Juba, 27 Feb. 25 2025: The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) are gravely concerned about ongoing tensions in Upper Nile State,  as well as clashes involving forces of the signatory Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan  (R-ARCSS) in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal  States.   

Specifically, AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS and RJMEC call upon the Parties to urgently work together through the established mechanisms of the R-ARCSS to de-escalate the situation in order to restore calm in Upper Nile State.

According to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the security situation in Upper Nile state in particular, has significantly deteriorated in past weeks. This has been heightened by the ongoing rotation of forces in Nasir, raising concerns about the likelihood of widespread violence. 

AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS and RJMEC, therefore, call upon the leadership of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the Joint Defence Board (JDB) to work collegially, and swiftly remedy the persistent security concerns in all the three states. We caution that if left unaddressed, these incidents could potentially undermine the Permanent Ceasefire, which remains the cornerstone of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. 

Lastly, we once again underscore the need to progress the full and rapid unification and urgent deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces to boost public faith and trust in the RTGoNU’s commitment to lasting peace and stability in South Sudan, at this critical time as the country commences the fourth extension of its ongoing Transitional Period.  

[ENDS] 

.        Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

-       Hon. Ministers

-       IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan

-       Incoming RJMEC Chair

-       Representative of the IGAD Executive Secretary 

-       Distinguished Guests

-       Diplomatic Corps

-       Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Afternoon!

1.   Today marks the conclusion of my tenure in the Republic of South Sudan as the Interim Chair of RJMEC, the institution which oversees, monitors and evaluates the status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

2.   When I assumed this duty in August 2020, South Sudan stood at a critical juncture. The RTGoNU has just been established, the COVID-19 pandemic was ravaging the world and had stalled implementation of the R-ARCSS. This was also the time the  Parties were in the process of establishing the remaining governance structures at the national, state and County levels.  

3.   Over the past 4½ years, I have also witnessed first-hand the dedication and resilience of the South Sudanese people, their unwavering desire for peace, and their commitment to building a better future for themselves and generations to come.

4.   This is a moment of reflection, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that remain on the path to lasting peace and stability in this remarkable nation.

5.   Notwithstanding challenges, we have jointly witnessed significant strides during my tenure. The guns have largely fallen silent since the signing of the R-ARCSS in 2018, a testament to the commitment of the parties to the permanent ceasefire. Key institutions were reconstituted, and progress have been made in various thematic areas, though a lot more is desired. In that regard, I commend the efforts of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, the Parties to the Agreement, and all stakeholders for achieving the various milestones.

6.   However, the peace journey is far from over. I would like to reiterate the need to focus on key provisions of the Agreement to be implemented. The tasks include, among others, the making of the permanent constitution, unification of forces, judicial reforms and adequate preparations for elections. The completion of these tasks will make post-elections attractive and guarantees the rule of law.

7.     Inter-communal violence remains a concern, threatening the peace. The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions still in need of assistance. More political will and trust among the political leaders, and adequate funding can help alleviate some of these challenges. 

8.   The upcoming elections in 2026 present another critical juncture for South Sudan. It is imperative that these elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring the full participation of all South Sudanese and reflecting the will of the people. RJMEC will play a crucial role in monitoring the electoral process to ensure its credibility.

9.   As the path ahead is travelled, processes of transitional justice should not be delayed. These processes are critical in promoting the healing within the South Sudanese society. The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority will need to be established to foster reconciliation and healing, and many more. 

10.       Moreover, the gender provisions of the Agreement are as important as ever. The RTGoNU needs to continue to give them the care and attention they deserve.  Also, let us not forget to support the most vulnerable population of this country – the South Sudanese returnees and IDPs in all your respective interventions. They deserve to live in dignity to enable them participate in the ongoing peace process.

11.     As the extended Transitional Period gets underway, let me reiterate what I have always said before: the R-ARCSS offers a beacon of hope, a roadmap towards a brighter future. All parties and peace stakeholders are therefore encouraged to renew their commitments to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS during the extended period. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, development, and inclusivity. It requires sustained dialogue, compromise, and a genuine commitment to putting the interests of the South Sudanese people first.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

12.  Throughout my time with RJMEC, I received much support from the people of South Sudan, as well criticisms. I take them in good faith. I wished I left this country with free and fair elections having been conducted in 2024. It is my hope that the two years extension will be the last. I therefore appeal to the leaders of this country to demonstrate a sense of urgency and immediately commence preparations for elections, focusing on priority areas.  

13.  I would like to commend H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, Vice Presidents and all other party leaders for staying the course of peace and within the Agreement provisions. I am confident that the leaders of South Sudan shall continue to guide this country during this extended period within the spirit of collegiality, consensus and collaboration.

14.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency President Dr William Ruto, the Government of the Republic of Kenya and IGAD, for affording me this opportunity to lead such an esteemed peace commission in South Sudan

15.  Further, I sincerely thank the international partners who have continued to finance the operations and logistics of RJMEC, allowing us to faithfully discharge our mandate. Your continuous support to RJMEC is highly appreciated.

16.  I would also like to thank the 43 members of RJMEC, for their commitment, devotion and focus. These distinguished members have participated in 29 plenary meetings during my watch and of which I have chaired over the period. They have played their role with diligence and distinguished devotion to duty. Their efforts and contributions, including the Working Committees that they continue to participate in, is commendable and is invaluable in the South Sudan peace process.

17.   To my very able staff at the RJMEC Secretariat, led ably by Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede: your tireless work and commitment has been of great help in my role as Chair, to all the RJMEC members and the people of South Sudan. As I hand over this RJMEC family to my successor, I am persuaded to believe that this family will provide him as much support as they have given me.

18.  Finally, I would like to thank my wife, children and grandchildren who have supported me as they endured my long intermittent absence from the family engagements. This has been their contributions to the South Sudan peace process.

19.  In conclusion, I wish my successor, Ambassador Major General (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, every success in his role as Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. I have known him for a very long time and am pleased to call him a friend. I am sure his experience and judgement will stand RJMEC in excellent stead for the coming extended period.  

20.  I appeal to all of you to offer him the same level of support and cooperation as you did to me, and in doing so, I know that the mandate of RJMEC will continue to be discharged professionally, impartially and faithfully. 

Farewell. Kwaheri ya Kuonana. Wadae. Adieu!

May God Bless You, and May God Bless South Sudan.

I Thank You.

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday February 20, 2025, convened its 39th plenary meeting in Juba. 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 20 February. 2025 Juba, South Suda

Outgoing RJMEC Chairperson to RTGoNU: No moment to waste, as the 24-month of the extended transitional period begins

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday February 20, 2025, convened its 39th plenary meeting in Juba. 

As the extended Transitional Period begins on Saturday, the outgoing RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai told the meeting: 

“As we commence the 24 months of the extension, the elections date of December 2026 may seem distant. However, my assessment of the critical milestones required to lay ground for credible elections indicate that there is no moment to waste.”

As such, Amb. Gituai said, in his address, Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) needs “to demonstrate unprecedented sense of urgency to accomplish the critical pending tasks for the conduct of credible, peaceful, free and fair democratic elections.”

As you may recall, he told the meeting, the key tasks whose non-implementation necessitated the extension of the Transitional Period, include the unification and redeployment of forces, making of the permanent constitution and preparations for the conduct of credible elections.

‘As we meet here today, these tasks remain incomplete,” he said. Further, the outgoing RJMEC Chairperson appealed to the regional guarantors and international community to have a more accommodative approach that aligns with the need to do things differently as well, “in order to have South Sudan transit from perpetual extensions.”

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai informed the RJMEC Members that this 39th plenary serves as his last, as his tour of duty comes to an end this month. “It has been four-and-half years since I took over as the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. I thank all of you for the support and constructive engagements throughout my truly memorable years here,” he said.  

“It has been a privilege and a humbling experience for me, to have had this opportunity of chairing such a meeting composed of senior stakeholders, diplomats, party leaders, government officials and security officers. Thank you for your cooperation and support. It has been a rich learning curve for me and I do not take it for granted,” he added. 

At the same time, he introduced the incoming Chairperson, H.E. Amb. Maj Gen (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, and wished him well, “as he steers RJMEC to the next level.” 

“It is my conviction that R-ACRSS, remains the most transformative blueprint that would deliver this country to a democratic dispensation if implemented in letter and spirit,” he added. 

ENDS

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

1.        I welcome you all to the 39th plenary meeting of the RJMEC. This is the first meeting of the year 2025. In two days’ time, the Revitalized  Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) completes  5 years of governing the country. It also marks the end of the ‘Roadmap extension’ and the beginning of the recent extension scheduled to end in February 2027 with elections in December 2026. Since the signing of the Peace Agreement in 2018, there has been relative peace and stability compared to previous years.

2.        As we commence the 24 months of the extension, the elections date of December 2026 may seem distant. However, my assessment of the critical milestones required to lay ground for credible elections indicate that there is no moment to waste. The RTGoNU should therefore demonstrate unprecedented sense of urgency to accomplish the critical pending tasks for the conduct of credible, peaceful, free and fair democratic elections.

3.         As you may recall, the key tasks whose non-implementation necessitated this extension include the unification of forces and their redeployment, making of the permanent constitution and preparations for the conduct of credible elections. As we meet here today, these tasks remain incomplete. It is our expectations that the RTGoNU will demonstrate to this plenary how it intends to fast-tract implementation of these tasks within the stipulated timeline.   

4.        My statement this morning will therefore highlight some of the recent developments in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement since our last meeting, expectations for the extended period, challenges and opportunities to build on the progress made thus far, and close with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.        Firstly, governance. The budgets submitted by various institutions and mechanisms tasked with implementation of the critical elections-related tasks were approved by the TNLA and await disbursement at the level of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Without the requisite funding, the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Elections Commission (NEC), and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) are unable to fully discharge their mandates.  

6.        In the meantime, RJMEC commends efforts being made by all the elections-related institutions, with support from various partners, in strengthening their internal capacities. That said, enhanced synergies and cooperation between these institutions are essential for their respective workplans and priorities to be aligned. I look forward to receiving an update from the RTGoNU on the status of resource mobilisation and funding to these institutions. 

7.        As was reported at the last plenary meeting, both the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) and the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) have delivered on their mandates, and completed their tasks as per the R-ARCSS requirements. Since then, the final report of the JRC was presented to the RTGoNU and endorsed by the Presidency. RJMEC therefore appeals for the expeditious implementation of the JRC recommendations, in particular, the review of the Judiciary Act and reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in order to spearhead other reforms.

8.        In regard to the Permanent Ceasefire, clashes have been reported between two forces of the signatory parties to the Agreement, in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States and in Nassir County in Upper Nile State. This is a serious setback considering that over the last  four years, there has been relative peace without any major security incidents between the forces of the parties to the R-ARCSS. This further vindates the urgency and necessity of the unification of forces. RJMEC calls upon the JDB to act with urgency to defuse  the tensions and CTSAMVM to investigate these incidents and report to RJMEC.

9.        In terms of the Transitional Security Arrangements, completion of the unification of forces and their redeployment are essential components of the pending tasks to be accomplished during this coming extended period. RJMEC would like to underscore the importance of completing the unification of forces which is critical for addressing the emergent security concerns, including intercommunal violence as recently witnessed in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State and in the provision of a secure environment for the conduct of credible elections.

10.   In regard to the SDSR Board, some progress has been made towards the finalization of the five policy documents which were validated in December 2024. These documents should now be  submitted to the Executive for consideration. The SDSR Chairperson will provide further updates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

11.   The people of South Sudan continue to face dire humanitarian conditions due to prevalent food insecurity, armed clashes and intercommunal violence, climatic shocks and economic crisis. The situation is worsened by the cholera outbreak which has resulted in nearly 27,000 cases and almost 500 deaths as of 6 February 2025. According to UN OCHA, the total number of returnees fleeing the conflict in Sudan has now exceeded 1 million, exerting more pressure on the already limited resources and services in South Sudan. 

12.   In this regard, the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund which is critical for the mobilization of resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of South Sudan should be given priority at this critical time.

13.   As the extended period begins, RJMEC is further concerned about the slow progress in the resettlement and reintegration of the returnees and IDPs to enable them to meaningfully participate in the ongoing peace process, especially in constitution-making and electoral processes. The RTGoNU is therefore encouraged to scale up basic service provisions in order to support their resettlement and reintegration.

14.   In regard to the refugees and returnees fleeing from Sudan, I would like to appeal to the RTGoNU, with support from the international community, to prioritise interventions to decongest transit centres. This will enhance protection and reduce gender-based violence and health risks. 

15.   RJMEC commends the Ministry of Gender upon reviving and strengthening the South Sudan Women’s Union (SSWU) aimed at increasing women’s meaningful participation in the peace process. I would like to hear from the women representatives about this development.

16.   On Resource, Economic and Financial Management, it is important that as the extended period starts, the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee continues to show steady commitment to economic reforms, which have so far resulted in improved monitoring of public spending of the national budget, and of revenue collection, especially non-oil revenue. 

17.   Further, reforms that are intended to promote financial stability, such as reforms to the Bank of South Sudan, should also continue, as the Bank plays a key role in promoting price stability and monetary policy formulation. The oversight institutions of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Audit Chamber need to be fully functional to enable them to execute their mandates of ensuring transparency and accountability, as provided for in the reviewed legislations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

18.   On Transitional Justice, the legislation for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) have been enacted. The processes of establishing these mechanisms are underway following the approval of a Cabinet Memorandum by the RTGoNU Council of Ministers in January 2025. In this regard, I request the RTGoNU to update the plenary on the status of appointment of the Commissioners for the CTRH. Hastening the appointments and operationalisation of these bodies are critical in driving forward the processes of national healing and reconciliation.  

19.   Regarding the permanent constitution-making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) is currently engaging various partners to support its national launch of civic education and public consultations. RJMEC welcomes this proactive approach and appeals to the partners to support this endeavour. 

20.   I would like to underscore the importance of the drafting of a people-owned and people-led constitution, as it will help determine, among others, the types of elections which will be held in December 2026. The NCRC Chairperson will provide further updates.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

21.   For its part, RJMEC has continued its engagements since the last Plenary pursuant to its mandate. These engagements included, among others, the briefing to the Presidency, national Ministers, TNLA, the ministerial delegation of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), and the African Union Panel of the Wise. I also briefed the Security Council of the United Nations. 

22.   Overall, in all these international engagements, there is the general impression that there is a shared concern over the slow pace of implementation, absence of dedicated funding and the failure to adhere to agreed timelines. Further, the regional and international partners would like South Sudan to disburse funds and implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement as a sign of commitment and good will; in order to attract international support.

23.   As you may recall, during our last plenary in the month of October last year, the expactations were that RTGoNU would call for an extraordinary meeting to provide the work plans on how the extension will be implemented. This did not happen. Further, there was a call to do things differently and not business as usual. In that regard and given the aforementioned, I would like to offer the following recommendations to the RTGoNU as the extended Transitional Period begins:

a.        Provide a strategy with a clear, coherent and overarching action plan, feasible budget and timeline for the implementation of the priority tasks for the extended transitional period;

b.        Ensure that the workplans of the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms are aligned and collaborative to ensure effective and efficient implementation;

c.         Provide the necessary funding in a timely manner  to the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms;  

d.        Expedite completion of the unification of forces, their redeployment and DDR;

e.        Create a conducive environment for voluntary  return, resettlement and reintegration of South Sudanese refugees and IDPs to enable them participate in the ongoing peace process; and

f.          Establish, operationalise and fund the CTRH and CRA.

24.   Further, I appeal to the regional guarantors and international community to have a more accommodative  approach that aligns with the need  to do things differently as well, in order to have South Sudan transit from perpetual extensions. This could be through the following, among others: 

a.    frequent, proactive and coordinated  engagements of Special Envoys of different countries and organizations; 

b.   prominent presence and engagements of the regional guarantors at the highest political level; 

c.    effective and efficient direct support to the Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandates; and 

d.   periodic coordination between the regional guarantors and international partners through alignment of  messages and actions.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

25.   In conclusion, I would like to inform you that this is my last Plenary having completed my tour of duty this month. It has been four-and-half years since I took over as the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. I thank all of you for the support and constructive engagements throughout my truly memorable years here. 

26.   It has been a privilege and a humbling experience for me, to have had this opportunity of chairing such a meeting composed of senior stakeholders, diplomats, party leaders, government officials and security officers. Thank you for your coorperation and support. It has been a rich learning curve for me and I do not take it for granted.  I have learned a lot from all of you in the course of time that we have shared here.

27.    I want to thank H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit,  First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and all other party leaders for staying the course of peace and within the Agreement provisions. It is my conviction that R-ACRSS, remains  the most transformative blueprint that would deliver this country to a democratic dispensation if implemented in letter and spirit.

28.    I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency President Dr William Ruto, the Government of the republic of Kenya and IGAD, for affording me this opportunity to lead such an esteemed peace commission in South Sudan.  It is my hope that my successor H.E. Amb. Maj Gen (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow, will find the same support that you have given me, as he steers RJMEC to the next level. 

29.   I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You!

-      Hon Kuol Manyang Juuk, Senior Presidential Advisor, Security and Chair, National Transitional Committee

-       Honourable Ministers present

-       Honourable Members of Parliament present

-       Nicholas Haysom Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN

-       H.E. Dr Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan

-       H.E. Prof Joram Biswaro, Head of the AU Mission to South Sudan

-       Hon Prof Abednego Akok, Chairperson, National Elections Commission

-       Hon. James Zakayo Akol, Chairperson, Political Parties Council

-       Hon. Dr Riang Yer Zuor, Chairperson, National Constitutional Review Commission

-       Maj-Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson, Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM)

-       Distinguished Guests 

-       Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning! 

1.  Allow me at the outset to extend greetings and best wishes from H.E. Amb Maj Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC who could not join us this morning due to prior commitments, and he has delegated me to deliver these remarks on his behalf. 

2.  I would also like to cease this opportunity to thank the United Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and partners for their great efforts towards making this High-Level Leadership Forum on Completing the Political Transition in South Sudan a reality. 

3.  This Forum whose theme is: “Finalizing Security Sector Unification, Advancing the Permanent Constitution-Making Process and Progressing Preparations for Elections” is quite apt at this moment as the country commences the extended Transitional Period in just a few days’ time on 22nd February 2025. 

4.  This Forum seeks to objectively reflect on the realities that inform the current status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, enable information dissemination of the status of the peace process, and adopt concrete strategies that enable the country achieve the aspiration of having the first democratic elections in December 2026. 

5.  Further, this Forum will be critical in bringing common understanding among partners on the impediments to the implementation of critical pending tasks, including completion of unification of forces, writing of a new permanent constitution and adequate preparations for the conduct of peaceful elections.

6.  I wish to pay great tribute to the critical actors and stakeholders who have continued to play a vital role in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement over the past years. Your continuous push and encouragement to the RTGoNU and the Agreement Parties to stay the course is noteworthy. I hereby urge the participants of this workshop to work collectively in generating insightful recommendations that can inform arriving at a common understanding on how best to complete the transition.  

Honourable Members, Excellencies distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 

7.  South Sudan has now enjoyed six and a-half years of observance of the Permanent Ceasefire, which is commendable. The recent unfortunate skirmishes in some parts of the country between parties’ signatories to the Agreement, even though it is a violation of the Permanent Ceasefire provisions, it is important to recognize the strength of the Agreement institutions and mechanisms’ commitment and the resolve of the political leaders of South Sudan to overcome the challenges encountered in the course of the implementation the Peace Agreement.

8.  More importantly, it is evidence enough that the RTGoNU should work with greater urgency to ensure the completion of unification of forces and their redeployment to unify commands and to ensure proper command and control. The unification of all forces will undoubtedly lay a firm foundation for attainment of sustainable peace, security and prosperity for South Sudan.

9.  In this extended Transitional Period, the RJMEC being the official oversight, monitoring and evaluation body established under Chapter 7 of  the Revitalized Agreement will do its part and will continue to robustly execute its mandate, including reminding the Agreement Parties to maintain peace, focus on their commitments to the R-ARCSS including urging them to scale up their efforts in implementing all critical  tasks and adhere to agreed timelines and implementation schedule. 

10.     Key priorities of the transitional period include, among others, the making of the permanent constitution whose provisions will guide the conduct of elections, completion of unification of forces, and sufficient preparations for the conduct of elections. These are the very tasks which have necessitated the repeated extensions of the Agreement to date, because their non-completion risks reversing all the peace gains to date. 

11.     Given that we have only 24 months to the end of this extended transition, RJMEC therefore takes this opportunity to remind the Agreement Parties that the country, the region and the international community have high expectations that there will be no further extension and that all necessary milestones will be realized and marked by a peaceful democratic transition at the end of the Transition Period. 

12.     RJMEC encourages the Agreement Parties, stakeholders and all partners participating in this  Leadership Forum to explore practical approaches to achieve the critical benchmarks that will make the post-transitional arrangement more attractive than the status quo. Such a framework will ensure peaceful democratic elections that will usher in a smooth transition and consolidate the gains of the R-ARCSS. 

 I hereby wish you a successful Forum and fruitful deliberations. 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

9 February 2025, Juba, South Sudan

ARRIVAL OF NEW INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMMISSION (RJMEC) 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) welcomes the appointment of the new RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Major General (rtd) George Aggrey Owinow.

Amb Maj Gen Owinow was nominated by the Government of Kenya, and subsequently endorsed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He will succeed the outgoing Chairperson Ambassador Major General (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, who served in the same capacity since August 2020.

Amb Maj Gen Owinow has had a distinguished military and diplomatic career spanning more than four decades, serving in different security and diplomatic missions in Africa.

Amb Maj Gen Owinow brings with him recent experience as Kenya’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Uganda (2020-2022), and as Deputy Force Commander for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) (2019-2020).

With just two weeks to the beginning of the extended Transitional Period, his arrival comes at an important juncture of the R-ARCSS, where a range of critical pending tasks need to be implemented to pave the way for elections in December 2026.

ENDS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Wednesday, 5 February, 2025, addressed the 9855th sitting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in New York.

Giving a detailed status of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“With the extended Transitional Period due to begin in just over two weeks, key immediate requirements are the demonstration of political will and provision of funding for the Agreement institutions and mechanisms.”

Also required “with a sense of urgency” he said, are the harmonisation of the work plans of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and completion of the unification of forces.”

In terms of the Permanent Ceasefire and the Transitional Security Arrangements, Amb. Gituai reported that “recent skirmishes in Western Equatoria State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO over the removal of illegal checkpoints are concerning” adding that the Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has been tasked to investigate and forward the report to RJMEC.

He added, “Persistent levels of inter-communal violence in some parts of the country continue to create disruption, and anxiety and is unsettling.” 

On the ongoing Tumaini process in Nairobi, Kenya, Amb. Gituai said: 

“The people of South Sudan are looking forward to a positive outcome of these talks and hoping that it will bring practical and enhanced transformative approaches in addressing the root causes of conflict, and will hasten the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai appealed to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, as it enters critical phase of the extended transitional period, and to encourage the international community to mobilise resources and political support to help South Sudan conduct its first democratic elections in December 2026.  

FULL STATEMENT: https://bit.ly/4gwq3sV

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday February 5, 2025, New York, United States 

R-ARCSS Implementation: Funding, demonstration of political will required, “with a sense of urgency”, amid security concerns

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Wednesday, 5 February, 2025, addressed the 9855th sitting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in New York.

Giving a detailed status of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“With the extended Transitional Period due to begin in just over two weeks, key immediate requirements are the demonstration of political will and provision of funding for the Agreement institutions and mechanisms.”

Also required “with a sense of urgency” he said, are the harmonisation of the work plans of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and completion of the unification of forces.”

In terms of the Permanent Ceasefire and the Transitional Security Arrangements, Amb. Gituai reported that “recent skirmishes in Western Equatoria State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO over the removal of illegal checkpoints are concerning” adding that the Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has been tasked to investigate and forward the report to RJMEC.

He added, “Persistent levels of intercommunal violence in some parts of the country continue to create disruption, and anxiety and is unsettling.” 

On the ongoing Tumaini process in Nairobi, Kenya, Amb. Gituai said: “The people of South Sudan are looking forward to a positive outcome of these talks and hoping that it will bring practical and enhanced transformative approaches in addressing the root causes of conflict, and will hasten the implementation of the Peace Agreement.”

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai appealed to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, as it enters critical phase of the extended transitional period, and to encourage the international community to mobilise resources and political support to help South Sudan conduct its first democratic elections in December 2026.  

 -      President of the UN Security Council,

-     Distinguished Members of the Council,

-     Excellencies,

-     Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Mr President,

1.    I congratulate you and the People’s Republic of China for assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. I also would like to thank you for inviting the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to address this esteemed Council.

2.    RJMEC is the official oversight body responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

3.    When RJMEC last briefed this august Council in August 2024, I informed you that the pace of implementation of the R-ARCSS has been generally slow, and that key tasks, such as the making of the permanent constitution, numerous elections-related preparatory tasks, and completion of the unification of forces, were still pending.

4.    Then, the following month, September 2024, pursuant to Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS, the Parties to the Agreement, by consensus, agreed to extend the Transitional Period from 22 February 2025 to 22 February 2027, with elections rescheduled to December 2026.

5.    In just over two weeks from now as South Sudan enters the extended period in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, the same tasks still remain pending. 

6.    My briefing today builds on the previous RJMEC reports to this Council, and will highlight our assessment of the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Mr President,

7.    In terms of governance, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has completed its plans and has already opened offices in the ten states. However, financial constraints remain a hindrance to progress in the preparation for elections. Although, as previously reported, the Political Parties Council has already registered 29 political parties, the elections laws stipulate that Parties with armed forces cannot be registered until they relinquish their forces through the process of unification. This includes the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO and others within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). This therefore underscores the need to hasten the unification of forces so that these Parties can participate in the elections. 

8.    The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) and the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) have both successfully delivered their mandates and concluded their work. The NCAC completed the review of 25 laws, whereas the JRC finalised its report with recommendations on appropriate judicial reforms and submitted it to the RTGoNU. The success of these institutions demonstrates that with funding availability, the Peace Agreement institutions and mechanisms can fully discharge their mandates.

9.    In terms of the Transitional Security Arrangements, the permanent ceasefire continues to hold, though recent skirmishes in Western Equatoria State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO over the removal of illegal checkpoints are concerning. CTSAMVM has been tasked to investigate and forward the report to RJMEC. There has been no change in the unification of forces, with approximately 55,000 of the 83,000 Phase 1 Unified Forces trained and graduated, and eight battalions (around 6,000 troops) of the army component deployed, with the remainder still not yet deployed. Persistent levels of intercommunal violence in some parts of the country continue to create disruption, and anxiety and is unsettling.

10.   Further, the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board completed its review and validation of all five strategic policy and security review frameworks, which now await presentation to the Presidency for endorsement.

11.   In regard to the Tumaini Initiative, mediation talks ongoing in Nairobi, I would like to commend H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto for this important Initiative. The people of South Sudan are looking forward to a positive outcome of these talks and hoping that it will bring practical and enhanced transformative approaches in addressing the root causes of conflict, and will hasten the implementation of the Peace Agreement. It is hoped that the parties to the talks will remain focused and maintain a spirit of compromise, cooperation and consensus, in order to achieve a more inclusive peace process that will lead to the country’s first ever elections and usher in a new dispensation of democratic governance underpinned by the rule of law in the post-election phase.

12.   On the humanitarian front, service delivery across the country remains very low, as resources continue to dwindle and budgets are overstretched. The Special Reconstruction Fund and its Board set out in the Revitalised Agreement are not yet established. The impact of the Sudan conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian situation, and has caused a huge influx of returnees and refugees in South Sudan, a number which now stands over 1 million. Widespread flooding is also persistent.

13.   On Resource, Economic and Financial Management, the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee continues to show steady commitment to economic reforms, notably in its improved monitoring of public spending of the national budget, and of revenue collection, especially non-oil revenue. Also, efforts are ongoing to reform the Bank of South Sudan. These reforms are meant to promote financial stability by legally regulating all financial institutions to foster financial intermediation. 

14.   Oil, the country’s main source of foreign earnings was disrupted in the second quarter of 2024 because of the conflict in the Republic of Sudan. The main pipeline transporting about 60% of crude to Port Sudan that was damaged is yet to be repaired. Consequently, revenue earnings fell considerably. 

15.   On Transitional Justice, slow progress is being made. Legislation for the Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), a Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) have been enacted. The process of operationalising these mechanisms is underway following approval of a Cabinet Memorandum by the Council of Ministers in January 2025 for their establishment. Regarding the CTRH, the African Union Commission and UNMISS are working together in the recruitment of 3 out of its 7 Commissioners. These are critical steps in driving the processes of national healing and reconciliation. In terms of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS), no progress has been made. All three institutions should have been established by now, according to the Revitalised Agreement.

16.   Regarding the permanent constitution-making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) formed sub-committees to conduct nationwide civic education and public consultations. However, the progress in implementation of these critical processes is delayed due to lack of resources.

    Mr President,

17.   Familiar challenges facing the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement persist, including low levels of political will and trust deficit among the Parties to the Agreement, and lack of predictable funding. Furthermore, capacity gaps and continued levels of intercommunal violence in the states slow the progress in implementation.

18.   However, with the extended Transitional Period due to begin in just over two weeks, key immediate requirements are the demonstration of political will and provision of funding for the Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the harmonisation of the work plans of the National Elections Commission and National Constitutional Review Commission, and completion of the unification of forces. Meanwhile, it is important to fully establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. It is therefore critical that the activities on the part of the RTGoNU are actively energized and injected with a sense of urgency, as the new extended period commences on 23 February 2025.

19.   I, therefore, appeal to this Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, to consider conducting a visit to show solidarity with the RTGoNU as it enters this critical phase, and to encourage the international community to continue to mobilise resources and political support to help South Sudan achieve its first democratic elections in December 2026.

I Thank You!

To meet the new extended deadline for the holding of elections in Dec. 2026, efforts should be on securing the necessary financial resources in order to quickly implement the critical pending tasks, which also include the unification of forces, says RJMEC, in its latest Quarterly Report released today. Going forward, the RTGoNU needs to demonstrate political will and commitment to overcoming the many challenges and laying the groundwork for lasting and sustainable peace in S.Sudan. The report covers the last quarter of 2024.  

FULL REPORT: bit.ly/4awArPZ 

The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai has on Wednesday November 27, 2024 addressed the 8th governors’ forum in Juba.