Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 23rd April 2020, Khartoum, Sudan

Delay in restructuring, reconstitution of the TNLA and the Council of States is regrettable

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has addressed the 71st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Khartoum, Sudan, held by teleconference. 

While appreciating the formation of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity) and its Council of Ministers as significant steps towards the full establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge noted with concern other delays. 

In particular, he called the delay in the restructuring and reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States, and the lack of agreement between the Parties on responsibility-sharing at the State and Local Government levels as “regrettable”.

“The Parties to the R-ARCSS have tried to address the issue of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Government levels in recent weeks, including the three Administrative Areas, through inter-party consultations. Unfortunately, they have failed to agree on the way forward,” he said. 

In his address, the Chairperson said the low level of trust and confidence and the spirit of collegial leadership is lacking, resulting in the absence of political reconciliation between the Parties to implement the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.  

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Njoroge highlighted violations of the R-ARCSS, including: a) alterations made to Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.6) 2020 after it was submitted to the ITGoNU by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee; b) the failure of the Parties to adhere to the 35% provision for women participation in the Executive of the RTGoNU; and c) political appointments made after the formation of the RTGoNU that are inconsistent with the Agreement. 

Lt. Gen. Njoroge concluded by reassuring the Council that the RJMEC remains fully committed to discharge its mandate in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ENDS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) released its latest report on status of implementation of the activities of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Friday, 27 March 2020, Juba, South Sudan

“THE INTERIM RJMEC CHAIRPERSON APPEALS TO THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS TO EXPEDITE THE RESOLUTION OF THE DEADLOCK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY SHARING AT THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT”  

H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augustino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd), the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today convened a consultative meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS, to break a deadlock on responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments. 

The consultative meeting with the representatives of the Parties followed a request from H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Chairperson of the SPLM/A-IO and First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan for assistance of the RJMEC leadership to break a deadlock on the modalities of responsibility sharing as provided for in Article 1.16. of R-ARCSS. 

While addressing the meeting, the Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC commended the Parties for the compromises that they have made so far leading to the formation of the RTGoNU and urged them to continue with the spirit of collegiality during the Transitional Period and beyond. The Interim Chairperson also reminded the Parties of the cardinal principles upon which the R-ARCSS is anchored, which include inclusivity, equity, peace and reconciliation, collegiality, relationship and trust building, justice and fairness, among others.

The Interim Chairperson noted that any further delay in the finalization of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments would also delay the completion of the establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition. He therefore appealed to the Parties to expedite the resolution of this outstanding matter.

The Interim RJMEC Chairperson will continue to engage the Parties to the R-ARCSS to ensure that the outstanding matter is expeditiously resolved. 

--Ends--

Never before has South Sudan had such a golden opportunity to write her own history in the way it does now. Significant compromises were made on the issue of the number of states, which paved the way for the country to enter the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Peace Agreement of South Sudan. I offer my congratulations to H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for his leadership. 

PRESS STATEMENT

(For Immediate Publication)

Saturday, 22nd February 2020, Juba, South Sudan

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes this opportunity to congratulate H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, Chairperson and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO, and other Parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for this historic day of 22ndFebruary 2020, a day when the long-awaited Revitalised Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) is born. 

RJMEC also congratulates H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny for his appointment as the First Vice President and H.E Dr. Wani Igga, H.E Taban Deng Gai and H.E Rebecca Garang for their appointments as Vice Presidents of the Republic of South Sudan.

RJMEC further applauds the People of the Republic of South Sudan for the endurance and resilience they have shown throughout the Pre-Transitional period.

The formation of an inclusive Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, indeed heralds hope in the lives of millions of South Sudanese who painfully bore the brunt of a bloody war, bolsters confidence and paves the way towards the realisation of a peaceful, stable and democratic South Sudan. 


It must however, be noted, that the formation of R-TGoNU is not an end in itself but the beginning of a transitional period that many expect, will herald the country’s path to political and socio-economic reforms and setting the foundation for lasting peace, genuine dialogue and trust-building.

As such, the R-ARCSS that guides this process contains a range of far-reaching reforms and programmes for reconstruction, rehabilitation and development that would help restore South Sudan on a sustainable path to growth if fully implemented. 


There is a permanent constitution making process intended to uphold the supremacy of the law and to lay the legal framework for good governance. This can only be achieved if the political leadership, work together in good faith and embrace the spirit of patriotism.  


Finally, RJMEC presents its best wishes to R-TGoNU, the Agreement Parties and the People of South Sudan as they embark on South Sudan’s journey to self-reflection, peace and reconstruction. 

His Excellency, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge. 

Interim Chairperson, 

Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT COMMITTEE (NCAC) STATEMENT ON PARTY NOMINATIONS TO THE TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (TNLA)

22 FEBRUARY 2020

The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) wishes to congratulate the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for their commitment to form the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) within the extension period of 100 days as agreed in the Resolution of the Tripartite Summit of 7 November 2019 in Entebbe, Uganda. NCAC lauds H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to revert the Country to ten (10) States which has contributed significantly to paving the way for the formation of RTGoNU.

The NCAC is mandated by R-ARCSS under Chapter 1, Article 1.18.1.4to receive lists of nominees to be appointed to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) from the Parties and present them to the President for appointment.

On 13 February 2020, the NCAC wrote to all the Parties entitled to make nominations under the Revitalized Agreement requesting them to present the lists of their nominees by 18 February 2020. It was indicated to the Parties that NCAC would examine the lists to ensure they complied with the Constitution, the R-ARCSS and relevant laws and submit them to the President before 22 February 2020, the deadline for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government.

However, by the end of the 100 days extension of the Pre-Transitional period NCAC had only received one valid list of nominees from the Former Detainees (FDs). The submission of the lists of nominees was to be based on criteria designed to ensure that the nominations adhere to the gender, youth and regional diversity requirements in the Agreement.

NCAC is aware that some Parties were unable to present their lists due to internal disagreements. Efforts to build consensus on these lists are ongoing. 

In the circumstances, NCAC has written to H.E the President informing him that the list of nominees to be appointed to the TNLA is not ready and that NCAC will present it as soon as it is.

HonourableMinisters, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   I wish to start my statement by expressing profound sorrow at the passing on of H.E Chris Mburu the Kenyan ambassador to South Sudan, on Sunday 16thFebruary. On behalf of RJMEC, I wish to extend our condolences to his family, friends, the government and people of the Republic of Kenya. The RJMEC family has indeed lost an exemplary member, who devoted his time supporting the RJMEC in the discharge of its mandate. Wewill dearly miss him.

2.  I would like to commend H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit President of the Republic of South Sudan for the compromise he made on the 15thof February to revert the number of States to 10 as outlined in his letter to IGAD dated 15thFebruary 2020. In that regard, I applaud the leadership of IGAD and the regional Special Envoys for the role they played in helping the Parties to break the deadlock on the number and boundaries of states.  I urge the people of South Sudan, to welcome this decision, which will allow the formation of the RTGoNU in a timely manner and on a solid foundation.

3.  I further commend the Transitional National Legislative Assembly for ratifying the Constitutional Amendments Bill No. 6 (2020) as amended, and I am pleased to report that it has already been assented to by the President of the Republic of South Sudan. The Amended Constitution now provides the legal basis for the formation of the RTGoNU.

4.   The 100 days extension of the Pre-Transitional period ends on the 21stof February, and this meeting is the final opportunity to truly take stock of the status of implementation. At our last meeting, I informed you of my concern that two critical Pre-Transitional tasks were still outstanding i.e. the number of states and their boundaries as well as the training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. I am pleased to report that with the issue of the number of states and their boundaries resolved, we are now left with that of the unification of forces.

5.   In my statement today, I will highlight the status of implementation of the pending Pre-Transitional tasks, since our last monthly meeting, relating to the security arrangements, outline some recurring issues, and I will then conclude with my recommendations on the way forward. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

6.   Firstly, on the unification of forces, CTSAMVM reports that significant progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated Training Centres, where at least 40,000 troops are currently assembled. Preliminary training activities are ongoing. So too is screening, which I witnessed recently in Rajaf Training Centre. Furthermore, at the Gorom training centre, I witnessed the assembly of 3339 trainees for the VIP Protection Force. However,training in accordance with the unification module is yet to start. JTSC should release this training module with immediate effect. 

7.   The unification process has been impeded by challenges including insufficient food, vehicles, medicines, shelter, and storage for food and weapons, and the lack of resources to cater for the special needs of female combatants and instructors. That said, I understand conditions across all the Training Centres are changing for the better. I expect to hear shortly from the JTSC on the status of screening and training, and in particular, I would like to hear when the training will commence in conformity with the unification module. 

8.   It is worth pointing out that overall, I found the morale and discipline among the trainees to be commendably high, in contrast to the conditions and the challenges at the training centres, which I mentioned earlier. Provision of basic needs such as clean water, soap, dignity packs, and the digging of pit latrines would go a long way towards improving the overall health and wellbeing of the trainees.  I urge the mechanisms responsible to address these challenges.  

9.   I am also concerned that cantonment sites may be closed or abandoned prior to the DDR transit sites being established. There must be a plan in place to deal with those personnel who fail to pass screening, those who do not complete training, or elect to go for reintegration into their communities.  At this stage it is not clear how this is going to be managed. I expect to receive an update from the JDB and the DDR Commission in this regard.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

10.    While I am pleased to note that the permanent ceasefire continues to hold across the country, I am concerned about the occupation of 22 civilian buildings by the government forces. In that regard, I have written to the Chief of Defense Forces of the SSPDF reminding him that this is a violation of the R-ARCSS and requested him to ensure that all the occupied civilian buildings are vacated immediately. I expect to hear from the CDF at this meeting about his efforts to comply with this requirement.

11.       As many of us may know, there have been discussions in Rome under the auspices of the Sant’Egidio organisation with a view to bring the hold-out groups into the peace process. It was agreed at the most recent Rome meeting to allow the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) to become a member of CTSAMVM and to continue political dialogue under the auspices of Sant’Egidio and IGAD.We should welcome this development. 

12.       I am pleased to say that the issue of Maiwut clashes has now been resolved, with the Parties to the conflict agreeing to a permanent ceasefire and committing to a peaceful resolution. CTSAMVM is however verifying details of violations during the conflict and will submit a report to IGAD and to RJMEC in due course.

13.       In my address to the Council of Ministers on the 8thof February, I appealed that the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan speak with one voice in support of the peace process in South Sudan. I am pleased to see that this call was heeded in the IGAD Heads of State and Government communiqué of 9thFebruary, and I urge all of us to take this appeal seriously.  

14.       Finally, it is clear that all must prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU. Accordingly, I would like to highlight the fact that in addition to the unification of forces mentioned previously, the following important Pre-Transitional tasks, have not yet been completed.

a)   enactment by the TNLA of the security laws;  

b)  submission of the Parties nominees for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to the NCAC; and

c)   allocation of ministerial portfolios to the various Parties. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

15.       On the 18thof February, I and the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Amb Wais, were invited to Khartoum by IGAD Chairperson for consultations. We had the opportunity to discuss recent developments in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, and the current situation and necessary preparatory steps towards the formation of the RTGoNU.

 16.       I can report that:

a.    Sudan as the IGAD Chair is fully seized of the situation in South Sudan and is discussing with other IGAD leaders on necessary steps to support the immediate formation of RTGoNU;

b.   The President of Sudan has promised to continue supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement; and 

c.    The Chairman and the other IGAD leaders are in the process of preparing a roadmap towards the formation of the RTGoNU. The proposed roadmap will highlight key tasks, and necessary steps towards the formation of the RTGoNU as provided for in the Agreement. We hope to receive this roadmap as soon as it is ready.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

17.       I would like to close with my recommendations for the way forward. 

a)   that the unification of forces continues, with particular emphasis on expediting screening, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces;

b)  ensure that the administration for trainees and logistics support to the training centres is improved;

c)   that the DDR Commission is empowered and funded so as to effectively deliver on its mandate;  

d)  that the Government of the Republic of South Sudanprovide the necessary funding to the Security Mechanisms, to enable continued progress in the unification of forces, subject to the principles of transparency and accountability;  

e)   that the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan continue to support the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement; and

f)    that the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan speak with one voice in support of the peace process.

18.       In closing, and as we are approaching the date for the establishment of the RTGoNU, I call on the Parties to capitalise on the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12thSeptember 2018, and continue to build towards a lasting and sustainable peace in South Sudan.

19.       I wish you fruitful deliberations.

Thank you.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 20th February 2020, Juba, South Sudan

We must all prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU

With barely a day before the expiry of the deadline of the extended pre-transitional period on 22ndFebruary2020, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on all Parties to the Agreement and other stakeholders to prepare for the formation of the Revitalized Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) of the Republic of South Sudan.   

RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said, “It is clear that all must prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU. I call on the Parties to capitalise on the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12thSeptember 2018, and continue to build towards lasting and sustainable peace in South Sudan,”

He was speaking in Juba on Thursday 20thFebruary 2020, before the postponing the 14thRJMEC  monthly meeting. The meeting was postponed to next month, after it did not secure requisite quorum, for the meeting to proceed.

On the number of states and their boundaries, the Interim Chairperson commended H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan for the “compromise he made on the 15thof February to revert the number of States to 10 as outlined in his letter to IGAD dated 15thFebruary 2020”. 

“In that regard, I applaud the leadership of IGAD and the regional Special Envoys for the role they played in helping the Parties to break the deadlock on the number and boundaries of states,” he said. 

“I urge the people of South Sudan, to welcome this decision, which will allow the formation of the RTGoNU in a timely manner and on a solid foundation,” he added.

Consequently, Ambassador Njoroge reported that the Chairperson (of IGAD) and the other regional leaders are in the process of preparing a roadmap that will guide the formation of an inclusive Revitalised Government of National Unity. 

The proposed roadmap, he said, will highlight key tasks, and necessary steps as provided for in the Revitalised Agreement.

On the unification of forces, Ambassador Njoroge noted that significant progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated training centres, where at least 38,000 troops are currently assembled. 

“Preliminary training activities are ongoing. So too is screening, which I witnessed recently in Rajaf Training Centre. Furthermore, at the Gorom training centre, I witnessed the assembly of 3,339 trainees for the VIP Protection Force. However, training in accordance with the unification module is yet to start,” he said. 


In addition to the unification of forces, he said, the enactment by the TNLA (Transitional National Legislative Assembly) of the security laws, submission of the Parties nominees for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to the NCAC; and the allocation of ministerial portfolios to the various Parties have not yet been completed.

In his recommendation, the Interim Chairperson asked the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process.

[ENDS]

The Interim Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge has on Monday visited Gorom training site in the outskirt of the capital, Juba. 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission on Saturday, 8thFebruary 2020 addressed 70thExrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 11 February 2020, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia   

RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, OFFERS ONE VOICE MESSAGE

The 70thExrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, 8thFebruary 2020. In his update to the Council members, Ambassador Lt. General Augostino Njoroge began by giving the latest information on the unification of forces. He said: “CTSAMVM reports that considerable progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated Training Centres, where at least 36,000 troops are currently assembled.” 

However, he continued: “screening, selection and actual joint training of the forces is yet to start. Unification progress has been impeded by challenges including insufficient food, medicines, shelter, and storage for weapons, as well as lack of facilities for female combatants.”

Amb. Lt. Gen Njoroge also informed the Council that “the issue of the number of States and their boundaries remains outstanding despite several efforts to resolve it.” Accordingly, he urged “that the leadership of the Parties demonstrate the spirit of compromise.”

In closing, he added: “I must underline that the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12th September 2018 must be consolidated, not least in terms of the Permanent Ceasefire, and improved humanitarian access.”    

In urging the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. Njoroge offered the following points which all can agree on.

 One Voice 2020

1.   Maintaining the Permanent Ceasefire is the best way of consolidating the gains made since signing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018, and it is a key factor which enables progress to be made. Progress delivers its own benefits to all South Sudanese in terms of confidence and trust building. 

2.   The issue of the number of states and their boundaries, which the R-ARCSS itself recognises as sensitive, is a pivotal issue that if resolved before the formation of the RTGoNU, will underpin much more achievement and cooperation in implementing the Peace Agreement. Mere postponement of implementation of any provisions is harmful in the long run. 

3.   The unification of forces must continue so that the representative national army and organised forces can be established and deployed to protect all cities, civilians, humanitarian access and the free movement of people. The Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) process is a fundamental part of that process. 

4.   Inclusivity is critical to the R-TGoNU, and all parts of it will be strengthened if a women’s participation rate of 35% is adhered to. Inclusivity is the bedrock of all aspects on implementation of the Peace Agreement.   

5.   The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains grave, and innocent women and children continue to suffer the greatest burden resulting from the conflict. All steps must be put in place to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. 

6.   A peaceful and inclusive environment conducive to political engagement must be sought and maintained so that Parties and stakeholders can cooperate with one another meaningfully at every level. The political space for civil society, women and youth to engage with the peace process must be created, protected, and cherished.  

[ENDS]