More broadly, the process of implementation so far has seen many Agreement institutions and mechanisms either set up or reconstituted in order for them to perform their duties.

Sitting above them all is the National Pre–Transitional Committee (NPTC). This is one of the most important institutions, as it coordinates and oversees implementation of crucial pre-transitional activities. This is an institution from which much is expected and will require our collective support.

The NPTC has been set up, some funds have been pledged by the government and accounts have been opened. The NPTC has provided some commendable support to the representatives of the opposition parties returning to Juba, both in terms of security clearance and accommodation.

9. 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 without delay.

10. I expect to hear from the NPTC Chairperson on the status of the Committee’s progress to date, including whether pledges of funds have been fulfilled and how it has mapped out the sequencing of all Pre-Transitional activities.

11. Going forward, I would request the NPTC and all Agreement institutions to submit their monthly written reports to RJMEC to enable us to assess progress in advance of the next Plenary. We are fully behind the NPTC and reiterate our appeal to our friends and partners to contribute funds and support to the NPTC.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

12. I am glad to inform you that the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has equally made some commendable progress. The Committee spent three weeks in November meeting daily and diligently to incorporate provisions of the R-ARCSS into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 (as amended)

13. This was an invaluable exercise that required the cooperation of different representatives of the Parties and stakeholders, some of whom travelled from outside the country to participate in a spirit of trust–building and we must commend them for a job well done. We will hear a more detailed account from the Chairperson of NCAC shortly.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

14. When we last met, I urged that the Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) be formed. Unfortunately, not all the committee members made it to Juba as was expected last week. However, although there was no quorum, I am pleased to report that the TBC members present held preliminary discussions on their terms of reference and rules of procedure. I expect that the TBC, once constituted, will quickly commence their work.

15. I am also pleased to report that all the transitional security arrangement mechanisms were established or reconstituted at the end of last month in Khartoum. These are the Joint Defense Board (JDB), the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), and the Strategic Defense and Security Review Board (SDSRB). Plans have been made for all of them to hold their first meetings in Juba this month.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

16. I cannot stress enough the importance of these security institutions, especially the JDB. While meeting within the confines of Juba or another regional capital is one thing, the complete silencing of guns throughout the entire country is needed for us to be able to talk of sustainable peace. Any bullet fired in anger is a step backwards for South Sudan as a whole, and I wish to impress upon the JDB that their cooperation and leadership is critical to the successful implementation of the entire Peace Agreement.

17. However, I must stress that all institutions and mechanisms are important and those that are yet to be set up should be expedited and operationalized immediately.

18. In particular, seeing some of the TBC members assemble to assess their tasks was encouraging, but now I urge that the Independent Boundaries Committee (IBC) likewise be set up so that the two can fulfil their complementary tasks. Steps must also be taken to recover time lost.

19. We all understand that funding will always be an issue and that effective implementation of these tasks requires resources. Therefore, I urge that we spare no effort and do whatever is possible within the available means.

20. This notwithstanding, we will continue to appeal for financial support to our international partners and friends, to whom we offer our heartfelt thanks for assistance already given, though we know the final responsibility lies with the incumbent TGoNU.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

21. I wish to commend CTSAMVM for its continued commitment and work. Without its ongoing rhythm of monitoring and verification, our access to and understanding of the facts on the ground would be much harder.

22. There have been successful Joint Field Visits consisting of meetings between commanders of the warring Parties outside of Juba, such as in Yei, Panyume, and Wau. The CTSAMVM report will provide more details.

23. CTSAMVM has reported that the overall security trend is one of improvement with the Parties demonstrating an effort to comply with the terms of the Peace Agreement.

24. However, it is concerning that CTSAMVM reports evidence of non-compliance in the recruitment of child soldiers. The report by CTSAMVM provides details.

25. I am deeply concerned that CTSAMVM’s access to key parts of the country has been blocked at times by the SSPDF and SPLM/SPLA- IO, and that outbreaks of fighting continue to occur in the hot spots around Wau, Bentiu and Yei.

26. Some commanders on the ground continue to claim that they have not received instructions to allow CTSAMVM access to verify their forces. Now that the JDB has been established, I expect proper command and control to take effect and I also expect the JDB to hold non-compliant commanders to account.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

27. Ongoing instability, even if within an overall trend of improvement, has a direct negative impact on the humanitarian situation in the country.

28. This is a time of challenge. The appalling reports of rape and violence in Bentiu are a direct affront to the safety and dignity that the Peace Agreement is supposed to bring to all people, especially women and children.

29. I must also add that gender parity needs prioritizing and must be carried out in real and quantifiable terms. Gender mainstreaming must be incorporated in all Agreement institutions and mechanisms and throughout all aspects of implementation.

30. A responsible media must be allowed the space to operate and contribute to the process of creating a common understanding of the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

31. Ongoing pockets of conflict, wherever they take place, contravene the spirit of reconciliation and application of justice, required by its provisions.32. Continued denial of humanitarian access where it occurs, preventing the delivery of vital assistance to people in desperate need, likewise contravenes the letter and spirit of the Agreement.

33. I am aware of the leadership dispute within the SSOA, and I wish to call upon the leaders to amicably resolve their differences.

34. According to OCHA, 7 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. Over 4 million South Sudanese have fled their homes, and more than half of them to neighboring countries. Although the data available at this time does not indicate a large–scale return of refugees or IDPs, it is my hope that they will be able to return soon.

35. Delivery of humanitarian aid remains difficult. Data from OCHA shows that since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, there has been a reported monthly average of around 60 access impediments and three aid workers have lost their lives.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

36. On the economic front, there is some positive news. The incumbent TGoNU has come a long way towards achieving economic stability during the last two years. The exchange rate strengthened markedly from the beginning of this financial year and has subsequently stabilized. The annual rate of inflation has come down from more than 500% in October 2016 to around 40% currently.

37. These gains must now be consolidated, because several important development challenges lie ahead, which include facilitating the return of refugees and IDPs, restoring social services, and rebuilding infrastructure.

38. With the recent launch of the National Development Strategy, the Incumbent TGoNU is putting in place a framework for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement to support the long- term growth and development of the country.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

39. It has been a busy time for the RJMEC Secretariat. We continue our process of engagement with the government and other key partners, including the African Union, the UN family, and the international community. Since our last Plenary, we have had meetings with the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, with the AU–C5 Ambassadors, and a delegation from the UN Department of Political Affairs.

40. The Secretariat has developed a strategic plan which will be presented shortly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who assisted the Secretariat in this process and look forward to their continued support.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

41. Finally, I wish to close with my hopes and expectations for the days ahead and in the new year. As I said earlier, security is an essential component of the peace agreement and I expect the full implementation of the permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.

42. The establishment and operationalization of the different agreement institutions and mechanisms should be expedited and completed without delay. I expect that we will commence the New Year at full capacity and use every single day to compensate for lost time.

43. Christmas is a season for goodwill, and I call upon all Parties to continue reaching out to one another, engage in more confidence building measures, and I also appeal for any prisoners of war and political detainees not yet released to be freed.

44. I wish all of us fruitful deliberations today.

May God bless us all. Thank you.