In a press statement released on Thursday, the Commission said the celebration “was a huge public demonstration of continued hope for reconciliation, and a permanent end to the longstanding conflict in the country.

That key opposition leaders came to Juba after a long absence and shared a podium in a spirit of compromise and national solidarity is a public signal that the much-needed building of trust and inclusive implementation of the agreement is underway.

“The faces of the thousands of jubilant South Sudanese from all walks of life who attended the event showed optimism and hope, and they also have an expectation that their leaders will give it their all to implement peace,” JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said. 

The Commission whose mandate is to oversee the implementation of the revitalized agreement said the announcement to release more political prisoners, the call to open humanitarian access routes and allow free movement of people “are important indicators that the parties are willing and able to make a compromise.” 

“The signing of the agreement in September was not forced upon the parties – it was an act of compromise and leadership. We at JMEC are hopeful for the future, though we do not underestimate the task ahead. We will do everything we can to support the process, and expect all other stakeholders to do the same,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.

As mandated by the R-ARCSS, JMEC said, it works closely with all political stakeholders in the country, as well as with regional and international partners, “for an inclusive, impartial and honest implementation of the peace agreement.”