories to the Agreement to join in its implementation; regular face-to-face meetings of Dr Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir; making a determination of the number and boundaries of States of the Republic of South Sudan; fulfilment of the pledges by the region and AU C5 for in-kind support for cantonment; and, the appointment of a substantive RJMEC Chairperson.
18. In my opinion, the impediments which have affected the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks include, limited funding; late disbursement of funds; lack of disbursement of budgeted funds; leaders’ insufficient commitment and prioritization of tasks and delay in fulfilment of pledges for in-kind support.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
19. In view of the critical need to expedite the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks, I wish to conclude with the following recommendations to the Parties, region and the International Community:
To the Parties:
a. consider reaching a consensus on the outstanding issue of the number of States of South Sudan before the Pre-Transitional Period elapses as the matter has implication on the composition and reconstitution of the Council of States;
b. expedite the process of troop movements to cantonment sites and barracks, selection and immediate training of the Necessary Unified Forces. Accordingly, the Parties should give direction and timelines on operationalization of several cantonment sites across the country and in respective States as a start and within the remaining Pre-Transitional Period;
c. give direction and timelines on commencement of training centers across the country and in the respective regions, including training of officers identified for VIP protection;
d. forces still occupying civilian centres to vacate them immediately and avoid new occupation of civilian property;
e. expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission and make it responsive to the needs of those who shall not qualify for selection into the Necessary Unified Forces. Accordingly, the I-TGoNU should expedite the nomination of its members to the DDR Commission;
f. to enable the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to be more responsive to the needs of the Parties. In that regard, the Parties should consider reaching consensus on the role the RPF can render to them in support of the peace process. In addition, the Parties should recommend appropriate steps to be taken by the leadership of IGAD with the AU PSC for the urgent attention of the UN Secretary-General. Such a request should consider a recommendation for the amendment of the mandate of the RPF in order to be more responsive to the needs of all the Parties to the R-ARCSS;
g. the NPTC should organize more joint confidence building measures among the Parties as well as joint dissemination of the R-ARCSS to enhance better understanding, ownership, healing and reconciliation in the country; and
h. the Government to fulfil its pledge of funding of the implementation of the R-ARCSS in a timely and predictable manner.
To IGAD and the region:
a. the time has come for the region to scale up its engagement in South Sudan. This therefore calls for the leadership of the region to show more stewardship in this regard and to enhance its diplomatic engagements with the international community and to persuade them to continue enhancing their support as well as funding of implementation of the R-ARCSS;
b. consider convening an Ordinary Summit of the Council and Heads of State and Government to resolve various pending issues on the South Sudan peace process, including the final determination of the status of Dr. Riek Machar and appointment of a substantive RJMEC Chairperson;
c. follow-though on all the Council’s commitments, including facilitating regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to assess the progress of implementation of the R-ARCSS;
d. enhance the Council’s engagements with the non-adherents to the R-ARCSS to persuade them to join in its implementation; and
e. consider engaging the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), United Nations Secretary-General and the Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to consider reviewing the role of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to enable it to become more responsive to the context and needs of the Parties to the R-ARCSS.
To the international community:
a. consider speaking with one voice on the South Sudan peace process, and continue to work closely with the region, AU and UN on the same; and
b. consider funding the implementation of the R-ARCSS, including supporting the cantonment process and demobilized former combatants’ holistic reintegration programmes.
20. In conclusion, it is my view that it is possible to make credible and substantive progress towards fulfilling the critical Pre-Transitional tasks in the remaining time period, if the necessary resources are immediately released for the cantonment, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces and the Parties take a political decision on the number of states, and their boundaries.
I thank you.
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
1. Welcome to our seventh RJMEC monthly meeting.
2. I will divide my statement into four sections. The first section will provide an update on action points arising from the last Plenary, while the second will provide an update on the status of implementation of the Agreement and the critical pending tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period. Thirdly, I will highlight recurring challenges, and then conclude with my recommendations for the coming period.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;
3. In the last Plenary, it was resolved that cantonment be expedited and should commence by the 15thJune. To begin with, the JMCC and the JTSC have moved forward with the cantonment planning process. The JMCC has conducted assessment visits to designated cantonment sites. I am encouraged by the formation and training of the Area Joint Military Ceasefire Committee (AJMCC) and the Joint Monitoring Ceasefire Teams (JMCTs). Last Friday, the JMCC completed the training of 154 personnel here in Juba who will operate the cantonment sites. More details will be presented by the JDB and the other security mechanisms shortly.
4. There is also some progress to report on the formation of the DDR Commission. The representatives of the Parties and stakeholders met and agreed on its restructuring. It was also agreed that either the Chairperson or the Deputy shall be a woman. The Parties and stakeholders have been requested to submit the names of their nominees to the IGAD Special Envoy, who will vet the suitably qualified candidates and submit them to the NPTC. The NPTC will then make the appointments accordingly.
5. I also had the honour of addressing the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the current situation in South Sudan and on the status of implementation of the Agreement. I informed the Council on the remarkable improvement in the overall security situation since the signing of the R-ARCSS.
6. I also highlighted the progress made in the implementation of the Agreement, and the challenges which remain. I appealed to the Council to persuade the AU Commission and its member states to extend the requisite support to its implementation.
7. Concerning the identified gaps within the security mechanisms, I am pleased to report that the AU C5 Ambassadors invited RJMEC and the Office of the Special Envoy to Addis to give details and provide a list of in-kind support that can be made available for cantonment. Since then, members of the JDB, the JTSC and JMCC have been to Addis to follow up on the assistance, and we look forward to hearing the details shortly.
8. Regarding the occupation of civilian centres by the military, I wrote to the Chairman of the JDB requesting him to issue instructions to respective commanders for their troops to vacate all occupied civilian centres by 15thJune 2019. I am encouraged by the latest CTSAMVM report on this matter. The CTSAMVM Chairperson will provide more details shortly.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;
9. Regarding the status of implementation of the Agreement and the critical pending tasks. To begin with, the Independent Boundaries Commission. I have been informed that the Commission is writing its report, and I expect it to be completed in the next few days. As per the Revitalized Agreement, the report of the IBC shall be presented to the IGAD Executive Secretary, who will then communicate the same to the Parties.
10. With regards to the amendment of the Constitution and relevant laws. The Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019 has been returned to the NCAC to incorporate the six-month extended Pre-Transitional Period, ahead of its ratification by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Five of the six security-related laws and the Political Parties Act have been reviewed and submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. I am aware that the NCAC members were unable to reach consensus on one key provision within the National Security Services Act as amended which may require further discussions. The Chairperson of NCAC will provide more details.
11. I have also reviewed and approved a new work schedule for the NCAC during this extension period, allowing them to draft the Fire Brigade Act, and to begin work on three legislations which were intended to be worked on during the Transitional Period. These are:
· the Public Finance Management Act;
· the National Audit Chambers Act; and
· the Anti-Corruption Act.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;
12. Now for some recurring challenges. In terms of denial of access, CTSAMVM reports that there has been considerable improvement since late April, with only one new instance of denial of access being reported, which was by the SSPDF.
13. On the issue of notice for CTSAMVM to verify forces at a particular location, it is my understanding that CTSAMVM is required to give prior notice of the intended verification. However, in a situation where a violation is alleged at any location, CTSAMVM shall be granted unconditional access.
14. On the security situation, I am pleased to note that the permanent ceasefire continues to hold across the country, while attention is turned to cantonment and the training of the Necessary Unified Forces. Unfortunately, there is still violence and an unacceptable number of deaths linked to cattle rustling. This requires the urgent attention of the government.
15. In terms of the humanitarian situation, recent data supplied by OCHA suggests that humanitarian access continued to improve generally across South Sudan. Furthermore, humanitarian agencies accessed the vast majority of the country without major incidents. This is encouraging because it provides the enabling environment for the return of refugees and IDPs to their homes. However, the onset of rainy season will have a constraining effect on reaching the people. Additionally, I am aware that the inclusive Humanitarian Coordination Unit (HCU) was launched on the 10th May, and I would be keen to hear how it is progressing.
16. Currently, South Sudan’s economy demonstrates relatively improved inflation rates and a fairly stable exchange rate. Although inflation rates are still in double digits, it remains well below the very high levels experienced prior to the signing of the Peace Agreement.
17. Increased revenues from the opening of oil fields previously closed during the conflict is another one of the benefits being derived from the permanent cease fire. However, additional reforms in the financial management system are needed to achieve efficient use of resources and attract foreign direct investment.
18. Despite an apparent reduction in reported cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), it remains a concern. However, I am encouraged by the ongoing discussion about the establishment of an SGBV court by the Judiciary, and the adoption by the South Sudanese Peoples Defence Forces of an Action Plan to eradicate SGBV by the military. These are two important developments.
19. Finally, in my recent consultation with the RJMEC stakeholders, I learnt with concern the challenges being faced by civil society in disseminating the Peace Agreement. I appeal to the Parties to the Agreement to facilitate civil society in their efforts to contribute to the peace.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;
20. I will now outline some key recommendations.
a) I urge the Security Mechanisms to open the cantonment sites and ensure that all forces report to the designated sites or barracks.
b) In that respect, I urge the NPTC to avail the requisite resources to the mechanisms without delay.
c) I call upon all Parties to step up joint confidence building measures, from the highest political level to the grassroots.
d) I urge the Parties to the Agreement to takes steps to eradicate SGBV in their areas of responsibility, to ensure protection and safety of women and girls in areas under their control, and to continue accountability measures for those found culpable of SGBV violations.
20. I wish you fruitful deliberations today.
I thank you.
Good Afternoon
1. I wish to start by commending the conveners, facilitators and participants of this very important Workshop. The successful conclusion of this very timely Workshop marks an encouraging beginning of the extension to the Pre-Transitional Phase that begins tomorrow, 12 May 2019.
2. I am told the workshop went well and that significant progress was made, I congratulate youfor what you have achieved in a short time and at short notice. It is my hope that we shall keep this momentum going and double our determination, in order to avoid the agreed roadmap and implementation schedule from falling behind schedule, again.
3. When I addressed you yesterday I expressed my concern regarding the size and complexity of the task lying ahead of you and thetime available to achieve success. We are all aware that failure is not an option and that the people of South Sudan are watching anxiously, waiting to see real action that will improve their lives and produce lasting peace.
4. I also spoke about measures neededto get the key actions of Cantonment, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces back on track.
5. The first step being,to enhance cooperation both within and between your organizations. I am informed that this Workshop has already demonstrated improved coordination and plans are already underway to enhance the work of the Mechanisms through information sharing and the allocation of more human and technical resources.
6. In particular, I am pleased to see thepresence of NPTC and hear about their involvement in both the discussions and the development of detailed plans to meet the new targets. I understand that NPTC has pledged to provide support to the Secretariatsincluding office space, equipment, communications and movement support. We will workclosely with NPTC to assist them in fulfilling this pledge as quickly as possible.
7. Looking forward, I expect that there will be regular meetings between the four mechanisms and involvement by NPTC, RJMEC, CTSAMVM and internationalpartners.
8. I welcome the production of detailed action plans showing confirmed locations for Cantonment sites, resources to be procured to both establish and support them with agreed budgets. I welcome toothe agreement that planning and preparation for Cantonment will run concurrently with plans to select, train anddeploy the necessary Unified Forces.
9. Most important of all,will be the announcement of a startdate for cantonment and the official opening of selected pilot cantonment sites.
10. I reiterate that logistics demands of Cantonment, training and redeployment of the necessary Unified Forces will require skilled procurement and financial staff support. I look forward to seeing the details of how this task will be performed.
11. Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) will be key to the successful end of this conflict, and must also be urgently addressed. I shall be working closely with the IGAD Special Envoy to expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission.
12. I wish to restate my appreciation toyou all for the two days of hard work and congratulate you for your achievements. This is a good firststep on a long road. I have no doubt that there are challenges ahead,but I am confident that the people in this room have the skills and experience to overcome them. This, however, takes leadership and teamwork.
13. We hope to get assistance for you from other organizations and agencies where you request for it. RJMEC and the Office of the IGAD SE stand readyto offer whatever assistance we can provide.
14. With these few remarks,I want to offer my sincerest thanks to you all and declare this Workshop closed
-End-
Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers; Your Excellencies, Members of the Council;
Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary;
Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan;
Hon. Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
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Following my earlier statement to this Summit I wish to take this opportunity to present to you a more detailed summary on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS. This Report builds on our first quarter 2019 Report, and on our assessment that was made in the letter delivered to His Excellency Dr. Abey, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, both of which have been availed to you.
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I am pleased to note that the overall security situation has improved and continues to do so. However, efforts need to continue in order to address some long outstanding issues. Of note is the continued occupation of civilian buildings by the forces of some of the Parties to the Agreement. As a matter of urgency, these buildings must be vacated immediately and the Parties report to CTSAMVM so that it can be verified.
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One of the main issues to recur throughout the Pre-Transitional period has been CTSAMVM access in its work of monitoring and verifying the forces of all Parties in South Sudan. In view of its mandate to enjoy free and unfettered access, it continues to experience obstacles, which hampers the discharge of its mandate. With regards to the Luri incident of 18th December 2018, I recommend that a joint field visit with the representatives of the Parties take place as soon as possible.
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The denial of access and information to CTSAMVM has implications that extend into all the security arrangements envisaged by the R-ARCSS. The reluctance on the part of South Sudanese forces to share data on exact troop numbers and locations has a negative impact on planning, which is an essential component for the unification of all forces. As we know, the unification of all forces is an essential requirement for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government.
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We still do not know the correct and verified number of troops of the Parties in South Sudan with certainty, nor their precise locations. Of course, there could well be numbers of troops and their locations of which we are completely unaware. This amounts to the circumvention of cantonment, which is a task that all Parties agreed to in signing the R-ARCSS. No troops may be trained and deployed outside of the cantonment process.
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A direct ramification of this is to complicate the operationalization of cantonment, which we have identified as the greatest concern in the slow implementation of the Agreement. Although locations have been identified, the logistical support required to manage the process has not been put in place, and this results in part from the failure to provide accurate data upon which to base the planning. Furthermore, I must stress that all the forces under the command of the Parties must be ready for cantonment.
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The data that we presently lack, once given, will provide a precise indication of the truth of the matter, and we urge that all necessary support be given to ensure accurate and consistent data from all the forces of South Sudan is provided.
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RJMEC therefore has the following two recommendations to address CTSAMVM’s lack of access:
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i) CTSAMVM to develop improved information-sharing between the JDB, JMCC, the Parties, and field commanders. Improved coordination should take place between the National Monitors and Liaison Officers; and
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ii) Diplomatic pressure to be applied to ensure that CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams have free access during verification of all units and formations, and to ensure that Parties respond to the list of denials and report back on the actions taken as a result of each case.
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Another key prerequisite for the formation of the RTGoNU is the completion of the work of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) in determining the number of states and the composition of the Council of States. In that regard it is imperative that the IBC continues to work diligently and that it delivers its Report and recommendations in a timely manner.
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Reported incidences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remain a great concern. Despite an apparent reduction in reported cases, SGBV remains a serious concern and needs to be urgently addressed. RJMEC renews its call on the Parties to the Agreement to adhere to their obligations and refrain from all acts and forms of SGBV and ensure protection and safety of women in areas under their control. It also recommends that the fight against SGBV be made a priority. RJMEC also welcomes the launching of the SSPDF’s Action Plan to counter SGBV and encourages other parties to do the same.
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The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has completed work on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and is working on the Political Parties Act and the Security laws. Although the Amendment Bill, which incorporates the R-ARCSS into South Sudan’s transitional Constitution, was submitted to the Minister of Justice more than two months ago, it is yet to be ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and assented to by the President. Failure to ratify the Amendment Bill could adversely impact the formation of the RTGONU. In that regard RJMEC urgently calls for its ratification and assent.
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Also of concern has been the lack of capacity within the Agreement mechanisms and institutions. This has resulted in delays in undertaking some key tasks, such as the development of training syllabuses for the unified forces. It is important to note that: (i) the level of training and professional expertise within the military wing of the various parties vary widely and are sometimes inadequate; (ii) experience in operational and logistics planning is lacking; and (iii) subject matter expertise within the mechanisms is sorely lacking.
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In an effort to bridge these gaps within the security mechanisms and to allow for the solid planning for cantonment and the training of a unified army, RJMEC recommends that IGAD member countries make available security experts to assist in the work of the mechanisms on a short-term basis. For its part, RJMEC is in the process of recruiting two security experts who can provide assistance in that regard. However, additional expertise is required.
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Last but not least, one of the key setbacks observed to the implementation of the Pre- Transitional tasks has been the unavailability of financial resources. In that regard, RJMEC welcomes the Government’s commitment to avail US $100 million to the NPTC. It is therefore critically important that these resources be made available in a timely and predictable manner to allow all Agreement institutions and mechanisms to become fully operational and deliver on their mandate.
- Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers
- Your Excellencies, Members of the Council
- Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary
- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
- Hon. Ministers,
- Your Excellencies,
- Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is my honour to address this Council today, andI thank you for convening this timely meeting.
2. RJMEC has been monitoring progress of the Pre-Transitional period, which unfortunately has not been implemented according to the Agreement timelines.
3. In our assessment report on the status of the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks presented to your Excellencies and the Parties, we determined that out of 59 key tasks, only 27 had been completed, 17 were still ongoing while 15 are pending.
4. The critical pending tasks include cantonment, training, unification and deployment of forces, the reconstitution of the DDR Commission, as well as determination of the number and boundaries of States and the restructuring and composition of the Council of States.
5. Accordingly, I appealed to the leadership of the Parties to urgently meet and take an honest assessment of the status of the implementation of the Peace Agreement and agree on the best course of action.
6. I also wrote to the IGAD leadership requesting them to urgently convene an extra-ordinary summit and council meeting to take stock of the status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, engage the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders, and make a determination on the best way forward.
7. As you are aware, last week the Parties to the Agreement met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the auspices of the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan.
8. Following extensive deliberations, the Parties to the Agreement resolved that the Pre-Transitional period should be extended for six months, effective 12thMay 2019, to allow for the implementation of critical pending tasks.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. In the circumstances, I welcome the Parties’ request for a 6 month extension. I note that this extension was necessitated by the failure to implement critical agreed tasks in accordance with the timelines of the Peace Agreement, and therefore urge this Council to consider the request, and take concrete steps to ensure that the Parties implement the Agreement in letter and spirit.
10. Our focus should now fall squarely on the leadership of the Parties to demonstrate clear political will and commitment to make sure that the security-related institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement deliver. As resolved by the Parties, the most critical determinant for the formation of the RTGoNU is the unification of forces.
11. Broken down further, their unification involves the cantonment, disarmament, screening, demobilization, selection, joint training, and deployment of forces. These are now matters of the highest priority.
12. I also welcome the Parties’ request for IGAD’s Heads of State and Government to convene regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to review the status of implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. There are key challenges facing the effective implementation of the Agreement which include financial constraints, slow dissemination, trust deficit, capacity gaps within the various security mechanisms, coordination gaps as well as inadequate support by partners.
14. In view of this, there is need to take proactive steps and measures to address the aforementioned challenges to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. I wish to submit RJMEC’s recommendations as follows:
a. The DDR Commission to be reconstituted without any further delay;
b. ITGoNU to disburse the funds pledged to the NPTC without any delay;
c. The regional and international community to extend additional support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;
d. The NPTC to establish clear deadlines for the implementation of tasks that do not require funding;
e. The immediate demilitarization of civilian centres;
f. IGAD Member States and International Partners to second experts to support the various security mechanisms including JDB, JTSC, JMCC, and SDSR; and
g. The Independent Boundaries Commission to expedite its work and submit its report.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. The trust and confidence nurtured over the last 8 months facilitated a consensus that the Pre-Transitional period be extended to enable the full implementation of agreed tasks. This must now be consolidated. I again urge this Council to endorse the request for the 6 month extension of the Pre-Transitional period.
17. In conclusion, I must say that success in the coming period, especially the effective implementation of the security arrangements, will create a positive environment for refugees and IDPs to return home.
I wish the Council fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
- Your Excellency, Hirut Zemene, State Minister, Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- Your Excellencies, IGAD Member State Representatives
- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
- Heads of Delegation of the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement
- Hon. Ministers
- Your Excellencies
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. I have the honour to address all of you today.
2. As you know, we are left with only 10 days to the end of the Pre-Transitional Period as provided for in the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
3. I thank His Excellency Dr. Ismail Wais for convening this meeting of the Parties on the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement and the way forward. We at RJMEC have conducted our evaluation and made the findings public.
4. Our assessment is that in spite of the progress made in the establishment of key Agreement institutions and mechanisms, overall the implementation of the Pre-transitional tasks has fallen short of expectations. Critical tasks remain pending.
5. Accordingly, I recommended to the leadership of the Parties to take an honest review of our assessment and to agree on the best course of action going forward. I also recommended to the IGAD leadership to be seized of this matter.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Permit me to highlight the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period which have been implemented, those which are ongoing and the most critical tasks pending.
7. In RJMEC’s assessment, 59 key tasks were required to be implemented prior to the commencement of the Transitional Period. To-date, 27 out of the 59 have been completed, 17 are ongoing and 15 are pending. Unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.
8. For the purpose of this meeting, allow me to focus more on the ongoing and pending tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period.
9. Under Chapter I, implementation of the following key activities is either ongoing or incomplete:
a. determination of the number and boundaries of states and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States by the Independent Boundaries Commission;
b. ratification of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2019) by the TNLA and its promulgation into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan;
c. review and amendment of relevant security and governance related laws. The NCAC completed the reviews and handed over the Amendment Bills to the line Ministry to table before the Cabinet and forward to the TNLA; and
d. the Parties to the Agreement are yet to agree on the allocation of ministerial portfolios.
10. Under Chapter II, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, tasks yet to be conclusively implemented are as follows:
a. refraining from acts of sexual and gender-based violence by the Parties;
b. cantonment, disarmament, screening, demobilization, selection, unification and training of forces;
c. demilitarization of civilian centers;
d. reconstitution of sub-structures of the JMCC, namely; the Area Joint Military Ceasefire Committees and the Joint Military Ceasefire Teams;
e. reconstitution of the DDR Commission; and
f. the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) process.
11. Similarly, under Chapter III on humanitarian affairs and reconstruction, the mechanism for the registration and documentation of refugees and IDPs is still in the process of development.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. In spite of the moderate progress made in the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks, several challenges have continued to undermine the functionality of Agreement institutions and mechanisms. Namely, delayed establishment of some institutions and mechanisms, financial constraints, capacity gaps and lack of coordination.
13. My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational.
14. Your deliberations today and tomorrow must arrive at concrete steps to address the identified challenges.
15. The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.
16. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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Welcome to the fifth RJMEC monthly meeting.
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Before we proceed, Excellencies, permit me to pay tribute to the passengers and crew who lost their dear lives in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on 10 March 2019. We have all been affected by this tragedy in one way or the other. Our hearts, therefore, go to all the families and nations affected by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. Amen.
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I will divide my statement into three sections. The first section will address some issues that arose from the last Plenary, while the second will reflect more broadly on progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and challenges facing it. The statement will then close with my expectations to the Plenary for the coming period.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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At the last meeting, we resolved to take specific action to bring non- signatories to the R-ARCSS into the peace process. Accordingly, I, with my delegation from the RJMEC Secretariat, joined with H.E. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, and met with General Thomas Cirillo in Addis Ababa and General Paul Malong in Nairobi. To-date talks with General Cirillo have not yielded much result, while those with General Malong have generally been more fruitful. These are diplomatic efforts that we continue to be seized of.
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I have been informed that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) has received the US $10 million, pledged by the Government. I expect that these funds will be channelled to the appropriate mechanisms to expedite the start of the cantonment process.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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There has been progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS to report. The Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) completed its work and submitted its report to the IGAD Mediation on 26thMarch. The TBC’s work pertained to addressing the tribalboundaries violated as a consequence of the establishment of the 32 states.
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The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) has finally begun its work. The IBC held its inaugural meeting on 18th and 19thMarch 2019 in Juba, and then a second meeting on 26th and 27thMarch in Addis Ababa. During these meetings, the IBC reviewed and adopted its Rules of Procedure as well as Terms of Reference. Its third meeting is currently underway here in Juba.
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In terms of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), its progress continues well. It has been reviewing the Political Parties Act (2012) to ensure that it complies with international best practices for free and democratic registration of Political Parties in South Sudan. To facilitate this work, the NCAC received submissions from the Political Parties, Civil Society and women. The NCAC Chairperson will provide more details shortly in his report.
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What I have just described is laudable progress. However, there are recurring challenges that must be addressed in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
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The issue of denial of access to CTSAMVM continues. During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the Monitoring and Verification Teams encountered totalled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem. I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access.
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Furthermore, contrary to my requests, I note with dismay that the details of the reported incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation andaction on the Luri incident.
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Likewise, CTSAMVM has investigated and confirmed the rape of two females (a woman and a minor) in Karpeto, Central Equatoria in January 2019 by SSPDF forces. I appreciate that suspects have been arrested and will face the full force of the law. I note also that CTSAMVM has resorted to centralized operations as a result of financial constraints, and I hope that this situation is addressed as soon as possible. CTSAMVM’s work is fundamental to the entire implementation of the Peace Agreement, and any reduction in its operational capacity must be a concern to all of us.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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The security situation, as confirmed by CTSAMVM, remains stable, except tension in the Yei River area. However, I note with increasing concern the reported incidences of deaths resulting from recurring cattle rustling, particularly in Western Bahr el Ghazal. It is a situation which must be addressed urgently. Of concern also is that a Member of Parliament and one of his security details lost their lives as a result of an attack on 26th March. This is indeed regrettable.
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The JDB, the SDSR Board, the JMCC, the JTSC and the CTSAMVM Board have all been meeting and we shall hear reports of their progress shortly. That said, I must report that the reconstitution of the DDR Commission, vital to the cantonment process, is still pending. I urge the Incumbent TGoNU and the NPTC to expedite the reconstitution of this Commission.
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Since the last Plenary, the Consumer Price Index for February has been published. It shows an increase of 12 per cent over January 2019. The recorded price increases were to a large extent concentrated to a few basic food commodities reflecting supply shortages in parts of the country. In addition, recent gradual strengthening in the oil price has supported the exchange rate, thus reducing inflationary pressures.
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Since 2015, part of the net oil revenue has been allocated to pay transfer payments arrears to Sudan. The arrears were incurred when world oil prices fell below US $40 per barrel beginning late 2015. These arrears have now been cleared, contributing to an increased cash flow from oil available for financing the budget.
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Oil revenue is expected to remain the dominant source of income for many years to come. In that regard, the development in the oil price and production will largely determine the resources available to be allocated to implement the Peace Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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We are now at a critical stage of implementation of the Peace Agreement. As we all know, the Transitional Period is due to begin in May, so it is essential to take stock of what has transpired to date.
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In our analysis on the status of implementation of the Pre- Transitional Period tasks, we identified 59 key activities which were to be completed by the end of the period. Of these, 27 have been completed, 20 are ongoing, and 12 are yet to begin. Unfortunately, those found to be ‘pending’ or ‘ongoing’ are themost critical and consequential.
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While we note with satisfaction that, with the exception of the DDR Commission, all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have been set up and are functioning, the question really is, what have they achieved in terms of delivering their mandates and implementing the Peace Agreement?
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In the case of the NCAC and the TBC, there has been regular commendable progress in accordance with their mandates. However, as concerns the implementation of the transitional security arrangements, much more remains to be done.
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For example, those critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.
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The ongoing tasks include the work of the IBC, delivery of humanitarian assistance, the return of refugees and IDPs, release of all political prisoners and detainees, disengagement of forces, demilitarization of civilian centres, and the national healing and reconciliation process.
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From what I have just highlighted, it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.
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Consequently, a critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances. These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future.
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The Transitional Period is expected to commence at the end of the eight months of the Pre-Transitional Period. Therefore, the decision to be taken in the next couple of weeks should determine as to what extent, these critical pending tasks can be expedited. If we are unable to cover the lost ground during the remaining four weeks, we have to ask ourselves what should be the alternative course of action to ensure full implementation of the Agreement.
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In view of the fact that the Pre-Transitional Period is coming to an end as per the Peace Agreement, I convened consultative meetings with the Parties, South Sudanese stakeholders, regional guarantors and the international community and we agreed on critical pending tasks, which I highlighted above, that have consequential impact on the Transitional Period. I expect us to discuss this further during the discussion session. In addition, I hope that the reports from the NPTC and the security mechanisms will directly address the critical pending issues that we have collectively identified.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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In conclusion, my expectations going forward are as follows:
• One – review the implementation status report of the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period and make recommendations on the way forward;
• Two – urge the leadership of the Parties to the Agreement to urgently meet and agree on a roadmap on the way forward;
• Three–recommendthatIGADurgentlyconvenestheCouncil of Ministers meeting and Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government meeting to take stock of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement; and
• Four–encouragethePartiestotheAgreementtocontinuetrust and confidence-building measures and undertake at the highest political level joint peace dissemination and outreach activities.
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I wish you fruitful deliberations today. Thank you.
STATEMENT
BY
H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT
MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
TO THE
4th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING
Thursday, 07 March 2019
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
1. I would like to start by welcoming you all to the fourth RJMEC monthly meeting.
2. I will divide my statement broadly into three sections. In the first section, I will provide an update on actions taken in fulfilment of our resolution in the last regular meeting. In the second part, I will highlight progress and challenges encountered in the implementation of the peace agreement to date, and in the third part, I will make some observations and conclude with my expectations for the coming period.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
3. In our last meeting, among other things, we reiterated our call for the immediate establishment of the IBC; reconstitution of the DDR Commission. We reminded all parties to observe the 35% representation of women; adopted the decision of our sub-committee on the NCAC matter and directed the NCAC to proceed accordingly with the constitutional amendment process.
4. We further called upon the incumbent TGoNU to make the reports of its investigation into cases of SGBV reported in Bentiu and the Luri incident public, and to take action against the perpetrators.
5. We expressed our concerns about the delayed appointment of the RJMEC Chairperson and requested the Office of the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers to expedite the appointment process.
6. We encouraged all the Parties and stakeholders to undertake joint and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS and expressed our deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area. In this regard, we urged Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka and all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement.
7. Last but not least, you requested me to convene an urgent extra-ordinary meeting of the RJMEC with partners, friends and all interested actors, to discuss the serious financial and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the peace agreement and to chart practical ways forward.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
8.To start with the last action point, I am happy to report that the 1st Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC was successfully held on 19th February 2019 and discussed openly the funding challenges affecting the implementation of the pre-transitional activities. The NPTC presented its approved budget of US Dollars 285 million for the Pre-Transitional Period and its action plan.
9. The transparent and detailed budget presentation by the NPTC contributed to a good debate and very useful observations on the NPTC budget, with valuable practical proposals made for cost-cutting and the need for prioritisation. This approach should continue. I want to thank all RJMEC members, partners and friends of South Sudan who attended the meeting and engaged with the NPTC.
10. I also thank the NPTC for its willingness to engage and for being receptive to new ideas.
11. That said, funding still remains a big concern. As RJMEC we welcome the recent decision by the incumbent TGoNU to allocate an additional 10 Million US Dollars as initial funding to the NPTC. I hope that it will be made available to the NPTC without further delay. This allocation, however, only covers a small fraction-3.5% of the estimated financing needs.
12. We appreciate all those who have already contributed like Japan or made pledges like Egypt and South Africa to support implementation. We continue to appeal for more support to the peace agreement from all our partners and friends.
Excellency, ladies and gentlemen;
13. On the establishment of the IBC, there has been some commendable progress so far. The Republic of South Africa has submitted the name of its nominee to IGAD. This now brings the total number of AU C5 nominees to three, leaving only Rwanda and Chad pending.
14. As the Chair of the AU C5, the representative of South Africa is expected to chair the IBC and accordingly, the IBC can now be established. This was the same guidance we received from the Office of the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers and the same message has been forwarded to the IGAD Executive Secretary for his immediate action.
15. There has been some progress on the reconstitution of the DDR Commission. The Parties have agreed to nominate representatives to discuss with the NPTC and incumbent TGoNU modalities for the reconstitution of the DDR Commission. They have requested the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan to facilitate this process and he has gracefully accepted to do so. We hope, therefore, that this matter will be concluded in the next couple of days.
16. With regard to the 35% representation of women, RJMEC welcomes the assurance given to women representatives by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit that their 35% is guaranteed. I urge all parties to fulfil this commitment in letter and spirit.
17. On the investigation into the cases of SGBV reported in Bentiu, I am yet to receive a report from the incumbent TGoNU despite several reminders. The UN Human Rights Commission has published its own findings, but we hope that the government will give us a conclusive report on this matter and take action against identified perpetrators.
18. On the reported assault on the CTSAMVM team at Luri, I received correspondence from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs indicating that “the Internal Security Bureau instituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter in question and as a result of their report some administrative measures have been taken against elements involved.”
19. The letter further claims that “CTSAMVM/MVT accessed security restricted areas without proper coordination with authorities concerned and beyond they magnified and exaggerated the incident scene reporting.”
20. I welcome the correspondence from the incumbent TGoNU on this matter however I have requested for further details, including the full investigation report and details of the specific actions taken.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
21. On the appointment of the RJMEC Chairperson, I have information from the IGAD office that steps have been taken in this regard and that the IGAD Heads of State and Government are fully seized of this matter.
22. On the need for continued confidence building measures, joint and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS, I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved. We have witnessed some practical steps being taken to make the peace agreement reach all the people of South Sudan. I will return to this later in my updates on implementation progress.
23. Finally, on the reported rise in insecurity in and around the Yei area and the appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, some good progress has been made. The IGAD Special Envoy has held frank discussions with Gen. Thomas Cirillo of NAS and Gen. Paul Malong Awan, both of whom have indicated their willingness to engage. We expect these engagements to intensify and conclude in the next couple of weeks.
Excellency, ladies and gentlemen;
24. On the reservations registered by the SPLM/A-IO with regard to the RJMEC decision on the NCAC constitutional amendment process and on the description of the system of government during the Pre-Transitional and Transitional Periods, I have received a response from the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan which I have communicated to the SPLM/A-IO leadership and to all members of RJMEC.
25. In summary, the Special Envoy endorsed the decision of the RJMEC and that of the NCAC and observed that there were no violations of the R-ARCSS by RJMEC and the NCAC as alleged by the SPLM/A-IO.
26. Even though, the SPLM/A-IO has also rejected the Special Envoy’s guidance on this matter and further appealed to the IGAD Summit, the endorsed RJMEC decision stands, until the IGAD Summit directs otherwise.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
27. I now turn to the second section of my statement to provide updates on the status of the implementation of the peace agreement.
28. I will start with the critical role of the NPTC and its responsibility during this Pre-Transitional Period. I am encouraged that the budget for the Pre-Transitional Period has been developed and approved by the incumbent TGoNU and it is now out for support by government, partners and stakeholders.
29. I congratulate the NPTC for this important achievement and I encourage them to spare no effort in soliciting funds and other support from the incumbent TGoNU and from all partners and friends of South Sudan.
30. Dissemination of the R-ARCSS continues to progress, with a focus on reaching as wide as possible. RJMEC Secretariat has completed the translation of public service announcements into Juba Arabic, Dinka, and Nuer. Broadcasting is due to commence shortly following quality assessment. Translation into Shilluk, Bari and Xande is also in the pipeline
31. Thousands of copies of the R-ARCSS have been distributed to places and institutions both inside and outside of Juba. These range from government ministries to civil society organizations and to Protection of Civilian camps.
32. I wish to commend H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his Presidential Tour initiative to Bahr el Ghazal region in dissemination of the peace agreement. I urge all parties to continue with the mobilisation of grassroots support for the peace agreement.
33. We at RJMEC continue our dissemination in coordination with the IGAD, NPTC, CTSAMVM, UNMISS, and other stakeholders including civil society organizations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
34. The NCAC continues to make progress. You may recall that the NCAC submitted the Constitutional Amendment Bill to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs a few weeks ago. The incumbent TGoNU Council of Ministers has subsequently endorsed this Bill and it is now scheduled to be submitted to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
35. Furthermore, the NCAC has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations, except the Fire Brigade Service Act 2009 which apparently does not exist.
36. The NCAC has also successfully held a stakeholders’ validation workshop on the revised security laws, for which I must congratulate them. The NCAC Chairperson will provide more details shortly in his report.
37. The Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) has been working since its establishment on 9 January 2019. It is regrettable that two members of the TBC representing the Troika resigned recently. However, the TBC had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing.
38. Security wise, the CTSAMVM report indicates that the permanent ceasefire is largely respected and is being observed by all the Parties to the R-ARCSS. The situation in and around Yei, where fighting was previously reported with NAS forces, is currently calm but remains unpredictable.
39. The JDB has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. This is a significant milestone for which the JDB and all involved in this process must be commended.
40. The SDSR Board, JMCC, JTSC and CTSAMVM Board have all been meeting and we shall hear reports of their progress shortly.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
41. There are recurring challenges that must be of concern to all of us. Time is fast running out. We are in the sixth month of the Pre-Transitional Period, with barely two months to go and several targets have been missed. The IBC is yet to be established, the DDR Commission has not been reconstituted and the cantonment of forces has not yet begun.
42. Access for CTSAMVM MVTs continues to be a challenge. CTSAMVM reported denial of access in Gorom/Tishora area, Torit and Morobo recently. I am perturbed that despite our repeated plea that CTSAMVM be given full access to perform their duties, the denial of access to CTSAMVM continues with impunity. I urge the JDB to take this matter seriously and ensure that there is no further denial of access to CTSAMVM.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
43. The humanitarian situation remains dire. According to UN OCHA’s recent report, more than 4 million of the population are still displaced. Almost 6.5 million of the population are food insecure. It is estimated that more than 9,500 people fled the recent fighting in and around Yei town.
44. However, I am encouraged that the reported number of humanitarian access impediments remain low. Only 35 access incidents were reported in January and I look forward to the number of humanitarian access impediments reducing even further.
45. In our last regular meeting, the Government committed itself to reconvene the meetings of the Humanitarian High-Level Oversight Committee and the Humanitarian Coordination Forum, but these have not taken place. I would like to encourage that these meetings are held as soon as possible to facilitate a further reduction in the number of reported humanitarian access impediments.
46. On the economy, there are some signs of normality returning. Oil fields in Unity that had been closed during the fighting are now being reopened, which has boosted total production by 33,000 barrels per day in January 2019, an increase of 25% over the average daily production in 2018.
47. The increase in oil revenue should enhance the government’s capacity to finance the implementation of the development strategy as well as to support the implementation of the R-ARCSS. These objectives can be achieved by putting in place a transparent and accountable system to manage the oil and non-oil revenues.
48. Agriculture is a crucial sector to be prioritised as it is the mainstay of the economy. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, production continues to be severely depressed compared with the pre–conflict period. The conflict-related displacement has seriously impacted the agriculture sector, thus stressing the importance of the return of people to underpin recovery.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
49. Turning to the third and final section of my statement, we are at a critical juncture in the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement. I am concerned about the slow pace of our progress, especially the functionality and capacity of some critical agreement institutions and mechanisms.
50. I recently received a letter from the Chairman of CTSAMVM proposing temporary cost-cutting measures in order to address ongoing budgetary constraints. He will present greater detail shortly in his report.
51. While we must all tighten our belts and embrace financial prudence, it is clear that some of these drastic measures will negatively impact on our ability to effectively implement or monitor the peace agreement. I, therefore, urge our partners who have been supporting CTSAMVM, and us all, to continue doing so.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
52. In conclusion, my expectations for the coming period are as follows:
53. I expect that the diplomatic efforts currently underway to engage all non-signatories to the R-ARCSS will be intensified and concluded within the shortest time possible.
54. I expect the incumbent TGoNU to make good on its pledges to the NPTC, and that the NPTC will immediately channel the requisite resources to all the implementation mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandate. I urge the NPTC not to lose its momentum in mobilising resources from elsewhere.
55. I also expect the NCAC to continue with the commendable work they are doing, conclude the reviews and amendments of the security laws, and submit them to the incumbent Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
56. I expect that the IBC and DDR Commission shall be established and reconstituted respectively at the earliest possible time. I also expect the TBC to conclude its work and submit its report to IGAD.
57. I further demand that CTSAMVM from now on be allowed free and unimpeded access to carry out its mandate.
58. It is my hope that adequate resources will be availed to CTSAMVM to perform its critical missions.
59. I also expect the JDB to explore and deploy all practical measures to expedite the cantonment, training and the unification of all forces.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
60. I wish to commend the leadership of the agreement parties for the commitment demonstrated so far in the implementation of the peace agreement. I urge you all to continue to faithfully implement the agreement and even do more.
61. I also thank our international partners and friends for their continued support to the implementation of the peace agreement and urge them to continue with the same spirit.
62. Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation.
63. I wish all of us fruitful deliberations today. I thank you.
- End -
OPENING REMARKS
BY
H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
OF THERECONSTITUTED JOINT
MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
TO THE
FIRST EXTRAORDINARY RJMEC MEETING
Tuesday, 19 February 2019
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning,
1. I would like to start by welcoming all of you to this first Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC.
2. My opening remarks this morning will be brief, and will set out how this meeting came to be convened, what its objectives are, and my expectations in that regard.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
3. In the last meeting, I was requested to convene this meeting in view of “the serious financial constraints and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the tasks and activities of the various agreement institutions and mechanisms, to discuss practical ways forward.”
4. There are two main issues to discuss today: funding and security arrangements. In particular, plans and progress regarding cantonment, training, and the unification of forces. In addition, how to expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission.
5. Firstly, funding. Over the course of the last few meetings, and in other consultations I have held with the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the issue of funding has loomed large in the discussions.
6. Secondly, security arrangements. We are all aware that security is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional period, and therefore understanding the progress of cantonment in particular would be beneficial to all. Are the sites fully designated? What resources are needed for cantonment’s successful and timely completion?
7. Our objective today, therefore, is to bring out into the open the discussions needed to push these questions more substantively towards being answered. Thus, I am very interested to hear what the NPTC and JDB tell us about the answers to some of these questions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
8. We at RJMEC have long been clear on funding. Our position is that the NPTC and the incumbent TGoNU should take the lead in mobilizing all requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support the other mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks. In this regard, RJMEC continues in its appeal to the partners and friends of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Agreement.
9. However, the more implementation of the peace agreement is owned by the people and government of South Sudan, the greater the chances of its success.
10. I have been equally clear about security arrangements. Ensuring that all the security institutions and mechanisms function in harmony is of critical importance, not least because of the imminent need to unify the forces.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
11. I have several expectations for today’s meeting. I expect that the NPTC will set out clearly and concisely what its plans and budget are for the Pre-Transitional Period. I also expect that the JDB will present its strategy and plans for cantonment, training and unification of forces.
12. Finally, I expect that we will have honest and frank conversations in order to address the identified challenges.
Thank you.