Speaking during the opening of the meeting, the RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, said while the unfolding events in neighbouring Sudan is cause for concern, with loss of life, civilian displacement, and destruction of property, “it is paramount that our collective attention remains on the very pressing issues regarding the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).” 

“It is encouraging that the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity has continued to reassure South Sudanese that it remains focused and will deliver on its commitments to implement the R-ARCSS, including holding elections as scheduled,” he said.

Considering that the elections are due to be held in December 2024, the RJMEC Chairperson noted, key tasks such as the operationalisation of the Political Parties Act is well behind schedule, despite it having been enacted over ten months ago. 

“The Political Parties Council is still not yet reconstituted. This is a critical body for political parties to register in order to participate in the elections, and to entrench the electoral democratic processes in South Sudan, as well as improve the overall political and civic space for public participation in the elections.”

Further, the Chairperson said, the process of the restructuring and reconstitution of the various Commissions and Institutions at the national level, as required by the Agreement under Article 1.19, is behind schedule, in accordance to the Roadmap. 

“All these national institutions play a critical role in improving, accountability, transparency, institutional independence, and efficiency in national governance,” he said. He noted that the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan is further compounded by the influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan following the outbreak of conflict, and the onset of rains and efforts by humanitarian agencies to reach those in need continue to be hampered by reduced funding and access impediments.

As such, the Chairperson commended the RTGoNU for opening its border with Sudan to allow returnees and refugees to escape the conflict. In conclusion, the Chairperon reiterated that the R-ARCSS remains a transformative blueprint for building a stable and resilient South Sudan, which is of great value not only to its citizens, but to the region as a whole, especially at this critical time. 

“Therefore, it is imperative for the RTGoNU to inject additional impetus into the implementation of the Agreement to achieve the milestones it set for itself in the Roadmap. Furthermore, South Sudan needs the support of the region and international community, now more than ever.”