TRANSITIONAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS UNDERPIN STABLE, SECURE SOUTH SUDAN; SLOW PACE OF PEACE IMPLEMENTATION CONCERNING
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 04 February 2021 , Juba, South Sudan
Transitional Security Arrangements underpin stable, secure South Sudan; slow pace of peace implementation concerning
The full implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA) as set out in the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is intended to underpin a stable and secure future for the people of South Sudan, but the slow pace of implementation is concerning.
Speaking during the 16thReconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) monthly meeting in Juba on Thursday 4 February 2021, Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai reiterated that implementation of the TSA as envisaged in the R-ARCSS is vital. However, he told the meeting that “no progress is reported on the training, graduation and redeployment of Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) under Phase I.” He warned that “protracted delays and passing of time without progress is detrimental to lasting peace in South Sudan.”
Outstanding issues, he conitnued, include the establishment of a unified command structure for the NUF (Necessary Unified Force), and addressing the ‘ranking’ (of personnel) process and the management of excess senior officers.
Reporting to the meeting about a recent visit to training sites for the NUF, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson said: “It was disheartening to observe that a lack of food and other essential resources, such as medicines, shelter and separate facilities for women, has led to the suffering of the trainees, and to some trainees abandoning the training centres.” Gen. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to avail the necessary resources for the implementation of the Peace Agreement, including the TSA.
In addition, the Interim Chairperson raised concerns about insufficient women’s representation as required in the Revitalised Peace Agreement, urging the Parties to expedite the appointment of all personnel to the government structures at the sub-national level, while observing the 35% level for women’s representation.
Further, the Interim Chairperson called for continued focus on the investigation, arrest, prosecution and sentencing of perpetrators of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) crimes, as well as continued training and sensitisation on SGBV issues within the Organised Forces.
In his recommedations to the meeting, the Interim Chairperson called on the ITGoNU (Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity), SPLM/A-IO, SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) and OPP (Other Political Parties) to submit their nominations to National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
This is in order to facilitate the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States, while observing the 35% level for women’s representation. He also appealed to the ITGoNU to “submit the list of its representatives to the permanent constitutional process workshop to facilitate timely planning and its convening without delay.”
Finally, as the country looks forward to marking ten years of independence for South Sudan on 9 July 2021, the Interim Chairperson said: “It is incumbent on all of us to push hard on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement so that the ten-year celebrations will mark not only the milestone of a decade of independence, but also significant progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.”
ENDS
RJMEC Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, end Year Statement 2020
END OF YEAR STATEMENT TO THE RJMEC MEMBERS BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMMISSION 15 DECEMBER 2020 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
End of Year Statement to the RJMEC Members, By H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai
Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. 15 December 2020 Juba, South Sudan
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
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As a challenging year draws to a close, it is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we have been, but where we are going with respect to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). This year 2020, started with some moderate progress. On 15 February 2020, the issue of the number of states and their boundaries was resolved with a decision by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to revert the country to ten states. This welcome compromise paved the way for the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on 22 February and the establishment of the Council of Ministers on 17 March 2020.
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However, since that time, real progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has been dispiritingly slow. Notwithstanding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the full implementation of the Peace Agreement remains the single most important aspiration of the people of South Sudan. I therefore urge all the Parties, stakeholders, all partners, friends and the people of South Sudan, not to lose sight of this goal. The implementation of the R- ARCSS is important to lay a firm foundation for the conduct of democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.
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Onseveraloccasions,Ihaveurgedforthepaceofimplementationtoincrease, but this has not happened, and much of the same issues are still outstanding even as 2020 draws to a close. I will therefore set out my expectations for the coming year 2021, which I hope all Parties and partners in the Peace Agreement will approach with renewed vigour and determination. The achievement of the outstanding tasks will set the foundation for trust building, and confidence, which will contribute to sustainable peace in South Sudan.
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On the issue of governance arrangements, it is important that the matter of the appointment of the governor of Upper Nile State is resolved in the earliest time possible, given that it is long overdue. However, I am encouraged to learn that last week, the Presidency met and discussed the matter in an effort to find a solution. The other key outstanding governance tasks include the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States – two critical legislative institutions of government.
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Under Article 1.18.1.4 the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) is mandated to receive a list of nominees of respective parties relating to the appointment of members to the reconstituted TNLA. All Parties that have not yet submitted their list of nominees to the NCAC should do so without any further delay. Establishing and staffing the entire structures of the RTGoNU and making them operational will enhance the normal functioning of government at all levels. I would also like to urge the Parties to observe the35% level of women’s representation throughout the establishmentand reconstitution of Government structures.
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On the issue of transitional security arrangements, critical tasks, which were carried forward from the Pre-Transitional Period remain incomplete. It is important to fast track and complete the training, graduation and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) under Phase I and also to expedite Phase II. I expect that the recent senior military leadership training conducted in Nairobi, by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with RJMEC, will help the Parties to address the issue of unified command.
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Equally important to the security arrangements is the implementation of a well-coordinated Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process. In all cases, the RTGoNU must allocate the necessary funding and resources. It is also imperative that the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) Board complete a review of the security policy framework and develop a white paper on defence and security. These will underpin reforms in the security sector in the country. Furthermore, I hope and expect that the Rome Process will contribute to a reduction in the levels and incidents of violence, attributed in part to the activities of the hold-out groups, particularly in the Greater Equatoria Region. Defections, especially of military personnel amongst the peace partners is completely unacceptable and contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement and must not be encouraged.
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On the issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), I am encouraged by the recent steps taken to curb it, including SGBV training to the forces and the operationalisation of dedicated SGBV courts. These efforts must be further strengthened in 2021.
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10.On humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, I express appreciation for assistance given by all stakeholders and urge for continued support. It is important that all stakeholders adhere to the agreed principles for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction set out in Chapter III of the R- ARCSS. In this regard, I call for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid workers, removal of bureaucratic impediments, and continued efforts to address community-based and sub-national violence. In addition, there is urgent need to implement the National framework for return, reintegration and relocation of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is also important to immediately establish the Special Reconstruction Fund to pave way for the convening of the Donor Pledging Conference that will raise funds to support the implementation of the Agreement.
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11.On the Economy, a lot of work still remains to be done including the need to establish the Economic and Finance Management Authority (EFMA). I welcome the commitment expressed by the Minister of Finance to align the R- ARCSS to the National Development Strategy 2018-2021. I look forward to the completion of this process, which will also clarify the financing needs of the implementation of the Agreement. I also take note of the progress being made in areas of Public Financial Management reforms in cooperation with development partners and encourage further reforms in this direction. In view of the above, I welcome the progress made by the NCAC on reviewing and amending the Public Financial Management Act and the Audit Chamber Act and I look forward to these bills becoming laws to enhance transparency and accountability .
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12.With regard to the need for transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation and healing, there is need to immediately begin public consultations and make progress in establishment of the mechanisms as provided for under Chapter V of the Agreement. The participation of all stakeholders and civil society in this process will be critical and the RTGoNU should fully cooperate with the African Union Commission to expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
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13.With regard to the making of a permanent constitution, as provided for under Chapter 6 of the R-ARCSS, I am encouraged to see that consultations towards the convening of the workshop for the parties to agree on the details for the constitutional-making process have begun. I call upon all parties to engage constructively and agree on a roadmap that will make the constitution-making process inclusive and participatory, within the timeline and parameters envisaged by the R-ARCSS.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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14. Let us use this Christmas season as a period of reflection. May we all recommit ourselves to the pursuit of peace and return in the new year refreshed and ready to go the extra mile. I take this opportunity to thank all RJMEC members for the cooperation exhibited in what has been a very challenging time. I also extend our commendation to the leadership of the RTGoNU and the people of South Sudan for staying the course of peace. I wish you all good health and look forward to working closely together for more progress in the year ahead. Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year 2021.
Thank you.
Good financial laws will ensure “transparent and accountable management of public finances and resources”
Review of South Sudan financial laws will ensure transparent and accountable management of public finances and resources, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
ST A TEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. (RTD) CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 15th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, 26 November 2020 Juba, South Sudan
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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Since our last meeting, I have held numerous consultations with the Parties to the Agreement, IGAD Regional Guarantors and the International Community to discuss the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS. I also had the opportunity to meet the IGAD Chairperson, H.E. Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan, where we discussed recent developments and challenges to the implementation of the Agreement. The IGAD Chairperson took note of the progress made so far, and expressed his support for RJMEC efforts in ensuring focused and impartial monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Agreement. Overall, it is clear that a lot of work remains to be done.
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Therefore, in my statement today, I will highlight the key issues regarding the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last monthly meeting, including some recurring challenges, and I will then conclude with my recommendations on the way forward.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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Firstly, on governance. I take note of some progress that has been reported, particularly on the efforts by the inter-party ‘High-Level Committee for the Establishment of State and Local Government Structures and Responsibility Sharing’ in negotiating various positions at the sub-national level. I urge the Parties to fill all the various positions that have already been agreed upon and resolve the outstanding ones.
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In addition, the appointment of the governor of Upper Nile State remains outstanding. I have been informedon numerous occasions that negotiations between the concerned parties are ongoing. I therefore reiterate my previous appeals to the highest political leadership of the country to find compromise and appoint the governor of Upper Nile state. I am hopeful this will help address the instability in the state. The other key outstanding governance tasks include expansion and reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and reconstitution of the Council of States – two critical legislative institutions of government. Establishing and staffing the entire RTGoNU structures and making them operational will enhance the normal functioning of government at all levels. I would like also to urge the Parties to observe the 35% level of women’s representation throughout the establishment and reconstitution of Government structures.
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5.Furthermore, the restructuring or reconstitution of the Commissions and Institutions provided for in the Agreement (Article 1.19) is behind schedule, in particular the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Judicial Service Commission and the National Audit Chamber. Once restructured or reconstituted, these Institutions and Commissions will promote accountability and transparency at all levels of Government. I expect to hear from the RTGoNU the progress on this matter.
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With regards to the chapter on the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, my previous statement raised the issue that the unification of forces and their reorganisation into the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), aPre-Transitional task carried forward to the Transitional Period, was behind schedule. Though I understand that there are efforts on the part of the Joint Defence Board (JDB) and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) to graduate and redeploy unified forces from some training centres in the Equatorias, I would like to hear the plans from the JDB on graduation and redeployment of all trained unified forces.
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Furthermore, key questions remain as to command structures and ranks,which will require considerable reorganisation to be accommodated in the unified forces. I also expect to hear from the JDB this morning about progress in this area. The situation in both training centres and the cantonment sites continues to be of serious concern, with more recent reports from CTSAMVM indicating that food, medicines and other essential resources remain in scarce supply, resulting in some ex-combatants abandoning cantonment sites and training centres. I urge the RTGoNU to avail the adequate funding, and commit to driving the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA) forward at a faster pace.
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8. On the issue of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), I was pleased to note that a workshop for the SSPDF training of trainers on conflict related Gender based and sexual violence was conducted in October as part of the SSPDF Action Plan on “Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.” It is expected that the new trainees will now be able to impart the knowledge acquired to the rest of the SSPDF forces and this capacity to be further increased. I urge the JDB to follow this matter and report in the next monthly meeting on the progress. Other organised forces are also urged to do likewise.
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9. Regarding the inclusion of the holdout groups into the peace process, I can report that the CTSAMVM Technical Workshop was conducted from 9 – 13 November in Rome, Italy. Its aim was to implement the Rome Resolution for the inclusion of South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) into CTSAMVM structures. I expect CTSAMVM to provide more details. I urge the concerned parties to make the most of this opportunity for peace, commit to their fullest in letter and spirit, and observe all the required timelines. I am encouraged that the parties will continue their engagement next week in Rome.
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10. Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for ex- combatants remains an integral part of the unification process. I welcome the technical support and assistance currently being provided by UNDP and UNMISS to the DDR Commission. However, it continues to face severe challenges which need to be addressed, and I expect to hear more on this matter from the DDR Commission. The DDR process has to go hand in hand with the unification process to train and provide alternative means of livelihood to ex-combatants that are not eligible to join the unified force.
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11. It is concerning to note that community-based violence has continued since our last meeting, notably in Jonglei and Warrap. I urge the government and other stakeholders to continue their efforts in addressing sub-national conflicts through dialogue. Accordingly, I was encouraged to learn of a workshop entitled “Addressing the national security threat of armed communal violence” which was convened by the SDSR Board on the 14 and 15 October. I see this as a positive initiative, among others, in reducing levels of community-based violence in the country, the threat of which I hope none of us underestimates.
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12. On the issue of defections. On 1 October, I released a statement to the press in which I said that “whether it is referred to as ‘defection’ or ‘change of allegiance’, the important point is that the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan has made commendable progress in the past two years since its signing and this must not be allowed to weaken because of instability caused by defections or accepting defections, which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement.” I am concerned by recent reports of military defections. This undermines trust and confidence in the peace process. I expect that all Parties to the Agreement view this issue with the seriousness it merits, because any action, including defections, by any party, individuals or groups detracts from the important work of peacebuilding in the country and should be condemned.
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13. Resolution 9 of our last meeting requested the Parties to provide a report to RJMEC on demilitarisation of civilian areas, collection of heavy weapons, and location of forces, size and equipment. I expect to hear an update on this from the Parties. On the issue of occupation of civilian centres, according to CTSAMVM, a total of 16 are presently occupied by the SSPDF, which is contrary to Chapter 2 of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
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14. Onhumanitarian issues, flooding continues to cause many difficulties. According to UNOCHA, over half of the country is affected, disrupting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. I continue to urge for humanitarian support, and express appreciation for assistance already given. Furthermore, access to the people in need continues to be hampered by bureaucratic impediments, floods, and community-based and sub-national violence. This year, eight humanitarian workers have lost their lives, including one in October, while providing aid to people in need. That is in clear contravention of Chapter 3 of the Agreement, and international humanitarian law. I would like to call upon the government to ensure a safe and secure operating environment for humanitarian workers to ensure the continued delivery of much- needed humanitarian services.
15. Since the last monthly meeting, I have requested the Ministry of Finance and Planning to update me on progress regarding the establishment of the Economic and Finance Management Authority (EFMA), Article 4.16, which is a key institution mandated “to provide an effective oversight of economic and public financial management, and to ensure transparency and accountability particularly in the oil/petroleum sector, concessions and contract award, budgetary and public expenditure, revenue collection.” I am awaiting a response about this. The EFMA is an important body which will contribute to the effective and efficient management of public finance and management in South Sudan, and one which is mandated to report to the RJMEC.
16. In terms of transitional justice, there have been some consultations between the Minister of Justice and the RJMEC Secretariat regarding the implementation of Chapter 5. The Minister is seized of the matter. However, I urge the RTGoNU to initiate public consultations on the establishment of the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (as per Article 5.2.1.3), incollaboration with other stakeholders and civil society, which will inform the design of the legislation establishing the Commission. I also urge the RTGoNU to fully cooperate with the African Union Commission to expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (as per Article 5.1.5).
17. On the permanent constitution-making process, I would like to inform you that the preparations of the RJMEC Secretariat in convening the constitutional-making process workshop are underway. The Parties and stakeholders have been invited, some nominees have been received, and we plan to start our pre- workshop engagements next week with the Max Planck Foundation. The workshop is scheduled to be held towards the end of January 2021.
18. Regarding the RJMEC Working Committees. I am pleased to inform you that the RJMEC Working Committees have been reconstituted, and some have begun work. All RJMEC members have been assigned membership of two Working Committees, and have the option of observing a third. I thank the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for nominating his representatives, and urge the other Ministries and RTGoNU ministerial clusters to do the same. I call upon all of you to take the work of these Committees very seriously and actively participate to enable RJMEC to deliver on its mandate.
19. Finally, with regard to the Agreement timeline and delays in implementation, you may recall that in the last meeting, the RTGoNU shared with us a draft revised implementation matrix for the Transitional Period, which was neither presented nor discussed. I would like to suggest that the RTGoNU updates us on this matter.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
20. I would like to conclude with the following recommendations to this meeting.
a) Urge the concerned Parties to urgently resolve the impasse in Upper Nile state and appoint a Governor;
b) Prevail on the Parties to immediately submit their nominations to National Constitutional Amendment Committee in order to facilitate the long overdue reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States;
c) Urge the RTGoNU to restructure and reconstitute the Transitional Commissions and Institutions at the national level listed at Article 1.19 of the Agreement without delay;
d) Urge the Parties to provide a report to RJMEC on demilitarisation of civilian areas, collection of heavy weapons, and location of forces, size and equipment;
e) Urge the RTGoNU to adequately fund the Transitional Security Arrangements, and to expedite and complete the unification of forces, produce the plans for the redeployment of the NUF, and ensure well-coordinated DDR;
f) Encourage the Organised Forces to deliver further training and sensitisation to address SGBV in all its forms
g) Urge the RTGoNU to establish the Economic and Financial Management Authority and implement the rest of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions envisaged in Chapter 4; and
h) Urge the RTGoNU to fast track the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, including through public consultation in collaboration with other stakeholders and civil society, and to cooperate with the African Union Commission to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
21. Finally, I expect that the pace of implementation will gather momentum, thereby building trust and confidence, making peace in South Sudan a reality.
Thank you.
RJMEC HOLDS ITS 15TH MONTHLY MEETING; CALLS FOR CONCERNED PARTIES TO APPOINT UPPER NILE GOVERNOR
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 26 November, 2020 , Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC HOLDS ITS 15THMONTHLY MEETING; CALLS FOR CONCERNED PARTIES TO APPOINT UPPER NILE GOVERNOR
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened its 15thmonthly meeting today, Thursday 26 November, 2020 in Juba.
Speaking to the RJMEC members during the opening of meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“The appointment of the governor of Upper Nile State remains outstanding. I have been informed on numerous occasions that negotiations between the concerned parties are ongoing. I therefore reiterate my previous appeals to the highest political leadership of the country to find compromise and appoint the governor of Upper Nile state. I am hopeful this will help address the instability in the state.”
Continuing his address, the Interim Chairperson said he remains concerned byrecent reports of military defections, adding it undermines trust and confidence in the peace process.
“I expect that all Parties to the Agreement view this issue with the seriousness it merits, because any action, including defections, by any party, individuals or groups detracts from the important work of peace building in the country and should be condemned,” he stated.
In addition, Maj. Gen. Gituai said the situation in both training centres and the cantonment sites continues to be of serious concern, with more recent reports indicating that food, medicines and other essential resources remain in scarce supply, resulting in some ex-combatants abandoning cantonment sites and training centres.
The Interim Chair then spoke about the issue of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for ex-combatants. He said that it “remains an integral part of the unification process. However, it continues to face severe challenges which need to be addressed. The DDR process has to go hand in hand with the unification process to train and provide alternative means of livelihood to ex-combatants that are not eligible to join the unified force.”
On the humanitarian front, the Interim Chair reported that eight humanitarian workers have lost their lives this year, including one in October, while providing aid to people in need.
“That is in clear contravention of Chapter 3 of the Agreement, and international humanitarian law. I would like to call upon the government to ensure a safe and secure operating environment for humanitarian workers to ensure the continued delivery of much-needed humanitarian services.”
ENDS
Op-Ed by Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC
This article by Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), appeared in the local press.
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR BERHANU KEBEDE, CHIEF OF STAFF RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING AND EVALUATION COMMISSION PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE - NATIONAL CONFERENCE, 3 NOVEMBER 2020 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Honourable Minsters,
Excellencies, Ambassadors and Representatives of the Diplomatic Community,
Distinguished participants of the conference,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning.
1. I send you greetings from the interim Chairperson of RJMEC, Major General Charles Tai Gituai, who regrets he cannot be here today. It is therefore my honour to present the following statement on his behalf.
2.At the outset, I would like to take this early moment to thank H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for steering the peace process to this point so far. From the time of the High-Level Revitalisation Forum to the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018, to the establishment of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in February 2020, his leadership has been evident. The President’s decision to revert the country to ten states in February this year was a historic decision which allowed the formation of RTGoNU on a solid foundation. Furthermore, all the Parties to the R-ARCSS have played their part in this success, just like the people of South Sudan who have stood alongside their leaders in the demand for sustainable peace and the full implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. This National Dialogue conference is a part of the concerted efforts towards finding solutions for the sustainable peace in this country. We must therefore all agree that the inclusion and recognition of the voices of the diverse peoples of South Sudan is of utmost importance to the peaceful future of this country.
4.The R-ARCSS has already achieved some tangible peace dividends which must be consolidated, delays and challenges notwithstanding. Therefore, all the Parties to the agreement should seize the opportunity to continuously dialogue amongst themselves and with the people of South Sudan on how to address recurring challenges, implement all its provisions and put this country firmly and irrevocably on the path of sustainable peace and development. This is why the ability to reach and to listen to the grassroots is such an important achievement, and I hope that this conference will reveal much about how to do that.
5. As we continue to implement the Agreement in this Transitional Period, we should appreciate just how the voices of the entire spectrum of South Sudanese society are so important and critical in the implementation. Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice, is essential to atone for crimes committed during the dark days of conflict - the “untold human suffering” that the agreement acknowledges. In this regard, expeditious establishment of the three Transitional Justice institutions will be a great leap forward and RTGoNU support on this matter is critical. Already the African Union has commenced towards the establishment of the Hybrid Court of South Sudan.
6. Furthermore, Chapter 6 of the Agreement on establishing the Permanent Constitution is vital, as it will lay a critical fundamental foundation for enduring peace in South Sudan. The Preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement duly recognises that the Parties to the Agreement are “determined to compensate our people by recommitting ourselves to peace and constitutionalism and not to repeat mistakes of the past.” Therefore, ensuring that the Permanent Constitution is a true reflection of all South Sudan’s peoples’ views of which is of paramount importance.
7. When the Constitution-making process is fully underway, reaching communities at grass-root level and understanding the perspectives of all peoples of South Sudan, irrespective of their backgrounds or political beliefs and affiliations, will be a critical ingredient in establishing the solid foundation that Chapter 6 intends to lay. The RJMEC Secretariat will shortly be convening a workshop to push this process along, as per Article 6.7 of the R-ARCSS. In addition, a comparative study on post-conflict constitution-making processes has been conducted to inform this process, and copies are available on the RJMEC website.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. In closing, I would like to say that the vision of the Revitalised Peace Agreement – to lay “the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law”– is truly laudable. I urge the National Dialogue to support the achievement of this goal through whatever ways they can, not least in the sharing of their knowledge and experience they have gained in their work. Their recommendations at the end of this conference will be of particular interest and it is RJMEC’S hope that those recommendations will bond well with the R-ARCSS. I wish all participants every success in this event.
Thank you
RJMEC ADDRESSES NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE: URGES ITS SUPPORT OF REVITALISED PEACE AGREEMENT
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 4 November 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ADDRESSES NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE: URGES ITS SUPPORT OF REVITALISED PEACE AGREEMENT
At the opening day of the National Dialogue conference on 3 November 2020, held in Juba, South Sudan, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, Chief of Staff of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), delivered remarks to the distinguished participants on behalf of Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC.
Noting that the “National Dialogue conference is a part of the concerted efforts towards finding solutions for the sustainable peace in this country”, Ambassador Kebede told the gathering:
“We must therefore all agree that the inclusion and recognition of the voices of the diverse peoples of South Sudan is of utmost importance to the peaceful future of this country.”
Referring to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), he continued:
“I would like to say that the vision of the Revitalised Peace Agreement – to lay “the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law”– is truly laudable. I urge the National Dialogue to support the achievement of this goal through whatever ways they can, not least in the sharing of their knowledge and experience they have gained in their work. Their recommendations at the end of this conference will be of particular interest and it is RJMEC’S hope that those recommendations will bond well with the R-ARCSS.”
In particular, Ambassador Kebede drew attention to Chapters Five and Six of the R-ARCSS in his remarks.
“As we continue to implement the Agreement in this Transitional Period, we should appreciate just how the voices of the entire spectrum of South Sudanese society are so important and critical in the implementation. Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice, is essential to atone for crimes committed during the dark days of conflict - the “untold human suffering” that the agreement acknowledges. In this regard, expeditious establishment of the three Transitional Justice institutions will be a great leap forward and RTGoNU support on this matter is critical.”
Ambassador Kebede added: “Furthermore, Chapter 6 of the Agreement on establishing the Permanent Constitution is vital, as it will lay a critical fundamental foundation for enduring peace in South Sudan. The Preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement duly recognises that the Parties to the Agreement are “determined to compensate our people by recommitting ourselves to peace and constitutionalism and not to repeat mistakes of the past.” Therefore, ensuring that the Permanent Constitution is a true reflection of all South Sudan’s peoples’ views of which is of paramount importance.”
“When the Constitution-making process is fully underway, reaching communities at grass-root level and understanding the perspectives of all peoples of South Sudan, irrespective of their backgrounds or political beliefs and affiliations, will be a critical ingredient in establishing the solid foundation that Chapter 6 intends to lay.”
Ambassador Kebede began his remarks by thanking H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for steering the peace process to this point so far, noting that throughout the process, his leadership has been evident, and that the people of South Sudan have stood alongside their leaders in the demand for sustainable peace and the full implementation of the Agreement.
[ENDS]
RJMEC releases its latest quarterly report on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has released its latest quarterly on the status of implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
RJMEC Working Committees reconvene
The reconstituted Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) working committees have started their meetings this week.
The successful implementation of the R-ARCSS calls for continued collective sacrifice and consensus
By Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai
I would like to start by offering my thanks to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the Government of South Sudan for the very warm welcome and reception I have so far received in this country. I also wish to take this very early opportunity to thank H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya for bestowing special trust and confidence in me by nominating me for this appointment. My gratitude and thanks also must go to the IGAD Heads of State and Government for endorsing me as the Interim Chair of RJMEC.