OPENING REMARKS BY H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION TO THE FIRST EXTRAORDINARY RJMEC MEETING Tuesday, 19 February 2019 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
OPENING REMARKS
BY
H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE
INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
OF THERECONSTITUTED JOINT
MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION
TO THE
FIRST EXTRAORDINARY RJMEC MEETING
Tuesday, 19 February 2019
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning,
1. I would like to start by welcoming all of you to this first Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC.
2. My opening remarks this morning will be brief, and will set out how this meeting came to be convened, what its objectives are, and my expectations in that regard.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
3. In the last meeting, I was requested to convene this meeting in view of “the serious financial constraints and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the tasks and activities of the various agreement institutions and mechanisms, to discuss practical ways forward.”
4. There are two main issues to discuss today: funding and security arrangements. In particular, plans and progress regarding cantonment, training, and the unification of forces. In addition, how to expedite the reconstitution of the DDR Commission.
5. Firstly, funding. Over the course of the last few meetings, and in other consultations I have held with the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the issue of funding has loomed large in the discussions.
6. Secondly, security arrangements. We are all aware that security is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional period, and therefore understanding the progress of cantonment in particular would be beneficial to all. Are the sites fully designated? What resources are needed for cantonment’s successful and timely completion?
7. Our objective today, therefore, is to bring out into the open the discussions needed to push these questions more substantively towards being answered. Thus, I am very interested to hear what the NPTC and JDB tell us about the answers to some of these questions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
8. We at RJMEC have long been clear on funding. Our position is that the NPTC and the incumbent TGoNU should take the lead in mobilizing all requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support the other mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks. In this regard, RJMEC continues in its appeal to the partners and friends of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Agreement.
9. However, the more implementation of the peace agreement is owned by the people and government of South Sudan, the greater the chances of its success.
10. I have been equally clear about security arrangements. Ensuring that all the security institutions and mechanisms function in harmony is of critical importance, not least because of the imminent need to unify the forces.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
11. I have several expectations for today’s meeting. I expect that the NPTC will set out clearly and concisely what its plans and budget are for the Pre-Transitional Period. I also expect that the JDB will present its strategy and plans for cantonment, training and unification of forces.
12. Finally, I expect that we will have honest and frank conversations in order to address the identified challenges.
Thank you.
RJMEC CONVENES AN EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY; FOCUS ON FUNDING AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 19 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONVENES AN EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY; FOCUS ON FUNDING AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Tuesday convened in Juba an extraordinary meeting to discuss funding and other challenges facing the implementation of the revitalized Agreement during the pre-transitional period.
The convening of the meeting follows a resolution reached during the 3rdPlenary of the RJMEC, held last month.
The objective of this meeting was to discuss among other things, financial constraints and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the tasks and activities of the various agreement institutions and mechanisms, as well as to discuss ways forward.
The meeting also discussed plans and progress regarding cantonment, training, and the unification of forces and how to expedite the reconstitution of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission.
Speaking during the opening session of the extra-ordinary meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Over the course of the last few meetings, and in other consultations I have held with the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the issue of funding has loomed large in the discussions.”
“We are all aware that security is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional period, and therefore understanding the progress of cantonment in particular would be beneficial to all,” he added.
“Are the sites fully designated? What resources are needed for cantonment’s successful and timely completion?” he asked.
He reiterated that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) take a lead in mobilizing requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks.
In addition, he appealed to partners and friends of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Agreement.
He said, “the more implementation of the peace agreement is owned by the people and government of South Sudan, the greater the chances of its success.”
“I have been equally clear about security arrangements. Ensuring that all the security institutions and mechanisms function in harmony is of critical importance, not least because of the imminent need to unify the forces,” he said.
ENDS
RJMEC convenes an extraordinary Plenary; focus on funding and security arrangements
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Tuesday convened in Juba an extraordinary meeting to discuss funding and other challenges facing the implementation of the revitalized Agreement during the pre-transitional period.
RJMEC to hold extraordinary Plenary on Tuesday
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) will tomorrow, convene an extraordinary meeting, as per the request of the 3rd Plenary of the RJMEC, held on January 23rd, 2019, in Juba.
BE A PILLAR IN SOUTH SUDAN PEACE PROCESS, RJMEC TELLS MEDIA
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 13 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Be a pillar in South Sudan peace process, RJMEC tells media
Media practitioners must diligently work towards a free, impartial and responsible media industry, which “focuses on truth and fosters peace” in South Sudan, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking at a forum convened in Juba to mark this year’s World Radio Day on Wednesday, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said the media should “fully realize the objective of ensuring sustainable peace as well as economic growth and development in South Sudan.”
The forum, themed “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”, brought together representatives of radio stations and journalists in the country. The day is marked annually on 13 February.
“Among the major media outlets, radio has an important role to play in promoting confidence and peace building because of its wide reach and the diverse languages that programming is broadcast in,” Ambassador Kebede said.
“Radio as a medium provides a wider platform for people to solve problems and challenges that affect their livelihood. Discussions conducted in this manner provide a sense of belonging, dignity, and achievement,” he added.
Ambassador Kebede urged members of the media to be a “pillar in the process of building sustainable peace” by “increasing knowledge and awareness of public affairs, and in particular, the peace process.”
“By creating and broadcasting peace-themed radio programming, radio stations are able to ensure that as many members of the community as possible can contribute to the discussion,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of Agreement, the Chief of Staff said there has been willingness among the Parties to engage in dialogue, who have shown commitment to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“We must work together to ensure that confidence and peace building efforts bear more fruit and that the people of South Sudan feel part of the process.”
ENDS
Be a pillar in South Sudan peace process, RJMEC tells media
Media practitioners must diligently work towards a free, impartial and responsible media industry, which “focuses on truth and fosters peace” in South Sudan, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking at a forum convened in Juba to mark this year’s World Radio Day on Wednesday, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said the media should “fully realize the objective of ensuring sustainable peace as well as economic growth and development in South Sudan.”
The forum, themed “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”, brought together representatives of radio stations and journalists in the country. The day is marked annually on 13 February.
“Among the major media outlets, radio has an important role to play in promoting confidence and peace building because of its wide reach and the diverse languages that programming is broadcast in,” Ambassador Kebede said.
“Radio as a medium provides a wider platform for people to solve problems and challenges that affect their livelihood. Discussions conducted in this manner provide a sense of belonging, dignity, and achievement,” he added.
Ambassador Kebede urged members of the media to be a “pillar in the process of building sustainable peace” by “increasing knowledge and awareness of public affairs, and in particular, the peace process.”
“By creating and broadcasting peace-themed radio programming, radio stations are able to ensure that as many members of the community as possible can contribute to the discussion,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of Agreement, the Chief of Staff said there has been willingness among the Parties to engage in dialogue, who have shown commitment to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“We must work together to ensure that confidence and peace building efforts bear more fruit and that the people of South Sudan feel part of the process.”
National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) Chairperson's Mr. Gichira Kibara's Interview with Radio Miraya on Monday February 04, 2019 on S. Sudan's constitutional amendments
Establishment of cantonment key for S. Sudan army unification, says RJMEC
Establishment of numbers, training sites and start dates of cantonment remains an essential step towards the effective unification of South Sudan security forces, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
“Declaring the numbers, locations and start dates of cantonment and training sites (for forces) is essential to be able to move forward to the next decisive phase of unification of forces," said RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said during the official closing ceremony of a two-day workshop on Friday in Juba.
The workshop was convened on Thursday by RJMEC, and was attended by chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement.
The mechanisms established under Chapter II of the Agreement are the Joint Defence Board, the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, the Joint Transitional Security Committee and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board.
“The issue of training will become critical when unifying and sustaining the national South Sudanese defence and security forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) should therefore develop rigorous criteria for training,” Lt Gen Njoroge continued.
Yours is sensitive work, Ambassador Njoroge told members of the security mechanisms, “but vital aspects such as trust, truthfulness, and clarity of objectives were all debated (at the workshop) in a collegiate and professional manner.”
“I expect that your work will continue in this constructive way. The gaps and challenges that are common in tasks such as yours will be more easily overcome through discipline and continued cooperation.”
ESTABLISHMENT OF CANTONMENT, TRAINING SITES KEY FOR S. SUDAN ARMY UNIFICATION, SAYS RJMEC
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 01 February 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Establishment of cantonment, training sites key for S. Sudan army unification, says RJMEC
Establishment of numbers, training sites and start dates of cantonment remains an essential step towards the effective unification of South Sudan security forces, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of a two-day workshop on Friday in Juba, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Declaring the numbers, locations and start dates of cantonment and training sites (for forces) is essential to be able to move forward to the next decisive phase of unification of forces.”
The workshop was convened on Thursday by RJMEC, and was attended by chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement.
The mechanisms established under Chapter II of the Agreement are the Joint Defence Board, the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, the Joint Transitional Security Committee and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board.
“The issue of training will become critical when unifying and sustaining the national South Sudanese defence and security forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) should therefore develop rigorous criteria for training,” Lt Gen Njoroge continued.
Yours is sensitive work, Ambassador Njoroge told members of the security mechanisms, “but vital aspects such as trust, truthfulness, and clarity of objectives were all debated (at the workshop) in a collegiate and professional manner.”
“I expect that your work will continue in this constructive way. The gaps and challenges that are common in tasks such as yours will be more easily overcome through discipline and continued cooperation.”
ENDS
Leave politics to politicians, RJMEC advises Generals in S. Sudan
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge has advised military generals in S. Sudan to desist from engaging in politics, and instead serve citizens professionally.
“I want to address you as soldiers. In my experience as a soldier, I have learned that soldiers should leave politics to politicians. I therefore, expect you as soldiers to perform your duties in a professional manner, and uninfluenced by politics,” he noted.
Ambassador Njoroge added, “Key to your demonstration of professionalism is to provide accurate facts and figures. Only the truth will enable you to develop a clear strategy and realistic plans that will enable you to accomplish your mission.”
He was addressing Chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement. The two-day orientation and coordination workshop got underway today in Juba, and is convened by the RJMEC.
“It is also vital to your success that you develop trust amongst yourselves, the soldiers you command and the people you serve,” he said.
The mechanisms are the Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B).
The workshop is aimed at creating a common understanding of the provisions of the Agreement, develop modalities for coordination among all security mechanisms and identify challenges hampering the execution of their mandate.
“I am fully aware that the permanent ceasefire is largely holding, thanks to the efforts of all of you,” he said.
LEAVE POLITICS TO POLITICIANS, RJMEC ADVISES GENERALS IN S. SUDAN
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 31 Janaury 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Leave politics to politicians, RJMEC advises Generals in S. Sudan
“Leave politics to politicians” was the message delivered to the representatives of the various security mechanisms by the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
“I want to address you as soldiers. In my experience as a soldier, I have learned that soldiers should leave politics to politicians. I therefore, expect you as soldiers to perform your duties in a professional manner, and uninfluenced by politics,” he noted.
Ambassador Njoroge added, “Key to your demonstration of professionalism is to provide accurate facts and figures. Only the truth will enable you to develop a clear strategy and realistic plans that will enable you to accomplish your mission.”
He was addressing Chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement. The two-day orientation and coordination workshop got underway today in Juba, and is convened by the RJMEC.
“It is also vital to your success that you develop trust amongst yourselves, the soldiers you command and the people you serve,” he said.
The mechanisms are the Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B).
The workshop is aimed at creating a common understanding of the provisions of the Agreement, develop modalities for coordination among all security mechanisms and identify challenges hampering the execution of their mandate.
“I am fully aware that the permanent ceasefire is largely holding, thanks to the efforts of all of you,” he said.
ENDS
RJMEC EXPRESSES CONCERN AT REPORTS OF MILITARY BUILD-UP
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 30 Janaury 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC EXPRESSES CONCERN AT REPORTS OF MILITARY BUILD-UP
In response to having received various reports of military build-up in the area of Yei River State, the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) urges restraint on all sides.
The progress made so far in terms of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) of December 2017 and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of September 2018 is a worthy achievement and should not in any way be looked on lightly by any Party.
RJMEC wishes to make it clear to all Parties that South Sudan is presently at a critical phase of the implementation of the peace Agreement, which since signing, has been characterized by a spirit of cooperation.
Likewise, that the ceasefire has been largely holding is a great credit to all its signatories, and we urge that this continue. The silencing of guns is a matter of high national importance.
RJMEC therefore urges all Parties to grasp firmly the IGAD-led diplomatic process and allow the full implementation of the peace Agreement.