Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 15 May 2023, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC ADDRESSES CONFERENCE ON TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE MECHANISMS; URGES FRESH MOMENTUM IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENT

Today, 15 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the conference on transitional justice mechanisms in the Republic of South Sudan, held in Freedom Hall, Juba. 

In the presence of H.E. the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the conference, consisting of national, regional and international practitioners, was convened to examine the building of a “South Sudanese Model for Transitional Justice System."

Addressing the conference, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai said: “It is important that the Transitional Justice model to be used in South Sudan is homegrown and in accordance with the people’s sense of justice.”

Noting that chapter 5 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides broad parameters for the implementation of transitional justice, in particular truth-seeking, reconciliation, healing, reparations and accountability using a range of interlinked mechanisms, the RJMEC Chair informed participants that “it is expected that the outcome will inform and enrich the legislative process for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.”

Amb. Gituai added that “this conference provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing so that all participants can contribute to the development of a South Sudanese model of transitional justice.”

Concluding, the RJMEC Chair said: “It is clear that much remains to be done and we are behind schedule according to the Roadmap timelines. It my sincere hope therefore, that this conference will create fresh momentum in the implementation of chapter 5, and other critical pending tasks of the Agreement.”

[ENDS]

“IT IS PARAMOUNT THAT OUR COLLECTIVE ATTENTION REMAINS ON THE VERY PRESSING ISSUES REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS”

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday May 25, 2023, convened its 29th monthly meeting in Juba.  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.” 

ENDS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday May 25, 2023, convened its 29th monthly meeting in Juba. 

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   I welcome you to the 29th meeting of the RJMEC. It is our third meeting in the 24-month extended Transitional Period, which began just over three months ago, and as such, just over one-and-a-half years until elections are due in December 2024. We meet today at a very critical moment, both in the country and within the region.

2.   Since we last met, as you all know, conflict broke out in Sudan in mid-April. This is giving much cause for concern, with loss of life, civilian displacement, and destruction of property. I would like to commend IGAD for its initiative to establish a high-level delegation to mediate the conflict, led by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, along with H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti. IGAD’s efforts complement the Jeddah initiatives, and it is hoped that this could help Sudan resolve the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, it is commendable that South Sudan readily opened its border with Sudan to allow returnees and refugees to escape the conflict. I thank the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and humanitarian agencies for all their efforts to provide the much-needed support. 

3.   With that in mind, 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). To this end, it is encouraging that the RTGoNU 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. While this is welcome, it is important that milestones are reached as per the Roadmap. 

4.   On my part, since our last meeting, I have had several engagements, here and within the region.

a.   I briefed the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on the status of the implementation of the R-ARCSS, highlighted progress made and challenges impacting the process, including the slow pace of implementation and lack of funding. I pointed out the critical role of the TNLA in enacting laws to support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and encouraged them to coordinate their efforts with the Executive to deliver on the promises of the Agreement.

b.   I also engaged a number of RTGoNU ministers and other peace stakeholders, and briefed H.E. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, on the status of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Furthermore, I also engaged H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, and H.E. Dr Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. During these engagements, I stressed the importance of the RTGoNU adhering to the Roadmap timelines.

5.   My statement this morning will provide updates on progress made in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last meeting, and I will also highlight some of the recurring challenges and conclude with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

6.   First, governance. In terms of legislative reforms, the draft National Elections Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 adopted by the RTGoNU Council of Ministers has now been forwarded to the Transitional National Legislature (TNL). The enactment of this Bill is very important at this juncture as it will pave the way for the reconstitution of the National Elections Commission (NEC), a critical institution for conducting elections. I encourage the reconstituted TNL to expedite the process for enactment of this Bill. 

7.   Further, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has tabled before the reconstituted TNL the following revised laws, namely: 

a.           the Banking Act (Amendment) Bill;

b.           the Bank of South Sudan Act (Amendment) Bill;

c.            the National Security Services Act (Amendment) Bill;

d.           the National Mine Action Authority Act (Amendment) Bill; 

e.            the National Archives and Records Act (Amendment) Bill;

f.             the National Public Health Act (Amendment) Bill; and

g.           the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act (Amendment) Bill.

These Bills would further strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks for South Sudan, and the overall goals the R-ARCSS envisages, including lasting peace and sustainable development, and I therefore urge the TNL to expedite their consideration and enactment.

8.   Regarding the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), its extended mandate ended on 18 May, with six critical laws pending review, namely: the NGO Act, the Investment Promotion Act, the Mining Act, Transport Act, Pension Fund Act, and the Telecommunication Act.  In March 2023, the national members of the NCAC began a boycott of their work over non-payment of their allowances. This boycott remained unresolved at the time its mandate expired. I am aware that substantial work had already been undertaken on the review of the NGO Act and the Investment Promotion Act at the time of the boycott. I request the RTGoNU to give direction on how the NCAC can resume and complete its work.

9.   In the Transitional Period, the RTGoNU is required to reconstitute the Judicial Service Commission, which will spearhead judicial reforms and the restructuring of the judiciary. In addition, the Agreement requires the RTGoNU to establish an independent, impartial, and credible constitutional court, regulated by law. These judicial reforms are to be informed by recommendations from the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) to the RTGoNU. In this regard, I wish to hear about the progress made by the JRC in its work. 

10.  Considering that the elections are due to be held in December 2024, 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.

11. 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. I request the RTGoNU to brief this meeting on the status of operationalisation of the Political Parties Act and the restructuring and reconstitution of the various Commissions and Institutions.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

12.  Next, on the Transitional Security Arrangements. The RTGoNU Council of Ministers recently approved a budget of SSP 3.6 billion for the Necessary Unified Forces. I would like to request the RTGoNU and the NTC to brief this meeting on the status of funding, and the JDB to brief on plans for redeployment of Phase I of the NUF and the commencement of Phase II.

13.  On the building of the national police, as per article 2.3.2, it is critical to note that a fair and efficient criminal justice system is a prerequisite for any society based on the rule of law. In that regard, it is encouraging that there are ongoing law enforcement reform initiatives led by the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in collaboration with the University of Juba. In April, with the support of UNPOL, specialist national Public Prosecutors conducted the first training of its kind of Judiciary Police officers and Investigators on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).

14.  Regarding CTSAMVM, it is encouraging to note that its national monitors have returned to work, and that an agreement has been reached allowing its Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) to use UNMISS flights and helicopters. In this regard, I reiterate my appreciation to Japan and the Kingdom of Norway for making this happen. However, the CTSAMVM leadership has informed me that its most recent Board meeting was not conducted as planned due to some administrative concerns from the senior national representatives. The matter has been referred to IGAD and RJMEC by the senior national representatives concerned.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

15.  The dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan is now compounded by the influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan following the outbreak of conflict there, and the onset of rains in South Sudan. Efforts by humanitarian agencies to reach those in need continue to be hampered by reduced funding and access impediments. I would like to thank all the stakeholders that have been involved in assisting the returnees and refugees coming into South Sudan, and to commend the RTGoNU for allocating $15 million of the IMF’s Food Shock Window Facility to the World Food Programme in support of the emergency response.

16.  The African Union and IGAD recently launched the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment, with the objective of ‘enhancing the efforts of the RTGoNU towards the full implementation of the R-ARCSS.’ One of the outcomes of the Needs Assessment is to highlight opportunities for support, including modalities for the operationalisation of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF). It is important that the RTGoNU uses this momentum to establish this long overdue institution to avail funding at this critical time.  

17.  On resource, economic and financial management, the RTGoNU continues to take steps to further advance the effectiveness and transparency of public finances, the budgetary process, monetary and fiscal policy management, and capacity building.

18.  Additionally, the RTGoNU inaugurated the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Board which will serve to advance the management of the RTGoNU’s finances, and also increase the competitiveness of the private sector in the public procurement process. The full operationalisation of this Board will ensure efficient public procurement and disposal of assets in accordance with the principles of good governance.

19.  Furthermore, the Ministry of Petroleum continues to publish the daily petroleum marketing report on oil lifting and sales. In the same way, it is important that the proceeds from the sale of oil are published by RTGoNU in accordance with article 4.8.1.14.1 of the Agreement. 

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

20.  A conference on Transitional Justice Mechanisms took place in Juba, hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) in collaboration with the High-Level Standing Committee on the Roadmap, from 15th to 18th May 2023. Some of the perspectives emerging from the conference stressed the importance of inclusivity, context specificity, victim participation, and indigenous processes. It is expected that these perspectives will inform and enrich the draft Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) Bill and the draft Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) Bill. I urge the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to fast-track completion of the two bills and present them to the reconstituted TNL for enactment. On the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS), the African Union Commission and RTGoNU are yet to meet and discuss on the way forward.  

21.  Regarding the making of the Permanent Constitution, there is no significant progress to report in terms of the much-needed reconstitution of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the establishment of other critical constitution-making bodies. I request the RTGoNU to brief the meeting on this matter.

 Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

22.  Overall, implementation of the R-ARCSS is far behind the Roadmap timelines, and there seems to be no sense of urgency. A lot of work remains to be done if the Roadmap timelines are to be adhered to as promised. In light of the aforementioned, I would like to make the following recommendations to the RTGoNU:

a.        consider settling the allowances of the NCAC national members so that discussions on the extension of its mandate to complete its work can move forward;

b.        undertake the redeployment of Phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces and proceed to Phase 2, and institute DDR programmes;

c.         expedite the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund and Board to help avail funds at this critical time;

d.        publish the proceeds from oil sales, in accordance with the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2012, in order to improve transparency and accountability; and

e.        complete the drafting and submission of the CTRH and CRA legislation, following the successful conclusion of the Transitional Justice conference.

23.  In conclusion, 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.

24.  I wish you fruitful deliberations. 

I Thank You!

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has released its latest quarterly report on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The report covers the first quarter of 2023.

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday 30 March 2023, called on the Transitional Government of Natiional Unity to do “demonstrate in action its commitment to deliver the transition in time not simply by word”

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 30 March, Juba, South Sudan

THE RTGONU SHOULD DEMONSTRATE IN ACTION ITS COMMITMENT TO DELIVER THE TRANSITION IN TIME, NOT SIMPLY BY WORD

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday 30 March 2023, convened its 28th monthly meeting in Juba.

In his opening remarks, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said as the second month of the extended transition period begins, “a lot of work remains to be done if the Roadmap timelines are to be adhered to as promised.”

“The Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity should demonstrate in action its commitment to deliver the transition in time not simply by word,” Amb. Gituai said.

In terms of the preparation for elections as stipulated in the Roadmap, Amb. Gituai told the RJMEC members that no progress has been made in the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council despite the law having been enacted over 8 months ago.

As such, he emphasized that the reconstitution of the Council is critical, paving way for the registration of political parties, adding that the enactment of the National Elections Act and its operationalization is way behind schedule. 

“As a result of these delays, all the elections-related tasks including the establishment and functioning of institutions that drive the elections process, are behind schedule,” he said.

Furthermore, Amb. Gituai commended the recent progress made in the unification of the middle and lower levels of command of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) where the Parties agreed on a responsibility sharing ratio of 60:30:10 to the SSPDF (South Sudan People's Defence Forces), SPLA-IO and SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) respectively. 

“However, the forces which graduated during Phase I are still in training centers, and their delayed redeployment has hindered the commencement of Phase II NUF training,” he noted.

On the humanitarian front, RJMEC Chairperson noted that access and safety of humanitarian workers, goods, and assets remain a challenge. 

“These are matters that the RTGoNU should urgently address including by providing security along humanitarian corridors, protecting humanitarian workers and their assets and holding perpetrators to account.”

In his recommendations, Amb. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to continue to consult in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus in an attempt to address emerging issues during implementation of the Agreement.

He reitarated the need for the provision of adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Agreement, particularly, the Constitution Making and Electoral processes and the completion of the unification of forces and operationalization of all the enacted laws.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said “Finally, faced with the current setbacks and the slow pace of implementation, it is encumbent upon us to redouble our efforts, encourage and support the RTGoNU to accelerate the pace of implementation going forward, in order to provide a much needed impetus to the peace process.”

ENDS

Excellencies, 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   I welcome you to our 28th meeting of the RJMEC as we enter the second of the 24-month  extended Transitional Period, as per the RTGoNU Roadmap; with elections expected to be conducted in December 2024. As the monitoring body, it is our responsibility to keep track of these timelines and to constantly remind the RTGoNU and the Parties represented here, of their mandate and urgent responsibility, to expedite the implementation of the Peace Agreement in letter and spirit.

2.   I welcome the resumption of the Transitional National Legislature this week given that a lot of work remains to be done in terms of the legislative agenda in support of the implementation of the Agreement. I also welcome the statement of H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the opening, in which the urgency of implementation of the Agreement was stressed and the assurance given that there will be no further extension to the Transitional Period. I reiterate H.E the President’s call for redoubling of efforts and cooperation among the Parties to ensure completion of the Transitional Period tasks. RJMEC is hopeful that this commitment will translate into availing the necessary resources to ensure the full and timely implementation of the Agreement. 

3.   In my statement this morning I will provide an update on the recent progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, highlight the recurrent challenges, and conclude with my observations and recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

4.   First, governance: In terms of legislative reforms, some progress had been made by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) in the reviews, amendments, and drafting of the NGO Act and the Investment Promotion Act, before its national members boycotted participation due to non-payment of their allowances. This boycott by the NCAC members is a matter of very serious concern because the NCAC mandate is expected to end in May 2023. In addition to the NGO Act and Investment Promotion Act, the NCAC still has four other bills to be worked on, including the Mining, Transport, Pension Fund, and Telecommunication Acts. I have written to the RTGoNU urging payment of allowances to the national members of the NCAC.

5.   On 24th March 2023, the Council of Ministers adopted the National Security Services Amendment Bill and it now awaits tabling before the reconstituted TNL for enactment.  This is a welcome development and I appeal to the TNL to expedite consideration and enactment of this Bill and all the others currently pending. The RTGoNU should also take steps to expedite the operationalization of all the enacted laws. 

6.   It is concerning that there is a long delay in the reconstitution of the various Commissions and Institutions at the national level in accordance with the Roadmap timelines. In our last meeting, we were assured by the RTGoNU that the restructuring and reconstitution of these Commissions and Institutions would be shortly concluded. I look forward to receiving an update from the RTGoNU representative on this matter. 

7.   In terms of the preparation for elections as per the Roadmap, no progess has been made in the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council despite the law having been enacted over 8 months ago. The reconstitution of the Council is critical to paving the way for the registration of political parties.  Also, the enactment of the National Elections Act and its operationalization is way behind schedule. As a result of these delays, all the elections-related tasks including the establishment and functioning of institutions that drive the elections process, are behind schedule. In this regard, I appeal to the TNL to prioritize passage of the National Elections Bill.

8.   On 3rd March H.E the President issued decrees one relieving the two national Ministers, that of Defense and Veteran Affairs and the Interior, and the other swapping the two ministries between the I-TGoNU and SPLM/A-IO. As you are all aware the SPLM/A-IO protested the decision, following which I engaged the concerned parties and encouraged them to amicably resolve this matter in the spirit of collegiality, consultations and consensus. 

9.   In accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, I also  briefed the Heads of State of IGAD on this development and appealed to them to assist the two parties to resolve this issue. There has since been internal mediation between the parties to find a suitable compromise on this matter. On 29th March H. E President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed General Chol Thon Balok as the new minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs. 

10.  Next, Transitional Security Arrangements: The recent progress made in the unification of the middle and lower levels of command of the Necessary Unified Forces is commendable. The Parties agreed on a responsibility sharing ratio of 60:30:10 to the SSPDF, SPLA-IO and SSOA respectively. However,  the forces which graduated during Phase I are still in training centers, and their delayed redeployment has hindered the commencement of Phase II NUF training. In this regard, I would like to hear from the JDB on plans for redeployment of Phase I and the start of  Phase II. 

11.        Regarding the status of the Security Mechanisms, not much has changed since our last meeting. The JDB, JMCC, JTSC, and SDSR Board members still lack allowances to sustain themselves, as well as financial support to execute their Transitional Security Arrangements tasks. The DDR Commission has no funding and the CTSAMVM national monitors have not resumed work due to the non-payment of their allowances by the RTGoNU. I appeal once again to the RTGoNU to fund the work of all mechanisms including the DDR Commission  and I look forward to RTGoNU  briefing this plenary on the progress, in availing funds for all the Agreement implementation mechanisms.

12.  On Police reforms, it is reported that the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) Curriculum Development guide for the Necessary Unified Police Forces, which outlines the basic operational framework of the police component to sustain  professionalism, was developed and is available to be utilized for training. 

13.  I am also encouraged that the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) initiated a curriculum review process regarding Election Security to prepare the National Police to discharge its responsibilities in the upcoming elections. I would like to hear more on this from the JDB.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

14.  Against the backdrop of increasing humanitarian needs, access and safety of humanitarian workers, goods, and assets remain a challenge. There have been several reported cases of attacks on humanitarian convoys, facilities, and personnel, as well as looting of humanitarian supplies, and access denial for humanitarian workers. These are matters that the RTGoNU should urgently address including by providing security along humanitarian corridors,  protecting humanitarian workers and their assets and holding perpetrators to account.

15.  On resource, economic and financial management, there has been a steady commitment to Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms as steps are being taken to publish budget execution reports, and oil revenue data. I would like to commend the RTGoNU in that regard. I wish to note that these reports need to be published in a timely manner in accordance with the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act and the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. Let me reiterate the need to legislate the amendment bills governing these PFM reforms, without which the responsible authorities will be challenged in completing the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Agreement.

16.  I note the progress registered so far in ensuring environmental protection, amid the many challenges posed by climate change in South Sudan. As required by the R-ARCSS, the Environment Protection Bill has been drafted and it proposes the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Environment Authority. In addition, the first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and its Program for Action for climate change have been published. This is the first step toward establishing a coherent and effective process for  mainstreaming climate adaptation within the country’s development planning processes. However, achieving the objectives of the NAP will require a coordinated approach and the commitment of both state and non-state actors.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

17.  In terms of transitional justice,  the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Technical Committee on CTRH establishment have been undertaking a series of public consultations. However, they are yet to embark on their mission to the refugee camps in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sudan where they are slated to undertake public consultations with refugees. I therefore urge the RTGoNU to undertake the remaining phase of public consultations with refugees and complete the drafting of the CTRH and CRA legislations.

18.  On the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, the  African Union Comission has formally requested  RTGoNU to meet and discuss on the way forward.  I therefore urge the RTGoNU and the African Union Commission to agree on a clear plan for the establishment of the Court.

19.  Regarding the making of the Permanent Constitution, there is  no further progress to report. It is now three months since  the  Constitution-making Process Act 2022 was assented to. Also,  the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs tabled a  Memorandum to Cabinet to operationalize this Act. I appeal to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to urgently provide guidance to the Parties and Stakeholders regarding the nominations of their representatives to the relevant constitution-making bodies, in accordance with the Act.  

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

20.  A lot of work remains to be done if the Roadmap timelines are to be adhered to as promised. The RTGoNU should demonstrate in action its commitment to deliver the transition in time not simply by word. This requires a solid commitment of resources to implement the Agreement. In that regard the call by the President for a National Economic Conference is a welcome initiative which should be complemented with the immediate establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund and convening of the South Sudan pledging conference to provide the neccesary funding for implementation of the Agreement. 

21.  In light of the above, I would like to reiterate the following recommendations to the RTGoNU:

a)   continue to consult and dialogue in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus in order to address emerging issues during implementation of the Agreement;

b)   provide adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Agreement, in particular, the Constitution Making and Electoral processes and completion of the unification of forces;

c)    operationalize all the enacted laws, establish all institutions required by the Constitution-Making Process Act 2022, and expedite the enactment of the National Elections Bill; 

d)   expedite the redeployment of the graduated forces, commence Phase 2 of the unification of forces and begin Demobilisation, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR); and

e)   complete the process of drafting the CTRH and CRA legislation and submit it to the reconstituted TNL for enactment and engage the AU Commission to discuss modalities for the establishment of the Hybrid Court. 

22.  Finally, faced with the current setbacks and the slow pace of implementation, it is encumbent upon us to redouble our efforts, encourage and support the RTGoNU to accelerate the pace of implementation going forward, in order to provide a much needed impetus to the peace process.I Thank You.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 09 March, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC ENCOURAGES CONSULTATION TO RESOLVE ISSUES ON THE REMOVAL OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS; URGES FOCUS ON TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF R-ARCSS. 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes note of the Presidential Decree of 3 March 2023, announcing the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Minister of Interior, and the swapping of the two ministries between the ITGoNU and the SPLM-IO. 

RJMEC welcomes the decision of the President and the First Vice President to meet and discuss the issue of the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the swapping of the two ministries. In that regard, we urge the Parties to observe the letter and spirit of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which is founded on collaboration, consultation, and agreement between the Parties. 

If there is a deadlock between the Parties to the Agreement, a referral can be made to RJMEC pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS to engage the Parties with a view to finding a compromise and / or recommending measures to break the deadlock.

With less than 24 months of the extended Transitional Period remaining, it is important that this issue be resolved as soon as possible so that the Peace Agreement can continue to be implemented in a timely manner.