Speaking when he delivered a statement at the meeting, Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Interim Chair Ambassador Lt. Gen. Auspostino Njoroge said, 

“The findings of your (TBC) work over the next two months will provide the basis, which can help the International Boundaries Commission (IBC), to make a determination, on the number and boundaries of states in South Sudan.” 

The Committee is charged with the responsibility to define and demarcate the tribal areas of South Sudan as they stood on January 1, 1956 and the tribal areas in dispute in the country, according to the revitalised Agreement. 

According to the agreement, the TBC shall consist of “suitable number of experts drawn from IGAD and Troika countries, it shall receive presentation from local communities and any South Sudanese and should its work within 60 days”.

Ambassador Njoroge said, “Your success at completing this specific mandate will therefore prove invaluable in contributing to a smooth implementation of that aspect of the revitalized Peace Agreement,”

“There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan as well as the rest of the world will be looking closely at your findings. I am also equally convinced that you are all well equipped with the requisite experience and training, which will enable you to pursue and complete the task ahead with professional rigor and impartiality,” he added.

Immediately upon completing its work, the Committee is expected to present its report including dissenting views, id any, to IGAD mediation.