Key tasks remain undone in the implementation of revitalized Agreement, says RJMEC
As the end of the pre-transitional period draws near on May 12, 2019, critical tasks in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement remain pending, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the 5th RJMEC plenary in Juba on Friday, Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“Critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.”
He said “it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.”
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge expressed concern over continued denial of access faced by CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in the country.
RJMEC said, “During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the MVTs encountered totaled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem.”
“I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access,” he said.
He noted “with dismay” that findings of investigations into the November 2018 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation and action on the Luri incident.
On the humanitarian front Ambassador Njoroge said “A critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances.”
“These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future,” he said.
CRITICAL TASKS REMAIN UNDONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT, SAYS RJMEC
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, April 11, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Critical tasks remain undone in the implementation of revitalized Agreement, says RJMEC
As the end of the pre-transitional period draws near on May 12, 2019, critical tasks in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement remain pending, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the 5th RJMEC plenary in Juba on Friday, Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“Critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.”
He said “it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.”
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge expressed concern over continued denial of access faced by CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in the country.
RJMEC said, “During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the MVTs encountered totaled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem.”
“I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access,” he said.
He noted “with dismay” that findings of investigations into the November 2018 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation and action on the Luri incident.
On the humanitarian front Ambassador Njoroge said “A critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances.”
“These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future,” he said.
ENDS
STATEMENT BY H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION TO THE 5th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING Friday, 12 April 2019 Juba, South Sudan
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
-
Welcome to the fifth RJMEC monthly meeting.
-
Before we proceed, Excellencies, permit me to pay tribute to the passengers and crew who lost their dear lives in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on 10 March 2019. We have all been affected by this tragedy in one way or the other. Our hearts, therefore, go to all the families and nations affected by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. Amen.
-
I will divide my statement into three sections. The first section will address some issues that arose from the last Plenary, while the second will reflect more broadly on progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and challenges facing it. The statement will then close with my expectations to the Plenary for the coming period.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
-
At the last meeting, we resolved to take specific action to bring non- signatories to the R-ARCSS into the peace process. Accordingly, I, with my delegation from the RJMEC Secretariat, joined with H.E. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, and met with General Thomas Cirillo in Addis Ababa and General Paul Malong in Nairobi. To-date talks with General Cirillo have not yielded much result, while those with General Malong have generally been more fruitful. These are diplomatic efforts that we continue to be seized of.
-
I have been informed that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) has received the US $10 million, pledged by the Government. I expect that these funds will be channelled to the appropriate mechanisms to expedite the start of the cantonment process.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
-
There has been progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS to report. The Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) completed its work and submitted its report to the IGAD Mediation on 26thMarch. The TBC’s work pertained to addressing the tribalboundaries violated as a consequence of the establishment of the 32 states.
-
The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) has finally begun its work. The IBC held its inaugural meeting on 18th and 19thMarch 2019 in Juba, and then a second meeting on 26th and 27thMarch in Addis Ababa. During these meetings, the IBC reviewed and adopted its Rules of Procedure as well as Terms of Reference. Its third meeting is currently underway here in Juba.
-
In terms of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), its progress continues well. It has been reviewing the Political Parties Act (2012) to ensure that it complies with international best practices for free and democratic registration of Political Parties in South Sudan. To facilitate this work, the NCAC received submissions from the Political Parties, Civil Society and women. The NCAC Chairperson will provide more details shortly in his report.
-
What I have just described is laudable progress. However, there are recurring challenges that must be addressed in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
-
The issue of denial of access to CTSAMVM continues. During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the Monitoring and Verification Teams encountered totalled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem. I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access.
-
Furthermore, contrary to my requests, I note with dismay that the details of the reported incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation andaction on the Luri incident.
-
Likewise, CTSAMVM has investigated and confirmed the rape of two females (a woman and a minor) in Karpeto, Central Equatoria in January 2019 by SSPDF forces. I appreciate that suspects have been arrested and will face the full force of the law. I note also that CTSAMVM has resorted to centralized operations as a result of financial constraints, and I hope that this situation is addressed as soon as possible. CTSAMVM’s work is fundamental to the entire implementation of the Peace Agreement, and any reduction in its operational capacity must be a concern to all of us.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
-
The security situation, as confirmed by CTSAMVM, remains stable, except tension in the Yei River area. However, I note with increasing concern the reported incidences of deaths resulting from recurring cattle rustling, particularly in Western Bahr el Ghazal. It is a situation which must be addressed urgently. Of concern also is that a Member of Parliament and one of his security details lost their lives as a result of an attack on 26th March. This is indeed regrettable.
-
The JDB, the SDSR Board, the JMCC, the JTSC and the CTSAMVM Board have all been meeting and we shall hear reports of their progress shortly. That said, I must report that the reconstitution of the DDR Commission, vital to the cantonment process, is still pending. I urge the Incumbent TGoNU and the NPTC to expedite the reconstitution of this Commission.
-
Since the last Plenary, the Consumer Price Index for February has been published. It shows an increase of 12 per cent over January 2019. The recorded price increases were to a large extent concentrated to a few basic food commodities reflecting supply shortages in parts of the country. In addition, recent gradual strengthening in the oil price has supported the exchange rate, thus reducing inflationary pressures.
-
Since 2015, part of the net oil revenue has been allocated to pay transfer payments arrears to Sudan. The arrears were incurred when world oil prices fell below US $40 per barrel beginning late 2015. These arrears have now been cleared, contributing to an increased cash flow from oil available for financing the budget.
-
Oil revenue is expected to remain the dominant source of income for many years to come. In that regard, the development in the oil price and production will largely determine the resources available to be allocated to implement the Peace Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
-
We are now at a critical stage of implementation of the Peace Agreement. As we all know, the Transitional Period is due to begin in May, so it is essential to take stock of what has transpired to date.
-
In our analysis on the status of implementation of the Pre- Transitional Period tasks, we identified 59 key activities which were to be completed by the end of the period. Of these, 27 have been completed, 20 are ongoing, and 12 are yet to begin. Unfortunately, those found to be ‘pending’ or ‘ongoing’ are themost critical and consequential.
-
While we note with satisfaction that, with the exception of the DDR Commission, all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have been set up and are functioning, the question really is, what have they achieved in terms of delivering their mandates and implementing the Peace Agreement?
-
In the case of the NCAC and the TBC, there has been regular commendable progress in accordance with their mandates. However, as concerns the implementation of the transitional security arrangements, much more remains to be done.
-
For example, those critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.
-
The ongoing tasks include the work of the IBC, delivery of humanitarian assistance, the return of refugees and IDPs, release of all political prisoners and detainees, disengagement of forces, demilitarization of civilian centres, and the national healing and reconciliation process.
-
From what I have just highlighted, it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.
-
Consequently, a critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances. These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future.
-
The Transitional Period is expected to commence at the end of the eight months of the Pre-Transitional Period. Therefore, the decision to be taken in the next couple of weeks should determine as to what extent, these critical pending tasks can be expedited. If we are unable to cover the lost ground during the remaining four weeks, we have to ask ourselves what should be the alternative course of action to ensure full implementation of the Agreement.
-
In view of the fact that the Pre-Transitional Period is coming to an end as per the Peace Agreement, I convened consultative meetings with the Parties, South Sudanese stakeholders, regional guarantors and the international community and we agreed on critical pending tasks, which I highlighted above, that have consequential impact on the Transitional Period. I expect us to discuss this further during the discussion session. In addition, I hope that the reports from the NPTC and the security mechanisms will directly address the critical pending issues that we have collectively identified.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
-
In conclusion, my expectations going forward are as follows:
• One – review the implementation status report of the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period and make recommendations on the way forward;
• Two – urge the leadership of the Parties to the Agreement to urgently meet and agree on a roadmap on the way forward;
• Three–recommendthatIGADurgentlyconvenestheCouncil of Ministers meeting and Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government meeting to take stock of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement; and
• Four–encouragethePartiestotheAgreementtocontinuetrust and confidence-building measures and undertake at the highest political level joint peace dissemination and outreach activities.
-
I wish you fruitful deliberations today. Thank you.
RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, during the closing ceremony of a one-day NCAC Stakeholders' meeting April 10, 2019
NCAC convenes stakeholders’ forum, focus on S. Sudan Political Parties Act
The National Constitutional Amendment Committed (NCAC) has on Wednesday convened stakeholder’s workshop aimed at validating proposed amendments to the South Sudan Political Parties Act, 2012 as well as obtain views and recommendations to support the amendment process.
NCAC hands over four Security Bills to Constitutional Affairs Minister
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has today handed over five (5) security Bills to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Paulino Wanawila.
RJMEC holds a meeting with President Kiir, discuss status of R-ARCSS implementation
A team led the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) led by Interim Chair H.E Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge has on Monday held a meeting with South Sudan President H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Progress, challenges and prospects of the implementation of the revitalized agreement were discussed.
Ambassador said “There is need for an urgent meeting of the Parties at the highest political level to discuss the status of the implementation of the R-ARCSS so as to come up with an agreed roadmap on the best way forward.”
In order to continue to galvanize support from the Regional Guarantors and prepare for the Transitional Period, the Ambassador noted, there is need to “lobby the Chairperson of the IGAD Summit so that an urgent IGAD Council of Ministers meeting and Summit on South Sudan be convened in Juba.
RJMEC meets South Sudan Chief of Staff
The acting Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Ambassador Lt. Gen. Amb. Augostino Njoroge has on Monday held a meeting with South Sudan Chief of Staff, General Gabriel Jok Riak. During the meeting, the two discussed the status of implementation of the revitalised Agreement and the time of the end of the Pre-Transitional period.
General Riak is also the chairperson of the Joint Defence Board (JDB).
"The Reconstituted JMEC welcomes the work of the JDB in beginning the process of cantonment and traning of unified forces. This is critical during this phase of the Pre-Transitional Period," said Amb. Njoroge.
Ambassador was accompanied by JMEC Chief of Staff Amb. Berhanu Kebede and his deputy for Strategy Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
NCAC receives submissions from 12 S. Sudan political parties
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has on Tuesday received submissions from representatives of twelve national political parties towards the amendment of the constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.
The committee led by Chairperson, Mr. Gichira Kibara received the written submission in the capital Juba. Mr. Kibara said the submissions will be taken into account during the ongoing deliberation by the Committee on the South Sudan Political Parties Act, 2012.
The political parties were the African National Congress, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), United South Sudan African Party (USSAP), United Democratic Salvation Front-Mainstream (UDSF-M), National Liberation Party (NLP) and National Congress Party (NCP).
Others were Democratic Change Party (DCP), South Sudan Democratic Forum (SSDF), National United Democratic Front (NUDF), United South Sudan Party, South Sudan Democratic Alliance (SSDA) and Sudan African National Union (SANU).
INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE INDEPENDENT BOUNDARIES COMMISSION (IBC) HELD IN JUBA
The inaugural meeting of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) was held on Monday 18 March in Juba, South Sudan.
Speaking during the official opening session, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede congratulated all those who had been appointed to the Commission, telling them: “Your work of considering the number of States in the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, is very important to the future stability of this country. At the same time, your recommendations about the same issues will be invaluable.”
The IBC is established under article 1.15 of the R-ARCSS and is made of fifteen members namely, five from the Incumbent TGoNU, two from SPLM/A-IO, one from South Sudan Opposition Alliance, one from Former Detainees and one from Other Political Parties. The other five, of whom two are yet to arrive, are highly experienced C5 members nominated by the member States of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan from South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Algeria and Chad.
While urging the Commission to do all in its power to complete the tasks within the 60 days, Ambassador Kebede noted that the conclusions of the Commision will undoubtedly prove critical to the work and functioning of the RTGoNU.
“The judgement and recommendations of these esteemed members present today will be very consequential for South Sudan as it builds its architecture of permanent peace.”
“There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan and the country’s friends and supporters await the results of the work you will undertake over the next two months. I am convinced that you are all more than equal to the task ahead, and will bring to bear your collective professionalism and impartiality”, Ambassador Kebede added.
Upon completion of its work, the IBC will present its recommendations to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. These recommendations will then be communicated immediately to the Parties.
ENDS
STATEMENT BY H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE: INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION TO THE 4th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING
STATEMENT
BY
H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT
MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
TO THE
4th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING
Thursday, 07 March 2019
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
1. I would like to start by welcoming you all to the fourth RJMEC monthly meeting.
2. I will divide my statement broadly into three sections. In the first section, I will provide an update on actions taken in fulfilment of our resolution in the last regular meeting. In the second part, I will highlight progress and challenges encountered in the implementation of the peace agreement to date, and in the third part, I will make some observations and conclude with my expectations for the coming period.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
3. In our last meeting, among other things, we reiterated our call for the immediate establishment of the IBC; reconstitution of the DDR Commission. We reminded all parties to observe the 35% representation of women; adopted the decision of our sub-committee on the NCAC matter and directed the NCAC to proceed accordingly with the constitutional amendment process.
4. We further called upon the incumbent TGoNU to make the reports of its investigation into cases of SGBV reported in Bentiu and the Luri incident public, and to take action against the perpetrators.
5. We expressed our concerns about the delayed appointment of the RJMEC Chairperson and requested the Office of the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers to expedite the appointment process.
6. We encouraged all the Parties and stakeholders to undertake joint and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS and expressed our deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area. In this regard, we urged Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka and all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement.
7. Last but not least, you requested me to convene an urgent extra-ordinary meeting of the RJMEC with partners, friends and all interested actors, to discuss the serious financial and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the peace agreement and to chart practical ways forward.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
8.To start with the last action point, I am happy to report that the 1st Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC was successfully held on 19th February 2019 and discussed openly the funding challenges affecting the implementation of the pre-transitional activities. The NPTC presented its approved budget of US Dollars 285 million for the Pre-Transitional Period and its action plan.
9. The transparent and detailed budget presentation by the NPTC contributed to a good debate and very useful observations on the NPTC budget, with valuable practical proposals made for cost-cutting and the need for prioritisation. This approach should continue. I want to thank all RJMEC members, partners and friends of South Sudan who attended the meeting and engaged with the NPTC.
10. I also thank the NPTC for its willingness to engage and for being receptive to new ideas.
11. That said, funding still remains a big concern. As RJMEC we welcome the recent decision by the incumbent TGoNU to allocate an additional 10 Million US Dollars as initial funding to the NPTC. I hope that it will be made available to the NPTC without further delay. This allocation, however, only covers a small fraction-3.5% of the estimated financing needs.
12. We appreciate all those who have already contributed like Japan or made pledges like Egypt and South Africa to support implementation. We continue to appeal for more support to the peace agreement from all our partners and friends.
Excellency, ladies and gentlemen;
13. On the establishment of the IBC, there has been some commendable progress so far. The Republic of South Africa has submitted the name of its nominee to IGAD. This now brings the total number of AU C5 nominees to three, leaving only Rwanda and Chad pending.
14. As the Chair of the AU C5, the representative of South Africa is expected to chair the IBC and accordingly, the IBC can now be established. This was the same guidance we received from the Office of the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers and the same message has been forwarded to the IGAD Executive Secretary for his immediate action.
15. There has been some progress on the reconstitution of the DDR Commission. The Parties have agreed to nominate representatives to discuss with the NPTC and incumbent TGoNU modalities for the reconstitution of the DDR Commission. They have requested the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan to facilitate this process and he has gracefully accepted to do so. We hope, therefore, that this matter will be concluded in the next couple of days.
16. With regard to the 35% representation of women, RJMEC welcomes the assurance given to women representatives by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit that their 35% is guaranteed. I urge all parties to fulfil this commitment in letter and spirit.
17. On the investigation into the cases of SGBV reported in Bentiu, I am yet to receive a report from the incumbent TGoNU despite several reminders. The UN Human Rights Commission has published its own findings, but we hope that the government will give us a conclusive report on this matter and take action against identified perpetrators.
18. On the reported assault on the CTSAMVM team at Luri, I received correspondence from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs indicating that “the Internal Security Bureau instituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter in question and as a result of their report some administrative measures have been taken against elements involved.”
19. The letter further claims that “CTSAMVM/MVT accessed security restricted areas without proper coordination with authorities concerned and beyond they magnified and exaggerated the incident scene reporting.”
20. I welcome the correspondence from the incumbent TGoNU on this matter however I have requested for further details, including the full investigation report and details of the specific actions taken.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
21. On the appointment of the RJMEC Chairperson, I have information from the IGAD office that steps have been taken in this regard and that the IGAD Heads of State and Government are fully seized of this matter.
22. On the need for continued confidence building measures, joint and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS, I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved. We have witnessed some practical steps being taken to make the peace agreement reach all the people of South Sudan. I will return to this later in my updates on implementation progress.
23. Finally, on the reported rise in insecurity in and around the Yei area and the appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, some good progress has been made. The IGAD Special Envoy has held frank discussions with Gen. Thomas Cirillo of NAS and Gen. Paul Malong Awan, both of whom have indicated their willingness to engage. We expect these engagements to intensify and conclude in the next couple of weeks.
Excellency, ladies and gentlemen;
24. On the reservations registered by the SPLM/A-IO with regard to the RJMEC decision on the NCAC constitutional amendment process and on the description of the system of government during the Pre-Transitional and Transitional Periods, I have received a response from the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan which I have communicated to the SPLM/A-IO leadership and to all members of RJMEC.
25. In summary, the Special Envoy endorsed the decision of the RJMEC and that of the NCAC and observed that there were no violations of the R-ARCSS by RJMEC and the NCAC as alleged by the SPLM/A-IO.
26. Even though, the SPLM/A-IO has also rejected the Special Envoy’s guidance on this matter and further appealed to the IGAD Summit, the endorsed RJMEC decision stands, until the IGAD Summit directs otherwise.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
27. I now turn to the second section of my statement to provide updates on the status of the implementation of the peace agreement.
28. I will start with the critical role of the NPTC and its responsibility during this Pre-Transitional Period. I am encouraged that the budget for the Pre-Transitional Period has been developed and approved by the incumbent TGoNU and it is now out for support by government, partners and stakeholders.
29. I congratulate the NPTC for this important achievement and I encourage them to spare no effort in soliciting funds and other support from the incumbent TGoNU and from all partners and friends of South Sudan.
30. Dissemination of the R-ARCSS continues to progress, with a focus on reaching as wide as possible. RJMEC Secretariat has completed the translation of public service announcements into Juba Arabic, Dinka, and Nuer. Broadcasting is due to commence shortly following quality assessment. Translation into Shilluk, Bari and Xande is also in the pipeline
31. Thousands of copies of the R-ARCSS have been distributed to places and institutions both inside and outside of Juba. These range from government ministries to civil society organizations and to Protection of Civilian camps.
32. I wish to commend H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for his Presidential Tour initiative to Bahr el Ghazal region in dissemination of the peace agreement. I urge all parties to continue with the mobilisation of grassroots support for the peace agreement.
33. We at RJMEC continue our dissemination in coordination with the IGAD, NPTC, CTSAMVM, UNMISS, and other stakeholders including civil society organizations.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
34. The NCAC continues to make progress. You may recall that the NCAC submitted the Constitutional Amendment Bill to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs a few weeks ago. The incumbent TGoNU Council of Ministers has subsequently endorsed this Bill and it is now scheduled to be submitted to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
35. Furthermore, the NCAC has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations, except the Fire Brigade Service Act 2009 which apparently does not exist.
36. The NCAC has also successfully held a stakeholders’ validation workshop on the revised security laws, for which I must congratulate them. The NCAC Chairperson will provide more details shortly in his report.
37. The Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) has been working since its establishment on 9 January 2019. It is regrettable that two members of the TBC representing the Troika resigned recently. However, the TBC had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing.
38. Security wise, the CTSAMVM report indicates that the permanent ceasefire is largely respected and is being observed by all the Parties to the R-ARCSS. The situation in and around Yei, where fighting was previously reported with NAS forces, is currently calm but remains unpredictable.
39. The JDB has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. This is a significant milestone for which the JDB and all involved in this process must be commended.
40. The SDSR Board, JMCC, JTSC and CTSAMVM Board have all been meeting and we shall hear reports of their progress shortly.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
41. There are recurring challenges that must be of concern to all of us. Time is fast running out. We are in the sixth month of the Pre-Transitional Period, with barely two months to go and several targets have been missed. The IBC is yet to be established, the DDR Commission has not been reconstituted and the cantonment of forces has not yet begun.
42. Access for CTSAMVM MVTs continues to be a challenge. CTSAMVM reported denial of access in Gorom/Tishora area, Torit and Morobo recently. I am perturbed that despite our repeated plea that CTSAMVM be given full access to perform their duties, the denial of access to CTSAMVM continues with impunity. I urge the JDB to take this matter seriously and ensure that there is no further denial of access to CTSAMVM.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
43. The humanitarian situation remains dire. According to UN OCHA’s recent report, more than 4 million of the population are still displaced. Almost 6.5 million of the population are food insecure. It is estimated that more than 9,500 people fled the recent fighting in and around Yei town.
44. However, I am encouraged that the reported number of humanitarian access impediments remain low. Only 35 access incidents were reported in January and I look forward to the number of humanitarian access impediments reducing even further.
45. In our last regular meeting, the Government committed itself to reconvene the meetings of the Humanitarian High-Level Oversight Committee and the Humanitarian Coordination Forum, but these have not taken place. I would like to encourage that these meetings are held as soon as possible to facilitate a further reduction in the number of reported humanitarian access impediments.
46. On the economy, there are some signs of normality returning. Oil fields in Unity that had been closed during the fighting are now being reopened, which has boosted total production by 33,000 barrels per day in January 2019, an increase of 25% over the average daily production in 2018.
47. The increase in oil revenue should enhance the government’s capacity to finance the implementation of the development strategy as well as to support the implementation of the R-ARCSS. These objectives can be achieved by putting in place a transparent and accountable system to manage the oil and non-oil revenues.
48. Agriculture is a crucial sector to be prioritised as it is the mainstay of the economy. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, production continues to be severely depressed compared with the pre–conflict period. The conflict-related displacement has seriously impacted the agriculture sector, thus stressing the importance of the return of people to underpin recovery.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
49. Turning to the third and final section of my statement, we are at a critical juncture in the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement. I am concerned about the slow pace of our progress, especially the functionality and capacity of some critical agreement institutions and mechanisms.
50. I recently received a letter from the Chairman of CTSAMVM proposing temporary cost-cutting measures in order to address ongoing budgetary constraints. He will present greater detail shortly in his report.
51. While we must all tighten our belts and embrace financial prudence, it is clear that some of these drastic measures will negatively impact on our ability to effectively implement or monitor the peace agreement. I, therefore, urge our partners who have been supporting CTSAMVM, and us all, to continue doing so.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
52. In conclusion, my expectations for the coming period are as follows:
53. I expect that the diplomatic efforts currently underway to engage all non-signatories to the R-ARCSS will be intensified and concluded within the shortest time possible.
54. I expect the incumbent TGoNU to make good on its pledges to the NPTC, and that the NPTC will immediately channel the requisite resources to all the implementation mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandate. I urge the NPTC not to lose its momentum in mobilising resources from elsewhere.
55. I also expect the NCAC to continue with the commendable work they are doing, conclude the reviews and amendments of the security laws, and submit them to the incumbent Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
56. I expect that the IBC and DDR Commission shall be established and reconstituted respectively at the earliest possible time. I also expect the TBC to conclude its work and submit its report to IGAD.
57. I further demand that CTSAMVM from now on be allowed free and unimpeded access to carry out its mandate.
58. It is my hope that adequate resources will be availed to CTSAMVM to perform its critical missions.
59. I also expect the JDB to explore and deploy all practical measures to expedite the cantonment, training and the unification of all forces.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
60. I wish to commend the leadership of the agreement parties for the commitment demonstrated so far in the implementation of the peace agreement. I urge you all to continue to faithfully implement the agreement and even do more.
61. I also thank our international partners and friends for their continued support to the implementation of the peace agreement and urge them to continue with the same spirit.
62. Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation.
63. I wish all of us fruitful deliberations today. I thank you.
- End -
RECONSTITUTED JMEC FOURTH PLENARY HELD IN JUBA
The fourth Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) meeting took place on Thursday 7 March 2019. Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge welcomed the participants, and said “I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved”, with particular reference to confidence building measures and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS.
The Interim Chairperson informed participants at the meeting that progress is being made by a number of agreement institutions and mechanisms. “The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations”, and that “the Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing,” he added.
Furthermore, the Joint Defence Board (JBD) has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge also reiterated his appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, having noted his “deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area.”
In his statement, the Interim Chairperson also noted ongoing challenges, making clear that a greater pace of progress is required, as well as meeting the challenge of a shortage of funding.
“Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation,” he concluded.
ENDS