The reconstituted National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has on Sunday held its inaugural meeting in the Sudan’s Capital, Khartoum.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) to constructively engage the people of South Sudan for effective and inclusive implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, October 22, 2018, Juba, South Sudan

NPTC it holds its inaugural meeting in Khartoum

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) to constructively engage the people of South Sudan for effective and inclusive implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

Speaking during the opening session of the inaugural meeting of the NPTC in Khartoum on Sunday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said: 

“The reconstitution of the NPTC and the convening of its first meeting heralds very positive news for the people of South Sudan who are eagerly awaiting to see the agreement implemented in letter and spirit.”

Ambassador Njoroge urged the Committee to take the responsibility for bringing about the healing and reconciliation process for the people of South Sudan. 

“It is evident that the huge responsibility bestowed upon you requires the collaboration of regional and international actors. This behooves you to develop an effective and transparent mechanism to bring on board those important partners,” Ambassador Njoroge added.

The IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ambassador Dr. Ismail Wais and Sudan Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Jamal al-Sheikh also attended the meeting. Ambassador Njoroge said the Committee’s approach to challenges will be key “to a successful implementation of the many critical tasks” that lie ahead.

"I would like to draw the attention of the Committee members to the need to look carefully at the financial requirements for the revitalized peace agreement, institutions and mechanisms,” the Deputy Chair told the Committee.

“Experience has shown that a failure to secure the requisite financing for such crucial institutions can severely undermine and ultimately stall implementation.”

Article 1.4.7 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the NPTC is among other tasks, entrusted with the function of oversight and coordination of the implementation of the Agreement during an 8-month pre-transitional period, draw a roadmap for implementing the political tasks, as well as prepare budget for the activities, and address issues of VIP security in Juba. 

In addition, the 10-member committee is required to submit monthly written reports to the Chairperson of the Reconstituted JMEC, the Parties and other stakeholders. 

The membership of the committee is drawn from TGoNU (5), SPLM/A-IO (2), South Sudan Opposition Alliance (1), Former Detainees (1) and Other Political Parties (1).

ENDS

JMEC Deputy Chief of Staff-Strategy (Ag) Dr. Thomson Fontaine spoke extensively on the Commission’s recently released status of implementation of the revitalised Agreement update, during an interview with Radio Miraya in Juba on Wednesday. Excerpts: 

Audio version available here: https://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/audio-and-video/item/372-jmec-chief-of-staff-strategy-ag-dr-thomson-fontaine-interview-with-radio-miraya-in-juba-oct-17-2018 

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday 12 October 2018 issued a status update on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

BY FESTUS G. MOGAE

After almost three years, I leave South Sudan following one of the most challenging yet fulfilling periods of my career. I was honoured to accept the post of Chairman of the IGAD’s Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (JMEC), because I saw an opportunity to make a contribution, however modest, to help South Sudan to end a senseless conflict and begin on the road to peace.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday, October 3, 2018, Juba, South Sudan

Buy textbooks, not guns; departing JMEC Chairperson asks South Sudanese political leaders, calls for full implementation of the revitalized Agreement

“Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.” This was the parting shot of former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E Festus Mogae to the Political leaders in the Republic of South Sudan.

Speaking during a farewell reception held in his honour in Juba on Tuesday evening, H.E Mogae said,  

“I appeal to you (South Sudanese) to build bridges. Come together and build this youngest and beautiful African nation. Many things may have gone wrong but it is time to concentrate on the future and implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (A-ARCSS), which we all painstakingly brought to fruition,” he said.

Although the objective of a peaceful South Sudan is yet to be realized, the President said, he remains “hopeful that tragedy that befell this country, will one day come to an end” and that South Sudan leaders “many of whom are religious, will ultimately see the necessity of turning swords into ploughshares.”

“I am more optimistic because South Sudan political leaders must be tired of fighting, instead of destroying the country, they could use the natural resources to build social and physical infrastructure,” he said.

President Mogae, who stepped down as the Chairperson of JMEC at the end of last month, appealed to the regional and international community to fully support the more inclusive Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) “for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS”. 

He thanked IGAD leadership for giving him “the opportunity to be part of the pursuit to stabilize the Africa’s youngest nation.” 

“That was a big honour and it is a pity that I am leaving when peace has not been completely achieved. But together much has been achieved as well, including the constitution of key institutions and mechanisms which remain critical to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement,” he said.

The President reflected on the missed opportunities and challenges he encountered while at the helm of the Commission, whose mandate is to monitor, evaluate and report the implementation of the Agreement. 

“At one time, I pushed for the one voice message among IGAD member states. I think they listened but I don’t think they spoke with one voice, as I would have wanted them to do,” he said.

“However, my appeal to launch a process for the revitalization of the 2015 Agreement was however accepted,” he said.

“I depart with hope and best wishes to the people of South Sudan. Much remains to be done. I pray for the peace and tranquility that this country deserves,” he said

ENDS

“Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.” This was the parting shot of former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E Festus Mogae to the Political leaders in the Republic of South Sudan.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Monday welcomed the Order by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit issued on September 27, 2018 for the immediate release of all Prisoners of War (PoWs) and Political Detainees.