In the presence of the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr James Wani Igga, Amb. Gituai commended both IGAD and the AU for coming together in support of their member state South Sudan at this timely juncture, telling attendees that “with the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) recently extended by 24 months, and elections due in December 2024, all possible support is truly welcome as much remains to be done at this critical time.”  

The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to ‘enhance the efforts of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) towards the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)’, and to highlight opportunities for support, including modalities for the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) as per Article 3.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Amb. Gituai expressed his hope that the initiative will “help to create a springboard from which the RTGoNU can establish and operationalise the SRF,” clarifying:  “As we all know, the lack of funding has been a huge challenge since the Agreement’s signing, and the SRF is a mechanism required to raise and transparently manage funds for the reconstruction effort and the implementation of the Agreement.”

Noting that the magnitude and severity of humanitarian needs in South Sudan continues to rise, Maj Gen Gituai continued: “The focus that the needs assessment places on the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and Board is very important. Once the SRF is established, in accordance to Article 3.2.8, IGAD, the African Union and the UN are expected to collaborate in convening the Pledging Conference to resource the fund, and to support the implementation of the Agreement.” 

The RJMEC Chairperson informed meeting participants that the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, and preparations for elections in December 2024, are among the critical tasks which remain pending. He said, “given the magnitude of the tasks ahead and the slow pace of implementation, RJMEC has urged all parts of the RTGoNU to redouble efforts, work collaboratively, in a collegial and consultative manner, and to expedite implementation and provide much-needed resources and leadership to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The support of international partners and friends of South Sudan in this regard is also crucial.”

However, Amb. Gituai concluded, “besides the challenges, there is plenty of potential in the country of South Sudan, and a population deeply deserving of peace and sustainable development.”