Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 07 March, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CHAIR BRIEFS THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL, UNDERSCORES CRITICAL TASKS PENDING FOR “FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS”

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday 7 March, 2022 briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), highlighted key critical pending tasks including requirements for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.

In his address delivered virtually from Juba, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: “In RJMEC’s assessment, the tasks most critical for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections under the Revitalized Peace Agreement are the unification of forces and their redeployment, enactment of the permanent constitution, review of political parties and electoral related laws, and reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission.”

He added, “I wish to underscore the importance of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, preparing” the way for a democratic transition through free, fair and credible elections.” 

While noting some progress has been achieved since the signing of the Revitilised Agreement in 2018, Gen. Gituai highlighted “several recurring challenges facing it”. 

“The challenges include lack of sufficient resources, insufficient political will and commitment of some actors, trust deficit amongst the Parties; capacity gaps, subnational violence and activities of the holdout groups, military defections from one signatory party to another, flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

Given these challenges facing the implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry (in Feb 2023), RJMEC Chairperson said,  the Commission has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to develop a clear roadmap and strategy within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on how to implement the outstanding critical tasks as the end of the Transitional Period approaches. 

“The roadmap should be consensus-based, with verifiable benchmarks and timelines,” he said.

In closing, the Chaiperson made the following recommendations to the UN Security Council:

a)    actively engage the Revitalised Unity Government to ensure implementation of the critical outstanding tasks, especially the unification of forces and the permanent constitution making process, both tasks fundamental to the holding of free, fair and credible elections;

b)    encourage the Revitalised Unity Government to reconcile their inter-party differences and to work collegially in the best interests of South Sudan and its people;

c)    assist the Revitalised Unity Government’s efforts in mobilising resources from the international community to enhance implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement;

d)    support the Revitalised Unity Government to establish the Special Reconstruction Fund, and convene a South Sudan Pledging Conference to provide support to conflict-affected states and communities, as provided for in the Agreement; and

e)    continue supporting the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

ENDS

STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 7 MARCH, 2022, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

-       President of the UN Security Council,

-       Distinguished Members of the Council,

-       Excellencies,

-       Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. President

1.   I thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council of the United Nations for my first time as Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). I would like to offer my congratulations to the United Arab Emirates for assuming the Presidency of the UN Security Council this month, March 2022, and I thank them for inviting RJMEC to brief the Council this morning. We wish them the best in their Presidency. 

2.   RJMEC is the official oversight body mandated to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which was mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). RJMEC oversees the mandate and tasks of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), including the adherence by the Parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule.

3.   RJMEC is obligated under Article 7.9 of the R-ARCSS to submit quarterly status reports, followed by detailed briefings to this Council, and the following:

-       the Revitalised Unity Government Council of Ministers;

-       the Transitional National Legislative Assembly; 

-       the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government; 

-       the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers; 

-       the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; 

-       the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; and 

-       the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed in September 2018, RJMEC has submitted 13 status of implementation reports. 

4.   Mr. President, although there has been some progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, the end of the Transitional Period in February 2023 is fast approaching, and yet several critical tasks of the Agreement remain unimplemented.

5.   Therefore, my briefing to this august Council will focus on the key milestones achieved in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement to date, critical pending tasks, and requirements for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period as per the Agreement. I will also highlight recurring challenges and conclude with recommendations. 

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

6.   As you may recall, in July 2016 armed conflict broke out in South Sudan within one year of signing of the 2015 Peace Agreement, and barely two months after the first coalition government was formed. By contrast, the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement has entered its fourth year and the Revitalised Unity Government marked its second anniversary last month, February 2022, an indication of comparative success. 

7.   Since its signing, the Revitalised Peace Agreement has contributed significantly to the following:

a)            cessation of violence across the country amongst the signatories to the Agreement and continued holding of the permanent ceasefire;

b)            the establishment and reconstitution of all Pre-Transitional institutions and implementation mechanisms of the Agreement;

c)             establishment of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity and state level government;

d)            reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislature and the state assemblies;

e)            incorporation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS, 2011), as amended;

f)              the review and amendments of all security related laws by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), which have been submitted to the Revitalised Unity Government, awaiting enactment;

g)            cantonment and screening, selection and training of Phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces, with approximately 50,000 trainees awaiting graduation and redeployment;

h)            opening of humanitarian corridors which has facilitated gradual voluntary return of some refugees and IDPs;

i)              stabilisation of the exchange rate and progress in implementing some economic reforms by the Revitalised Unity Government; and

j)              development of a roadmap for implementing the requirements of Transitional Justice and the making of the Permanent Constitution.

8.   The above progress notwithstanding, some critical tasks of the Agreement remain pending. Most notably, they include the following:  

a.     establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee mandated to study and recommend appropriate judicial reforms to the Revitalised Unity Government; 

b.     ratification of eight bills by the Transitional National Legislature (TNL), namely six security bills, the Constitution Making Bill, and the Political Parties Bill;

c.      reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, and amendment of the National Elections Act, 2012, and reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC);

d.     the unification of forces and their redeployment; 

e.      implementing Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration programmes;

f.       addressing the challenges of reconstruction, repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of IDPs and returnees;

g.     establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and Board and the convening of a South Sudan Pledging Conference to support its humanitarian and reconstruction efforts;

h.     reforming the Public Financial Management institutions, especially the National Audit Chamber and the Anti-Corruption Commission to enhance transparency and accountability;

i.       establishment of the three Transitional Justice mechanisms, namely the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority; and

j.       Completion of the permanent constitution making process to guide the conduct of elections.

9.   In RJMEC’s assessment, the tasks most critical for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement are the unification of forces and their redeployment, enactment of the permanent constitution, review of political parties and electoral related laws, and reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission. 

10.         I wish to underscore the importance of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, preparing the way for a democratic transition through free, fair and credible elections. 

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

11.  Overall, progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has generally been very slow from the beginning, and there are several recurring challenges facing it. The challenges include lack of sufficient resources (both financial and material) needed for the implementation of the Agreement; insufficient political will and commitment of some actors; trust deficit amongst the Parties; capacity gaps; subnational violence and activities of the holdout groups; military defections from one signatory party to another; flooding; and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

12.  Given the challenges facing implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry, RJMEC has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to review the status of the implementation of the Agreement and develop a clear roadmap and strategy within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on how to implement the outstanding critical tasks as the end of the Transitional Period approaches. The roadmap should be consensus-based, with verifiable benchmarks and timelines.

Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

13.  I therefore conclude with the following recommendations to this Council: 

a)   actively engage the Revitalised Unity Government to ensure implementation of the critical outstanding tasks, especially the unification of forces and the permanent constitution making process, both tasks fundamental to the holding of free, fair and credible elections;

b)   encourage the Revitalised Unity Government to reconcile their inter-party differences and to work collegially in the best interests of South Sudan and its people;

c)    assist the Revitalised Unity Government’s efforts in mobilising resources from the international community to enhance implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement;

d)   support the Revitalised Unity Government to establish the Special Reconstruction Fund, and convene a South Sudan Pledging Conference to provide support to conflict-affected states and communities, as provided for in the Agreement; and

e)   continue supporting the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

14.  Finally, Mr President, I would like to appeal to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, to encourage you to consider visiting the country again, and to continue supporting RJMEC in its mandate, including providing regular briefings to the Council on the status of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. 

I Thank You.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC UNDERSCORES KEY ROLES CIVIL SOCIETY PLAY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS 

Civil Society in South Sudan has key roles to play in pushing for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), said the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Chairperson.

Speaking in Bor, Jonglei State on Tuesday 15 February 2022 during a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“Advocating for the contents and the values of the Agreement as widely as possible helps to push along implementation.  The more Civil Society understands and is able to explain the Agreement to its constituents, the more effective the push for its implementation becomes,” adding that the R-ARCSS “offers the best window of opportunity for lasting peace.”

“Your knowledge, capabilities and experience with your constituencies are invaluable. In particular, there are some key ways in which, I see your relative advantages and potential as civil society in supporting the implementation environment here in South Sudan,” he added.

Further, the Chairperson of RJMEC noted that Civil Society can initiate, promote and strengthen comprehensive and objective dialogue between the government and the people. “Your flexibility and potential to reach out to communities helps to adapt to external changes when governments can typically be slower to react,” he said.

Civil Society can understand clearly and focus on where there are shared interests of the people they serve, he said, while adding that, “In this way, you form a powerful link which bridges the space between the people and the government, and then promote the shared interests.”

There are always challenges to any peace process, the Interim Chair noted, “and civil society is an excellent early warning system.”  “You can create awareness and caution about the possibility of upsets or obstacles to implementation. In your own ways, you then promote the move towards dialogue through sensitisation and awareness creation.” 

“The monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the R-ARCSS will be much the stronger as a result of your unity of voice and purpose, your access to the grassroots, and your advocacy remains central for the continued implementation of the Agreement. The challenges in South Sudan are many. It has been a long road, but civil society must have a voice that can be heard far and wide.” 

The four-day consultative forum was convened by RJMEC, Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) in collaboration with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and Nonviolent Peaceforce.

ENDS

Today, February 22 February 2022, marks exactly 24 months since the beginning of the Transitional Period and the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

With two years of transitional period gone, much in the R-ARCSS remains to be done

Today, February 22 February 2022, marks exactly 24 months since the beginning of the Transitional Period and the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). 

With the clock ticking and just 12 months to the end of the Transitional Period, much remain at stake in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

While the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) acknowledges progress made, particularly in terms of governance, the Commission takes note of key tasks that remain pending:

1. Several key pieces of legislation are not ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and State governments are not fully functioning;
2. the forces are not unified;
3. the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;
4. public financial management reforms remain largely undone;
5. the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and
6. beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.

 The Permanent Constitution process must be fast-tracked, as this is a pre-requisite for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period. The new constitution represents democratisation, the rule of law and a stable South Sudan.

Further, security is the foundation upon which the country’s future is built. The RTGoNU should make dedicated financial resources available for the completion of the much-delayed Transitional Security Arrangements, especially the graduation and redeployment of the unified forces.

Additionally, a clear plan of action to address the current dire humanitarian situation and the facilitation of voluntary returns of IDPs and repatriation of refugees is needed, while specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a Transitional Period must be embarked on in earnest.

 Next, RJMEC urges the establishment of the Transitional Justice mechanisms, especially the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Hybrid Court for South Sudan without further delay. Accountability and justice are important building blocks for peace and reconciliation, and these mechanisms are a cornerstone in building accountability and the rule of law for the Republic of South Sudan.

With these pending tasks and the limited time left, renewed vigor, commitment, compromise and political will are needed to deliver the South Sudan that the R-ARCSS enviages.  The implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the best hope for building durable and sustaibanle peace in South Sudan. 

ENDS

Civil Society in South Sudan has key roles to play in pushing for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), said the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Chairperson.

With just 12 months left before the end of the Transitional Period, critical tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 10 February, 2022, Juba, South SudaN

WITH JUST 12 MONTHS LEFT OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, KEY TASKS REMAIN OUTSTANDING

With just 12 months left before the end of the Transitional Period, critical tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented.

Speaking during the 21st plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 February 2022 in Juba, Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“There is now just 12 months left of the Transitional Period, and elections are due to take place 60 days before it ends, and yet key unimplemented tasks are outstanding.”

These tasks, the Interim Chairperson outlined in his opening remarks, include: 

i)               Several important pieces of legislation are not ratified and state governments are not fully functioning;

ii)             the forces are not unified;

iii)            the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;

iv)            public financial management reforms remain largely undone;

v)             the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and

vi)            beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.  

“At this crucial stage of implementation, and with such a comparatively short time left in the Transitional Period, your insights on the challenges facing South Sudan are vital,” Maj. Gen. Gituai told the meeting.

In his recommendations, Maj. Gen. Gituai urged the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties and constitution making bills. He further urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes.

On the humanitarian situation in the country, the Interim Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund, in line also with the recent African Union Peace and Security Council, meeting resolutions. This is especially important, he said, considering the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing the country, including the continued need for aid for flood-affected communities.

“The living conditions of flood-affected people in displacement sites remain dire and are likely to further deteriorate with the onset of seasonal rains. There are many hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people requiring humanitarian assistance,” the Interim Chairperson added.

FULL STATEMENT: https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/jmec-statements/item/599-statement-by-h-e-maj-gen-charles-tai-gituai-rtd-interim-chairperson-rjmec-to-the-21st-rjmec-monthly-meeting-thursday-10-february-2022-juba-south-sudan 

ENDS

STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ GEN CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 21ST RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING 

THURSDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2022

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   This being our first meeting for the new year 2022, allow me to wish you all a belated Happy New Year. This Plenary meeting falls just under two weeks before we reach the point marking two years since the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) was formed. There is now just 12 months left of the Transitional Period, and elections are due to take place 60 days before it ends, and yet key unimplemented tasks are outstanding, including:

i)          Several important pieces of legislation are not ratified and state governments are not fully functioning;

ii)          the forces are not unified;

iii)         the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;

iv)          public financial management reforms remain largely undone;

v)            the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and

vi)          beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.   

2.   With much to be done in a short timeframe, it is important that the RTGoNU briefs this meeting on the practical remedial measures with which it intends to implement these, and other key tasks required by the R-ARCSS within the remaining timeframe. Today therefore, I will highlight some of the most recent progress on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last monthly meeting, outstanding tasks, challenges requiring remedial action, and conclude with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

3.   Regarding governance, since our last meeting, the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has enacted the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 8, which therefore aligns the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011, (as amended) to the R-ARCSS. Also enacted is the Amendment Bill No. 9 which covers amendments made to some of the security bills. These bills have since been signed into law by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan.

4.   I am informed that the State Legislative Assemblies have been reconstituted in all the ten states, and it is encouraging that the Lakes State and Central Equatoria have sworn-in their members. I urge that the inauguration of the remaining State Legislative Assemblies be expedited so that they can discharge their oversight and legislative functions.   

5.   There are other outstanding tasks in governance, including the restructuring and reconstitution of the Commissions and Institutions at the national level in line with article 1.19 of the R-ARCSS, and the establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC). On the JRC, I have been informed that IGAD has completed the process of selection of its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and is awaiting its operationalisation. 

6.   In regard to the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA), and in particular, the screening, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces for Phase One, it is disappointing that progress remains very slow.  Since my last report, I have been informed that the three JDB Implementation Committees have undertaken their screening and selection tasks in the Training Centres. I look forward to receiving an update from the JDB at this meeting.

7.   I wish to restate my concern that DDR remains without the necessary support and funds from the RTGoNU. The DDR process is integral to the successful implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, and I urge the RTGoNU to ensure that the DDR Commission, an essential component of the TSAs, receives all the support it needs as a matter of urgency. That said, I welcome the Joint RTGoNU and ‘Friends of South Sudan’ Community Violence Reduction/DDR pilot initiative which is currently underway to complement the DDR Commission Strategy. I look forward to hearing more from the DDR Commission today.

8.   I received four verified violation reports from CTSAMVM this month which include:  i) the attack, rape and abduction of civilians in August 2021 attributed to NAS; ii) the killing and detention of civilians during clashes between SSPDF and NAS forces in September 2021; iii) forced recruitment of civilians by the SPLA/IO between October and December 2021; and iv) an attack on an SSPDF Barracks by NAS forces in November 2021. Consequently, I have since written to the Chiefs of Defence Forces of SSPDF, the SPLA-IO, and NAS to remind them of their responsibilities and to urge them to take action against perpetrators.   

9.   Turning now to the recent Kit Gwang issue, we urge parties to such conflicts to observe and work within the parameters of the R-ARCSS in achieving peace. Any defections or accepting defections by armed groups is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement. Delays in the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements is a major contributing factor in the occurrence of defections. I therefore urge the RTGoNU parties to expedite the implementation of all the Transitional Security Arrangements, especially the graduation and unification of the forces, which will serve to lessen the likelihood of defections. I would like to hear the opinions of the RJMEC members on this issue. 

10.  I am concerned about continuing community-based violence, as exemplified by the recent attacks and loss of lives in Baidit Payam, outside of Bor, Jonglei State. The resulting displacement of civilians in incidences of such violence, and the added need for and strain on the delivery of humanitarian services, is worrying. I urge the RTGoNU to undertake measures to address the cycles of violence across the country and build durable peace. Fully functioning governments at the states’ level can have a positive impact.  

11.  Similarly, I continue to receive reports of clashes in the Equatorias between NAS forces and those of the SSPDF. I urge the Parties to the Rome peace process to adhere to their commitments to the Rome Resolution and Declaration, and the resumption of talks under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio should provide an inclusive opportunity to address the insecurity in the Equatorias.

12.  On Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), while I note the efforts of the SSPDF and JDB to combat SGBV, I am concerned that there are still SGBV cases committed by some elements of the various forces being reported by CTSAMVM. I call upon the JDB to ensure accountability for violations committed by the forces. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

13.  On the humanitarian situation, there are many outstanding challenges. The living conditions of flood-affected people in displacement sites remain dire and are likely to further deteriorate with the onset of seasonal rains. There are many hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people requiring humanitarian assistance. In terms of food security, reports from the FAO / WFP indicate that between February to May 2022, the magnitude and severity of already very high levels of acute food insecurity is likely to worsen. 

14.  Last year, an estimated 270,000 refugees were reported to have voluntarily returned to South Sudan, 28,440 of these having returned in December 2021 alone.  I commend UNHCR and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission for their efforts to enable the movement of voluntary returnees. I urge the RTGoNU to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of mechanisms such as the State and National Level Task Forces on Solutions and local governance structures to enable the smooth management of voluntary returns.

15.  On Resource, Economic and Financial Management, I would like to commend the RTGoNU and its partners for efforts in catalysing the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through the newly lunched Enterprise Development project. In the spirit of the Agreement, South Sudan’s private sector and youth economic empowerment can only be achieved through improved capacity in entrepreneurship and access to finance

16.  Equally important, there is need to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources to ensure sustainable peace and development in South Sudan. In particular, there is great need for more emphasis on the management of the natural resources. In this regard, I urge the RTGoNU to finalise the review of the National Land Policy and legislate the reviewed 2008 Land Act. Considering the influx of returnees into the country and increased economic activity in the agriculture sector, it is important to address the challenges posed by land grabbing and other malpractices involving land. 

17.  Furthermore, there is need for the RTGoNU to develop a comprehensive policy for the use and management of Nile and other water resources, as per article 4.8.3 of the R-ARCSS, in order to attract increased investment in this sector. 

18.  On transitional justice, the Technical Committee on the CTRH establishment has completed its plans towards undertaking public consultations. The RTGoNU has committed SSP 25 million (approximately $60,000) to support this process, and the Ministry has indicated that additional support from partners for this process could be forthcoming. I urge the Ministry to now proceed quickly and commence the public consultations process.

19.   On the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS), no progress has been observed here since our last meeting. On the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA), I am informed that the Minister of Justice is working with partners to obtain technical assistance in the area of compensation and reparation. Such support will go a long way in informing its understanding on how to draft appropriate CRA legislation.

20.  I wish to commend the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and partners for the recent conference convened between the 13 and 15 of December 2021 to enable stakeholders to work towards a shared vision for a holistic approach to transitional justice in South Sudan.

21. Lastly, on the permanent constitution-making process, there is no significant progress to report. The Constitution Making Process Bill 2021 is pending ratification by the Reconstituted TNLA. I urge the leadership of the Reconstituted TNLA to immediately present this bill for consideration and enactment, alongside the budget.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

22.   As we move towards the final 12 months of the Transitional Period, I would like to help focus minds and close my statement with the following recommendations:

a)   urge the reconstituted TNLA to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties and constitution making bills;

b)   urge the operationalisation of all the State Legislatures;

c)    urge the RTGoNU to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes;

d)   urge the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund without further delay, in line also with the recent AU PSC meeting resolutions. This is especially important considering the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing the country, including the continued need for aid for flood-affected communities;

e)   urge the RTGoNU and the African Union Commission to push forward with establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and urge the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to commence the public consultations on the CTRH; and

f)     urge the parties and stakeholders to commence preparations for their nominations of representatives to the different constitution-making institutions and mechanisms. 

23.        At this crucial stage of implementation, and with such a comparatively short time left in the Transitional Period, your insights on the challenges facing South Sudan are vital. I encourage you all to consider carefully this status of implementation report, and suggest practical remedial measures that can unlock progress. It is my expectation that RTGoNU will present to this meeting a clear roadmap on the way forward in regard to the implementation of the remaining tasks in the Agreement. Equally your proposals in this meeting will help guide the discussions and decisions of the RTGoNU.

24.        I wish you fruitful deliberations. 

I thank You.  

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has released its fourth quarterly report on the status of implementation of the implementation of Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for the period covering 1st October to 31st December 2021 

Full report: https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/rjmec-quarterly-reports/199-rjmec-quarterly-report-on-the-status-of-implementation-of-the-r-arcss-from-1st-october-to-31th-december-2021/file 

As the year 2021 draws to a close and the new year approaches, it is natural that as we take rest with our loved ones over the holdiday period, we look back and take stock of what has happened this year.