JMEC: “There are no beneficiaries to the conflict”.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has appealed to the people of South Sudan to embrace working together for the good of the country and further stated that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict in South Sudan.
While addressing dignitaries and attendees at the celebrations for UN International Day of Peace at the Nyakuron Cultural center in Juba on Friday 21st September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of Staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine added that when the country suffers, everyone is affected.
“As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict”.
In his remarks, which preceded remarks made by H.E the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan; Dr Wani Igga, Dr Fontaine urged everyone present to be an ambassador of peace to everyone they meet. “Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us”, he said.
“When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us”.
While speaking about the just concluded Peace talks, He stated that JMEC was confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. “Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things”, he added.
Dr Fontaine further reminded the parties that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement this time around. “The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!” he said.
“We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity”, he added.
He further stated that JMEC for its part reiterates its commitment to fully discharge its mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
“It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict”, he concluded.