CLOSING REMARKS AMB. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S. K. NJOROGE (RTD) RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, THE IGAD/RJMEC JOINT SECURITY MECHANISMS WORKSHOP, 10th MAY 2019
Good Afternoon
1. I wish to start by commending the conveners, facilitators and participants of this very important Workshop. The successful conclusion of this very timely Workshop marks an encouraging beginning of the extension to the Pre-Transitional Phase that begins tomorrow, 12 May 2019.
2. I am told the workshop went well and that significant progress was made, I congratulate youfor what you have achieved in a short time and at short notice. It is my hope that we shall keep this momentum going and double our determination, in order to avoid the agreed roadmap and implementation schedule from falling behind schedule, again.
3. When I addressed you yesterday I expressed my concern regarding the size and complexity of the task lying ahead of you and thetime available to achieve success. We are all aware that failure is not an option and that the people of South Sudan are watching anxiously, waiting to see real action that will improve their lives and produce lasting peace.
4. I also spoke about measures neededto get the key actions of Cantonment, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces back on track.
5. The first step being,to enhance cooperation both within and between your organizations. I am informed that this Workshop has already demonstrated improved coordination and plans are already underway to enhance the work of the Mechanisms through information sharing and the allocation of more human and technical resources.
6. In particular, I am pleased to see thepresence of NPTC and hear about their involvement in both the discussions and the development of detailed plans to meet the new targets. I understand that NPTC has pledged to provide support to the Secretariatsincluding office space, equipment, communications and movement support. We will workclosely with NPTC to assist them in fulfilling this pledge as quickly as possible.
7. Looking forward, I expect that there will be regular meetings between the four mechanisms and involvement by NPTC, RJMEC, CTSAMVM and internationalpartners.
8. I welcome the production of detailed action plans showing confirmed locations for Cantonment sites, resources to be procured to both establish and support them with agreed budgets. I welcome toothe agreement that planning and preparation for Cantonment will run concurrently with plans to select, train anddeploy the necessary Unified Forces.
9. Most important of all,will be the announcement of a startdate for cantonment and the official opening of selected pilot cantonment sites.
10. I reiterate that logistics demands of Cantonment, training and redeployment of the necessary Unified Forces will require skilled procurement and financial staff support. I look forward to seeing the details of how this task will be performed.
11. Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) will be key to the successful end of this conflict, and must also be urgently addressed. I shall be working closely with the IGAD Special Envoy to expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission.
12. I wish to restate my appreciation toyou all for the two days of hard work and congratulate you for your achievements. This is a good firststep on a long road. I have no doubt that there are challenges ahead,but I am confident that the people in this room have the skills and experience to overcome them. This, however, takes leadership and teamwork.
13. We hope to get assistance for you from other organizations and agencies where you request for it. RJMEC and the Office of the IGAD SE stand readyto offer whatever assistance we can provide.
14. With these few remarks,I want to offer my sincerest thanks to you all and declare this Workshop closed
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RJMEC welcomes request to extend Pre-transition Period by 6 months
The Reconstituted Joint and Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Tuesday welcomed the request by the Parties for a 6-month extension of the Pre-Transitional Period of the revitalized peace agreement.
REPORT BY THE RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON TO THE IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS JUBA SOUTH SUDAN 07TH MAY 2019
Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers; Your Excellencies, Members of the Council;
Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary;
Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan;
Hon. Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
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Following my earlier statement to this Summit I wish to take this opportunity to present to you a more detailed summary on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS. This Report builds on our first quarter 2019 Report, and on our assessment that was made in the letter delivered to His Excellency Dr. Abey, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, both of which have been availed to you.
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I am pleased to note that the overall security situation has improved and continues to do so. However, efforts need to continue in order to address some long outstanding issues. Of note is the continued occupation of civilian buildings by the forces of some of the Parties to the Agreement. As a matter of urgency, these buildings must be vacated immediately and the Parties report to CTSAMVM so that it can be verified.
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One of the main issues to recur throughout the Pre-Transitional period has been CTSAMVM access in its work of monitoring and verifying the forces of all Parties in South Sudan. In view of its mandate to enjoy free and unfettered access, it continues to experience obstacles, which hampers the discharge of its mandate. With regards to the Luri incident of 18th December 2018, I recommend that a joint field visit with the representatives of the Parties take place as soon as possible.
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The denial of access and information to CTSAMVM has implications that extend into all the security arrangements envisaged by the R-ARCSS. The reluctance on the part of South Sudanese forces to share data on exact troop numbers and locations has a negative impact on planning, which is an essential component for the unification of all forces. As we know, the unification of all forces is an essential requirement for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government.
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We still do not know the correct and verified number of troops of the Parties in South Sudan with certainty, nor their precise locations. Of course, there could well be numbers of troops and their locations of which we are completely unaware. This amounts to the circumvention of cantonment, which is a task that all Parties agreed to in signing the R-ARCSS. No troops may be trained and deployed outside of the cantonment process.
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A direct ramification of this is to complicate the operationalization of cantonment, which we have identified as the greatest concern in the slow implementation of the Agreement. Although locations have been identified, the logistical support required to manage the process has not been put in place, and this results in part from the failure to provide accurate data upon which to base the planning. Furthermore, I must stress that all the forces under the command of the Parties must be ready for cantonment.
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The data that we presently lack, once given, will provide a precise indication of the truth of the matter, and we urge that all necessary support be given to ensure accurate and consistent data from all the forces of South Sudan is provided.
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RJMEC therefore has the following two recommendations to address CTSAMVM’s lack of access:
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i) CTSAMVM to develop improved information-sharing between the JDB, JMCC, the Parties, and field commanders. Improved coordination should take place between the National Monitors and Liaison Officers; and
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ii) Diplomatic pressure to be applied to ensure that CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams have free access during verification of all units and formations, and to ensure that Parties respond to the list of denials and report back on the actions taken as a result of each case.
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Another key prerequisite for the formation of the RTGoNU is the completion of the work of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) in determining the number of states and the composition of the Council of States. In that regard it is imperative that the IBC continues to work diligently and that it delivers its Report and recommendations in a timely manner.
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Reported incidences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remain a great concern. Despite an apparent reduction in reported cases, SGBV remains a serious concern and needs to be urgently addressed. RJMEC renews its call on the Parties to the Agreement to adhere to their obligations and refrain from all acts and forms of SGBV and ensure protection and safety of women in areas under their control. It also recommends that the fight against SGBV be made a priority. RJMEC also welcomes the launching of the SSPDF’s Action Plan to counter SGBV and encourages other parties to do the same.
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The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has completed work on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and is working on the Political Parties Act and the Security laws. Although the Amendment Bill, which incorporates the R-ARCSS into South Sudan’s transitional Constitution, was submitted to the Minister of Justice more than two months ago, it is yet to be ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and assented to by the President. Failure to ratify the Amendment Bill could adversely impact the formation of the RTGONU. In that regard RJMEC urgently calls for its ratification and assent.
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Also of concern has been the lack of capacity within the Agreement mechanisms and institutions. This has resulted in delays in undertaking some key tasks, such as the development of training syllabuses for the unified forces. It is important to note that: (i) the level of training and professional expertise within the military wing of the various parties vary widely and are sometimes inadequate; (ii) experience in operational and logistics planning is lacking; and (iii) subject matter expertise within the mechanisms is sorely lacking.
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In an effort to bridge these gaps within the security mechanisms and to allow for the solid planning for cantonment and the training of a unified army, RJMEC recommends that IGAD member countries make available security experts to assist in the work of the mechanisms on a short-term basis. For its part, RJMEC is in the process of recruiting two security experts who can provide assistance in that regard. However, additional expertise is required.
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Last but not least, one of the key setbacks observed to the implementation of the Pre- Transitional tasks has been the unavailability of financial resources. In that regard, RJMEC welcomes the Government’s commitment to avail US $100 million to the NPTC. It is therefore critically important that these resources be made available in a timely and predictable manner to allow all Agreement institutions and mechanisms to become fully operational and deliver on their mandate.
OPENING STATEMENT of H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd) Interim Chairperson of RJMEC Delivered at The 67th Extra-ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Tuesday, 7th May 2019
- Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers
- Your Excellencies, Members of the Council
- Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary
- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
- Hon. Ministers,
- Your Excellencies,
- Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is my honour to address this Council today, andI thank you for convening this timely meeting.
2. RJMEC has been monitoring progress of the Pre-Transitional period, which unfortunately has not been implemented according to the Agreement timelines.
3. In our assessment report on the status of the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks presented to your Excellencies and the Parties, we determined that out of 59 key tasks, only 27 had been completed, 17 were still ongoing while 15 are pending.
4. The critical pending tasks include cantonment, training, unification and deployment of forces, the reconstitution of the DDR Commission, as well as determination of the number and boundaries of States and the restructuring and composition of the Council of States.
5. Accordingly, I appealed to the leadership of the Parties to urgently meet and take an honest assessment of the status of the implementation of the Peace Agreement and agree on the best course of action.
6. I also wrote to the IGAD leadership requesting them to urgently convene an extra-ordinary summit and council meeting to take stock of the status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, engage the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders, and make a determination on the best way forward.
7. As you are aware, last week the Parties to the Agreement met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the auspices of the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan.
8. Following extensive deliberations, the Parties to the Agreement resolved that the Pre-Transitional period should be extended for six months, effective 12thMay 2019, to allow for the implementation of critical pending tasks.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. In the circumstances, I welcome the Parties’ request for a 6 month extension. I note that this extension was necessitated by the failure to implement critical agreed tasks in accordance with the timelines of the Peace Agreement, and therefore urge this Council to consider the request, and take concrete steps to ensure that the Parties implement the Agreement in letter and spirit.
10. Our focus should now fall squarely on the leadership of the Parties to demonstrate clear political will and commitment to make sure that the security-related institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement deliver. As resolved by the Parties, the most critical determinant for the formation of the RTGoNU is the unification of forces.
11. Broken down further, their unification involves the cantonment, disarmament, screening, demobilization, selection, joint training, and deployment of forces. These are now matters of the highest priority.
12. I also welcome the Parties’ request for IGAD’s Heads of State and Government to convene regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to review the status of implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. There are key challenges facing the effective implementation of the Agreement which include financial constraints, slow dissemination, trust deficit, capacity gaps within the various security mechanisms, coordination gaps as well as inadequate support by partners.
14. In view of this, there is need to take proactive steps and measures to address the aforementioned challenges to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. I wish to submit RJMEC’s recommendations as follows:
a. The DDR Commission to be reconstituted without any further delay;
b. ITGoNU to disburse the funds pledged to the NPTC without any delay;
c. The regional and international community to extend additional support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;
d. The NPTC to establish clear deadlines for the implementation of tasks that do not require funding;
e. The immediate demilitarization of civilian centres;
f. IGAD Member States and International Partners to second experts to support the various security mechanisms including JDB, JTSC, JMCC, and SDSR; and
g. The Independent Boundaries Commission to expedite its work and submit its report.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. The trust and confidence nurtured over the last 8 months facilitated a consensus that the Pre-Transitional period be extended to enable the full implementation of agreed tasks. This must now be consolidated. I again urge this Council to endorse the request for the 6 month extension of the Pre-Transitional period.
17. In conclusion, I must say that success in the coming period, especially the effective implementation of the security arrangements, will create a positive environment for refugees and IDPs to return home.
I wish the Council fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 7 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The 67th Exrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Juba, South Sudan, on Tuesday, 7 May, 2019. The session was convened shortly following last week’s agreement of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to extend the Pre-Transitional Period by 6 months, effective 12 May 2019.
Ambassador Lt. Gen Augostino Njoroge, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), urged the IGAD Council of Ministers to consider the request of extension, and to take concrete steps to ensure that the Parties implement the Agreement in letter and spirit.
He said: “Our focus should now fall squarely on the leadership of the Parties to demonstrate clear political will and commitment to make sure that the security-related institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement deliver.”
Amb. Lt. Gen. Njoroge continued: “I also welcome the Parties’ request for IGAD’s Heads of State and Government to convene regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to review the status of implementation of the Agreement.”
Finally, the Interim Chair closed his address by submitting his recommendations to the Council of Ministers, as follows:
1. The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission to be reconstituted without any further delay;
2. ITGoNU to disburse the funds pledged to the National Pre-Transitional
Committee (NPTC) without any delay;
3. The regional and international community to extend additional support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;
4. The NPTC to establish clear deadlines for the implementation of tasks that do not require funding;
5. The immediate demilitarization of civilian centres;
6. IGAD Member States and International Partners to second experts to support the various security mechanisms including Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), Joint Military Ceassrefire Commission (JMCC), and Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B); and
7. The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) to expedite its work and submit its report.
ENDS
AGREEMENT REACHED ON 6 MONTH EXTENSION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
AGREEMENT REACHED ON 6 MONTH EXTENSION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
Agreement on extending the Pre-Transitional period was reached on the second day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) which took place on Friday 3 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The period of extension was agreed to be 6 months, and will commence on 12 May 2019. The agreement document signed by the Parties will now be submitted to the IGAD Council of Ministers.
Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), said “The determination of the Parties to continue to work in a spirit of cooperation and consensus was clear, and accordingly the extension was agreed unanimously through compromise. All Parties regard the peace process as the best chance for stability and for ending the suffering of the people of South Sudan.”
He continued: “This is welcome news as it allows the Parties to accelerate the implementation of the pending tasks.”
The Parties reiterated the importance of availing adequate and predictable financial resources to ensure the full implementation of the Agreement.
The RJMEC Interim Chairperson concluded: “The lasting impression from this meeting is that the spirit of cooperation and consensus among the Parties endures. Now it is time to make sure that the pace and effectiveness of implementation is maintained.”
ENDS
World Press Freedom Day 2019: RJMEC roots for free media in S. Sudan
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2019 OBSERVED IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Juba, South Sudan
World Press Freedom Day 2019 observed in Juba
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
Speaking in Juba on Friday, during the commemoration of this year’s event, RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy) Dr. Thomson Fontaine said,
“We cannot stress enough the critical role of a free and credible press in South Sudan’s peace process and particularly in regards to efforts to keep the focus on the implementation (of the revitalized Agreement).”
“While our role is to monitor the implementation of the Agreement, it is equally important that the message gets out to the people of South Sudan and you are the best placed to do so in a language, manner and form that your people best understand ,” he added.
The event themed “Enhancing Democracy and Freedom of Expression in the South Sudan Peace Process”also honoured South Sudan veteran journalist Alfred Taban who died on April 27, whom Dr. Fontaine described as a “resolute defender of freedom of the press.”
“Just like Alfred, I encourage you to stay true to your crafts, stay true to what you believe in, report the news unfiltered and report truthfully,” he said.
Further, Dr. Fontaine highlighted progress made in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, noting that some critical tasks remain pending.
“Indeed, we have seen some progress made so far, but I also understand there is a lot of anxiety around the peace process specially as the Pre-Transitional period comes to an end,” he said.
“Critical tasks such as the unification of forces and the determination on the number of states remain to be undertaken. That’s why the Parties to the Agreement are now meeting in Addis Ababa to arrive at the best way forward,” he said.
The event organised by RJMEC in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and CTSAMVM brought together at least 115 participants from the Media, Civil Society and representatives from the diplomatic missions in South Sudan.
ENDS
MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 2 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS
The first day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) took place on Thursday 2 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addressing the participants, the Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge took stock of the progress made during the Pre-Transitional period, concluding that “unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.”
“My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational,” he continued.
The Interim Chairperson told the participants: “The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.”
During the meeting, the Parties to the Agreement set out their positions on how to manage the pending tasks given the short time remaining of the Pre-Transitional period. The tone was calm and respectful throughout the day. The meeting continues tomorrow, 3 May.
ENDS
RJMEC concerned about “delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites”
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has expressed “greatest” concerns of the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites in South Sudan.
Opening Statement of H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd) Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, at the Meeting of the Parties to the R-ARCSS in the Republic of South Sudan, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 2, 2019
- Your Excellency, Hirut Zemene, State Minister, Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- Your Excellencies, IGAD Member State Representatives
- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
- Heads of Delegation of the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement
- Hon. Ministers
- Your Excellencies
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. I have the honour to address all of you today.
2. As you know, we are left with only 10 days to the end of the Pre-Transitional Period as provided for in the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
3. I thank His Excellency Dr. Ismail Wais for convening this meeting of the Parties on the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement and the way forward. We at RJMEC have conducted our evaluation and made the findings public.
4. Our assessment is that in spite of the progress made in the establishment of key Agreement institutions and mechanisms, overall the implementation of the Pre-transitional tasks has fallen short of expectations. Critical tasks remain pending.
5. Accordingly, I recommended to the leadership of the Parties to take an honest review of our assessment and to agree on the best course of action going forward. I also recommended to the IGAD leadership to be seized of this matter.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Permit me to highlight the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period which have been implemented, those which are ongoing and the most critical tasks pending.
7. In RJMEC’s assessment, 59 key tasks were required to be implemented prior to the commencement of the Transitional Period. To-date, 27 out of the 59 have been completed, 17 are ongoing and 15 are pending. Unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.
8. For the purpose of this meeting, allow me to focus more on the ongoing and pending tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period.
9. Under Chapter I, implementation of the following key activities is either ongoing or incomplete:
a. determination of the number and boundaries of states and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States by the Independent Boundaries Commission;
b. ratification of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2019) by the TNLA and its promulgation into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan;
c. review and amendment of relevant security and governance related laws. The NCAC completed the reviews and handed over the Amendment Bills to the line Ministry to table before the Cabinet and forward to the TNLA; and
d. the Parties to the Agreement are yet to agree on the allocation of ministerial portfolios.
10. Under Chapter II, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, tasks yet to be conclusively implemented are as follows:
a. refraining from acts of sexual and gender-based violence by the Parties;
b. cantonment, disarmament, screening, demobilization, selection, unification and training of forces;
c. demilitarization of civilian centers;
d. reconstitution of sub-structures of the JMCC, namely; the Area Joint Military Ceasefire Committees and the Joint Military Ceasefire Teams;
e. reconstitution of the DDR Commission; and
f. the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) process.
11. Similarly, under Chapter III on humanitarian affairs and reconstruction, the mechanism for the registration and documentation of refugees and IDPs is still in the process of development.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. In spite of the moderate progress made in the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks, several challenges have continued to undermine the functionality of Agreement institutions and mechanisms. Namely, delayed establishment of some institutions and mechanisms, financial constraints, capacity gaps and lack of coordination.
13. My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational.
14. Your deliberations today and tomorrow must arrive at concrete steps to address the identified challenges.
15. The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.
16. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
