RJMEC supports R-ARCSS dissemination training for S. Sudan teachers
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation (RJMEC) in collaboration with Hold the Child Organization have convened a two-day workshop aimed at orientating primary and secondary school teachers on the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
ADDRESS IMPEDIMENTS AGAINST S. SUDAN'S ECONOMIC, POLITICAL EAC INTEGRATION, SAYS RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Friday, September 26,2019, Nairobi, Kenya
The Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, Amb. Lt. Gen. Augustino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd) presented a paper on “Integrating South Sudan in the East African Community” at the High-Level Conference on Trade Integration 2019 held from 25 – 27 September 2019 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. This Conference was convened by the Secretariat of the EAC on the theme: Enhancing trade integration in the East African Community.
In his presentation, the Interim Chairperson demonstrated how the South Sudan peace process is a critical ingredient for her successful and effective political integration in the EAC. He argues that post-conflict stabilization, including all necessary reforms that would result in independent, accountable and strong institutions of governance in South Sudan are crucial for effective and holistic integration in the EAC.
The Interim Chairperson further stated that Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides an opportunity for facilitating effective integration of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous South Sudan in the EAC. He adds, “the R-ARCSS offers a broad framework to achieve the aspiration for stabilization of the country through a series of comprehensive political, security, humanitarian, economic and constitutional reforms”.
The Interim Chairperson concluded that the integration of South Sudan in the EAC should be expedited and not wait for the end of the transitional period.
Finally, the Interim Chairperson recommended that the EAC should engage more with South Sudan and give her special considerations in view of her current post-conflict status, and also appealed to the EAC member states to support their South Sudan counterpart to fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement. -–Ends--
NCAC hands over Fire Brigade Bill to Minister for Constitutional Affairs
The National Constitutional Affairs Committee (NCAC) has on Thursday handed over the National Fire Brigade ServiceBill, 2019 to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff-Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine Radio Miraya Interview in Juba on September 19, 2019.
RJMEC Deputy Chairperson H.E Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge during the 9th monthly plenary held on September 12, 2019 in Juba, South Sudan.
Time running out for cantonment of forces, says RJMEC
While noting some progress has been made on the operationalization of cantonment sites, time is running out for the cantonment, selection and training of the 50% of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Force (NUF) to be completed by September 30, 2019, RJMEC Interim Chairperson has said.
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 9TH RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING, THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER, 2019, JUBA SOUTH SUDAN.n
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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I welcome all of you to the 9th RJMEC meeting. This meeting marks exactly one year since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which is a laudable achievement, not least because of the silencing of the guns across the country, but this also presented a real opportunity to end the conflict in South Sudan permanently. In the past 12 months, we have witnessed constructive engagement of the Parties in implementing the Peace Agreement, which has rekindled hope of attaining sustainable peace in the country.
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However, today we have only two months to the end of the extended Pre-Transitional Period, and much remains to be done. We must therefore redouble our efforts to accomplish all the outstanding Pre- Transitional tasks within this remaining short time.
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In my statement this morning, I will provide an update on the progress of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks since we last met, including a review of the status of the resolutions of the last meeting, the recurring challenges, and then I will conclude with some recommendations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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To begin with, an update on the progress of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks. You will recall that the last time we met, I expressed concern at the slow pace of implementation. This slow progress was partly the reason why IGAD invited the Parties to the Agreement to Addis Ababa for urgent consultations on 21st August 2019. However, I am pleased to report that the pace has since picked up.
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Regarding the transitional security arrangements, I am happy to report that at long last, some cantonment sites have become operational, and I want to commend the Parties, the Joint Defence Board (JDB), the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) for this milestone. I am aware that the JDB continues to put in place the necessary framework for cantonment of all forces, and the JMCC continues to prepare the remaining cantonment sites. The JTSC is also making progress in preparing the designated 18 training sites. That said, time is running out and much still remains to be done if 50 per cent of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Forces are to be cantoned, selected and in training by 30 September 2019. I urge the JDB to provide leadership in planning and coordination in order to ensure expeditious and concurrent implementation of the cantonment and training of forces.
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I am happy to report that the expected in-kind support from the AU Commission arrived in Juba, and I wish to commend AU Commission for fulfilling its pledge of delivering the materials and Ambassador Joram Biswaro for coordinating the delivery. Similarly, I wish to thank the government of the People’s Republic of China for providing 1500 tons of rice, and the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for providing medical supplies.
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As implementation of the Peace Agreement is mainly the responsibility of the Parties to the Agreement, I would like to underline the importance of the timely and predictable disbursement of the $100 million for the cantonment, training, and unification of the NUF to be completed by 11th November.
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I once again reiterate my humble appeal to the Regional governments who have pledged support, to expedite delivery. I also urge the Partners and Friends of South Sudan, and the international community, to offer more support to the cantonment process. I am keen to learn of the latest progress on cantonment, and I expect the Chairperson of the JMCC to update today’s meeting shortly.
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The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has finalized the drafting of the Fire Brigade Service Bill, 2019 and has scheduled its submission to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. However, I am becoming increasingly concerned with the delay in the ratification and enactment of the amended Constitution, and the other laws already submitted by the NCAC. I urge the I-TGoNU and the TNLA to expedite the process. In the meantime, the NCAC has embarked on the review of the Public Finance Management and economic sector laws, and I look forward to hearing more from the Chairman of NCAC shortly.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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Now, for an update on the progress of the resolutions of the last meeting in which the Plenary appealed to the I-TGoNU and the NPTC to expedite the nominations and appointment process of theDDR Commission’s Chairperson and Deputy and to ensure itsimmediate reconstitution. I communicated this matter of the DDRCommission’s reconstitution to the IGAD Council of Ministers, who decided that the matter be completed by the end of August 2019. I understand that the appointments were made by Presidential Decree yesterday. I will await further detail from the NPTC.
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You may recall that the Plenary resolved that the JMCC and CTSAMVM should conduct an assessment on protection-related risks to the civilian population at cantonment sites and recommend mitigation measures to be put in place. I expect the JMCC and CTSAMVM to give a report on this.
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As you may also recall, the Plenary endorsed my recommendation to the IGAD Council of Ministers that a meeting of the Parties be convened to review progress in the implementation of the critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks. I am pleased to report that this meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 21st August 2019. Its communique has been availed to you today.
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The Plenary further resolved that the Parties continue with coordinated dissemination and joint confidence-building measures and encouraged the other stakeholders and partners to equally engage in disseminating the Agreement and messages of the peace to their various constituents. I am pleased to note that there have been at least two occasions in Rajaf and Gudele 2 where the Parties appeared together and addressed grassroots dissemination meetings. These events, staged by the NPTC Dissemination Unit, supported by RJMEC, and UNMISS, are positive steps and should continue. I would like to see all Stakeholders to the Agreement participating in future events.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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The citizens of South Sudan are demanding to know more about the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and the progress of its implementation. Accordingly, the RJMEC Secretariat has in the past few weeks, in partnership with faith-based and civil society leaders, undertaken dissemination in the towns of Wau, Torit, Yambio and Maridi. Our experience demonstrates that citizens have limited knowledge of the R-ARCSS. This justifies the need for more work to be done on dissemination.
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I would like to add a word about the National Dialogue. We are all aware of the ongoing political process being undertaken by the National Dialogue. This process is complementary to the Revitalised Peace Agreement as both are key to the peace process in South Sudan. My appeal to the National Dialogue Committee is that their various dialogue platforms also be used for disseminating the revitalized Peace Agreement to the citizens. We are fortunate to have an RJMEC member representing the Eminent Personalities, and who is also a member of the National Dialogue. I wish to request that he be given the opportunity to inform the RJMEC meetings on its progress from time to time.
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On the number and boundaries of States, this issue was included in the agenda of the Addis Ababa meeting of the Parties and it was agreed that the Parties would discuss the matter further with a view to finding a common solution, and report to the IGAD Ordinary Summit, due in mid-September 2019.
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You may recall that in the last meeting, we called upon the Parties to hold regular face to face meetings of all the political leadership in order to build trust and confidence among themselves and address the challenges facing implementation. In that regard, I would like towelcome this week’s face-to-face meetings of His Excellency Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO. Their commitment to resolve the outstanding issues, either personally or by putting in place official mechanisms, is critical for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
18. The Permanent Ceasefire is holding. However, I am concerned by the recently reported insecurity incidents in the areas of Aweil East, Raja and Yei River. The Chairperson of CTSAMVM will shed more light on these incidents shortly.
19. In terms of the humanitarian situation, the UNHCR reported that there was the spontaneous return of displaced persons and refugees during August. I hope to hear more from UNMISS.
20. Regarding the economy, I am encouraged that the exchange rate continues to remain fairly stable. However, rising food prices continues to be the main contributor to inflation.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
21. I would like to conclude with the following recommendations:
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that the DDR Commission immediately operationalizes a plan
of action, which is vital to the cantonment process;
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the I-TGoNU should expedite the disbursement of additional
funds for cantonment so that its pace can be increased;
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the Parties to the Agreement should resolve the issue of the number and boundaries of States of South Sudan as per the resolution of the IGAD Council of Ministers in consultation with the Parties of 21st August 2019;
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I reiterate my appeal to the Region, Partners and Friends of South Sudan, and the international community, to support the implementation of the revitalized Peace Agreement, in particular, the cantonment process; and
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I also reiterate my appeal to the NPTC to organise joint dissemination of the revitalized Peace Agreement to all South Sudanese, within the country, in displaced persons’ camps, inrefugee camps and in the Diaspora.
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Finally, I must remind the Parties once again how short the time is, and that they must work closely together in order to accomplish the remaining critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks within the remaining two months.
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I wish you fruitful deliberations. God bless you all.I thank you.
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR CANTONMENT OF FORCES, SAYS RJMEC
Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Thursday, September 12 2019, Juba, South Sudan
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR CANTONMENT OF FORCES, SAYS RJMEC
At the 9thmonthly meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the Interim Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, noted that while some progress has been made on the operationalization of cantonment sites, time is running out for the cantonment, selection and training of the 50% of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Force (NUF) to be completed by September 30, 2019.
Accordingly, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino called on the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration)Commission to immediately operationalize an action plan, which, he said, is vital to the cantonment process.
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge applauded the recent face-to-face meeting between His Excellency Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM/A-IO, Dr. Riek Machar, saying that such meetings are critical for the successful implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“Their commitment to resolve the outstanding issues, either personally or by putting in place official mechanisms, is critical for the successful implementation in order to build trust and confidence among themselves and address the challenges facing implementation,” he said.
Ambassador Njoroge concluded, telling those present: “I must remind the Parties once again how short the time is, and that they must work closely together in order to accomplish the remaining critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks within the remaining two months.”
ENDS
RJMEC commends AUC, China donation to cantonment sites
The Interim Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Friday lauded the in-kind support meant for different parts of South Sudan to facilitate the cantonment process. The materials were donated by the African Union Commission (AUC).
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON LAUDS AUC, CHINA DONATION TO CANTONMENT SITES
Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Friday, September 06 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC Interim Chairperson lauds AUC, China donation to cantonment sites
I am delighted today to have witnessed the hand-over of in-kind support destined for different parts of South Sudan in order to facilitate the cantonment process. The materials were kindly donated by the African Union Commission (AUC).
The in-kind support, which is in the form of large, durable tents to house former combatants while they undergo cantonment, will go a long way in furthering the cantonment process.
This is indeed a great step towards achieving successful cantonment, which is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional tasks.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the AUC for the consignment, and I urge all other partners to offer their unwavering support towards the critical process of cantonment. It is my hope that more support will arrive in the coming days and weeks.
I would also like to acknowledge the donation of 1500 tons of rice from the government of The People’s Republic of China which has been received. Through the Ambassador of China, I would like to extend my thanks to the government of The People’s Republic of China.
It is my expectation that by end of this month, September, we will have attained the required number of troops, that is 50% of the Necessary Unified Forces.
The hand-over of the AUC and Chinese consignments comes at a time when the R-ARCSS is shortly to mark the first anniversary of its signing, which is on 12 September 2018. I hope that together we will achieve much more before the end of the extended Pre-Transitional period.
Thank you very much.Thank you very much.
H.E Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge,
Interim Chairperson, The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
RJMEC: Stakes high as the 1st anniversary of the R-ARCSS is marked next week
As the first anniversary of the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is marked on November 12th, the Parties, the media, Civil Society actors and citizens of South Sudan have been asked to take stock of the challenges and progress of its implementation.
STATEMENT BY INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF RJMEC DELIVERED AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE SOUTH SUDANESE PARTIES ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS
− Your Excellency, Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers,
− Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary,
− Your Excellencies, Members of the Council,
− Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan,
− Honourable Ministers,
− Your Excellencies,
− Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Thank you for the invitation to address this consultative meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
2. The convening of this meeting, against the backdrop of renewed commitment of the Parties in May 2019 to expedite implementation of Pre-Transitional tasks, is crucial for us to assess progress since then. It will also enable us to discuss practical remedial measures for expediting the implementation of pending tasks before the extended Pre-Transitional Period elapses.
3. My statement, therefore, focuses on an update of the activities of the Pre-Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, with particular emphasis on the transitional security arrangements and the question of the number of States of South Sudan. I will then make general observations on the main impediments to effective implementation of the pending tasks and conclude with specific recommendations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. Since the Pre-Transitional Period was extended by six months in May, some progress has been made in the implementation of some provisions of the transitional security arrangements and attempts to resolve the issues of the number and boundaries of States in the Republic of South Sudan.
5. On transitional security arrangements, the National Constitutional Amendment Committee has completed the review of five security Bills as well as election related Bills. It also incorporated the six months’ extension of the Pre-Transitional Period into the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019 and made significant progress in drafting of the Fire Brigade Service Bill 2019. The NCAC has just held experts consultative meeting on Public Finance Management laws.
6. All the completed Bills have been duly submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Incumbent TGoNU awaiting enactment by the Parliament. The NCAC has also made significant progress in the process of drafting the Fire Brigade Service Bill.
7. The Permanent Ceasefire has continued to hold, and this has resulted in an overall improvement in the general security situation that we witness today across the country. I commend all the Parties for observing the Permanent Ceasefire. The security situation has contributed to improved access to humanitarian activities, including decisions by some refugees and IDPs to spontaneously return to their areas. I, however, regret to report sporadic incidents of fighting between NAS forces allied to Gen. Thomas Cirillo and the SSPDF that occurred in Yei area in June 2019.
8. Civilian centres occupied by some armed forces are gradually being vacated. I am encouraged by reports that the SPLA – IO vacated all the civilian centres they had initially occupied. The SSPDF, on the other hand, is yet to vacate all the civilian centres its forces have been occupying. I reiterate my appeal to all the concerned commanders to immediately and completely demilitarize all the civilian centres. I also appeal to all forces to desist from any temptation of reoccupying any civilian property.
9. The National Pre-Transitional Committee has to date made two disbursements to the Joint Defense Board totalling USD 6.5 million to facilitate the implementation of the transitional security arrangements. The NPTC disbursed USD 2 million in April and an additional USD 4.5 million in July 2019. In addition, the NPTC allocated USD 2 million to procure food supplies for cantonment.
10. In terms of suitability of the cantonment sites and barracks, CTSAMVM verified 23 cantonment sites and 10 barracks as suitable for cantonment and barracking of forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) also identified 18 training centers for the 83, 000 Necessary Unified Forces.
11. Regrettably however, none of the designated sites is operational, and not a single former combatant has been registered. This has also meant that the training of forces has yet to begin. Logistical constraints remain a huge hurdle to overcome. These challenges notwithstanding, I am encouraged by the report of initial food supplies for cantonment and barracks being delivered by the JDB to some of the cantonment sites. However, these supplies are not enough as they will soon run out unless there is a steady and predictable supply of necessary commodities.
12. I welcome the interest exhibited by the region and AU C5 towards support for operationalization of cantonment, including pledges for in-kind support to make that happen. I understand the list of the required items for cantonment were availed to them. I, therefore, appeal to them to expedite the fulfilment of those pledges.
13. Linked to the success of cantonment is expeditious reconstitution of the DDR Commission, a task which is overdue. The Commission is critical to address the needs of former combatants who shall not qualify for selection or training with the Necessary Unified Forces and who will require a dignified reintegration into civilian life.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
14. On the question of the number of States of South Sudan, the Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) and Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) concluded their work in March and June respectively. On 17 June 2019, the IBC issued “A Report of the Work and Activities of the IBC for the Republic of South Sudan” and submitted its findings to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. The report was subsequently submitted to the Parties to the Agreement last week.
15. Despite the IBC’s concerted efforts, it was unable to conclusively make a determination on the number of States of the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, as per the Agreement. Nonetheless, the IBC referred the matter to IGAD for a political solution.
16. This is now an urgent matter to be concluded by the Parties before the formation of the RTGoNU.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. Despite the above progress, there are Pre-Transitional tasks which remain unaccomplished. These include: fulfilment of the funding pledge made by the I-TGoNU in May 2019; operationalization of cantonment; reconstitution of the DDR Commission; persuading the South Sudanese non-signatories to the Agreement to join in its implementation; regular face-to-face meetings of Dr Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir; making a determination of the number and boundaries of States of the Republic of South Sudan; fulfilment of the pledges by the region and AU C5 for in-kind support for cantonment; and, the appointment of a substantive RJMEC Chairperson.
18. In my opinion, the impediments which have affected the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks include, limited funding; late disbursement of funds; lack of disbursement of budgeted funds; leaders’ insufficient commitment and prioritization of tasks and delay in fulfilment of pledges for in-kind support.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
19. In view of the critical need to expedite the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks, I wish to conclude with the following recommendations to the Parties, region and the International Community:
To the Parties:
a. consider reaching a consensus on the outstanding issue of the number of States of South Sudan before the Pre-Transitional Period elapses as the matter has implication on the composition and reconstitution of the Council of States;
b. expedite the process of troop movements to cantonment sites and barracks, selection and immediate training of the Necessary Unified Forces. Accordingly, the Parties should give direction and timelines on operationalization of several cantonment sites across the country and in respective States as a start and within the remaining Pre-Transitional Period;
c. give direction and timelines on commencement of training centers across the country and in the respective regions, including training of officers identified for VIP protection;
d. forces still occupying civilian centres to vacate them immediately and avoid new occupation of civilian property;
e. expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission and make it responsive to the needs of those who shall not qualify for selection into the Necessary Unified Forces. Accordingly, the I-TGoNU should expedite the nomination of its members to the DDR Commission;
f. to enable the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to be more responsive to the needs of the Parties. In that regard, the Parties should consider reaching consensus on the role the RPF can render to them in support of the peace process. In addition, the Parties should recommend appropriate steps to be taken by the leadership of IGAD with the AU PSC for the urgent attention of the UN Secretary-General. Such a request should consider a recommendation for the amendment of the mandate of the RPF in order to be more responsive to the needs of all the Parties to the R-ARCSS;
g. the NPTC should organize more joint confidence building measures among the Parties as well as joint dissemination of the R-ARCSS to enhance better understanding, ownership, healing and reconciliation in the country; and
h. the Government to fulfil its pledge of funding of the implementation of the R-ARCSS in a timely and predictable manner.
To IGAD and the region:
a. the time has come for the region to scale up its engagement in South Sudan. This therefore calls for the leadership of the region to show more stewardship in this regard and to enhance its diplomatic engagements with the international community and to persuade them to continue enhancing their support as well as funding of implementation of the R-ARCSS;
b. consider convening an Ordinary Summit of the Council and Heads of State and Government to resolve various pending issues on the South Sudan peace process, including the final determination of the status of Dr. Riek Machar and appointment of a substantive RJMEC Chairperson;
c. follow-though on all the Council’s commitments, including facilitating regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to assess the progress of implementation of the R-ARCSS;
d. enhance the Council’s engagements with the non-adherents to the R-ARCSS to persuade them to join in its implementation; and
e. consider engaging the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), United Nations Secretary-General and the Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to consider reviewing the role of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to enable it to become more responsive to the context and needs of the Parties to the R-ARCSS.
To the international community:
a. consider speaking with one voice on the South Sudan peace process, and continue to work closely with the region, AU and UN on the same; and
b. consider funding the implementation of the R-ARCSS, including supporting the cantonment process and demobilized former combatants’ holistic reintegration programmes.
20. In conclusion, it is my view that it is possible to make credible and substantive progress towards fulfilling the critical Pre-Transitional tasks in the remaining time period, if the necessary resources are immediately released for the cantonment, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces and the Parties take a political decision on the number of states, and their boundaries.
I thank you.