Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 14 August, 2024, Juba, South Sudan
REALISTIC TIMETABLE FOR ELECTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY BUDGET, GUARANTEED FUNDING
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today Wednesday August 14, 2024 briefed virtually the 9705th meeting of United Nations Security Council.
In his address to the members of the Security Council reviewing the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“With regards to the prospects of elections, an inter-party Committee reviewed the Roadmap implementation, and submitted its report to the Principals, who met yesterday, 13 August.”
He continued: “In response, the Parties to the Agreement by consensus have tasked the relevant institutions and the inter-party Committee to develop a realistic timetable for elections. It is expected that the timetable will be accompanied by a budget and guaranteed funding.”
In reviewing the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Amb. Gituai outlined some challenges which have slowed down progress which include, insufficient political will, trust deficit among the Parties, capacity gaps, and persistent levels of intercommunal violence in the states.
Additionally, he said, “all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have insufficient and unpredictable funding which is hampering their work.” Lastly, Amb. Gituai acknowledged that the Revitalised Agreement has contributed to relative peace, inclusive governance structures, and the ongoing legal, security and economic reforms in the Republic of South Sudan.
As such, he said: “It is evident that the Revitalised Agreement remains the most viable blueprint and transformative framework for achieving enduring peace and prosperity.”
The RJMEC Chairperson concluded: “I therefore appeal to this Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan and to encourage the international community to mobilise resources and political support for full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 8 August 2024
LACK OF ADEQUATE ELECTIONS PREPAREDNESS, LACK OF PROGRESS IN THE UNIFICATION OF FORCES CAUSING ANXIETY
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 8 August, 2024 convened its 37th monthly meeting in Juba.
In his address to the meeting, RJMEC Chairperson, Ambassador Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“With barely five months left before elections as scheduled in the Roadmap, the lack of adequate elections preparedness and the lack of progress in the unification of forces is causing anxiety among the population of South Sudan.”
The RJMEC Chairperson continued: “It is important, therefore, that the Principals of the Parties to the Agreement meet, consider the report of the High Level Standing Committee, and provide clarity on the way forward.”
As such, the RJMEC Chairperson welcomed the report from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Hon. Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, that the Presidency is expected to meet on Wednesday 14 August, to deliberate on the way forward.
While providing updates on the status of implementation of the Revitilised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the Chairperson noted that the Permanent Ceasefire continues to hold.
“However, sporadic episodes of intercommunal violence, such as in Unity, Jonglei, and Lakes State, continue to be concerning,” he said, which is compounded by some security-related incidents in Juba.
The RJMEC Chairperson then drew the attention of RJMEC members to the lack of sufficient funding for the full deployment of the graduated forces, and the commencement of Phase II training for the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
“As troops wait in Training Centres and Cantonment Sites, they lack food, medicines, shelter and clean water. As a result, most troops have left their bases in search of food and other necessities. Also pending is the finalisation of the unification of the middle command echelon of the NUF.”
Amb. Gituai called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide the Agreement institutions and mechanisms with the requisite resources and logistics to enable them to discharge their mandates, including completion of the redeployment of the unified forces.
In his adddress, the Chairperson also encouraged the Parties to the Agreement to pay due consideration to the 35% minimum threshold of women’s representation in the executive and other decision-making bodies as stipulated in the Revitalised Agreement.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 06 August 2024
FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT CRITICAL TASKS OF THE R-ARCSS HINDERS THE PROSPECTS OF FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today Tuesday August 6, 2024, addressed the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).
In his address delievered pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai highlighted “insufficient progress” made in implementation of the Agreement during the reporting period, which was the second quarter of 2024.
“In RJMEC’s assessment, there has been insufficient progress made in implementation of the R-ARCSS during the reporting period. Key tasks, such as the permanent constitution making, preparations for elections, and the unification of forces, remain largely at the same stage as they were at the end of the previous quarter,” he said.
The Chairperson further cautioned that failure to move forward on these key aspects of the implementation hinders the prospects of holding of elections, scheduled for at the end of the Transitional Period.
“However, while it is encouraging that at least partial funding has been availed to the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Political Parties Council (PPC) and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), key institutions that will play major roles in the constitution and election processes, more resources are needed.”
Similarly, the level of resources made available to these institutions fall well short of their proposed budgets, hampering their ability to complete the required tasks in line with the R-ARCSS, he said.
Further, Amb. Gituai stressed the need “for a people-led and a people-owned permanent constitution made in accordance with provisions of the Constitution Making Process Act 2022,” as the basis to guide the conduct of a credible free, fair and peaceful election at the end of the Transitional Period.
In his conclusion, with elections scheduled for December, Amb. Gituai said it is hoped that the dialogue by the Parties to the Agreement will bring clarity on the best way forward.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 27 June 2024
With time fast running out, very little clarity exist on elections
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has today June 27, 2024, convened its 36th monthly plenary in Juba.
In his address to the meeting, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai gave a detailed status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
On elections scheduled for December this year, Amb. Gituai said, “very little clarity exists regarding the position of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity) and Parties over the conduct of elections as scheduled.”
“Also, critical election related tasks remain outstanding and time is fast running out,” he added.
On the permanent constitution making process, Amb Gituai said,
“The making of ‘a people led, and people owned permanent constitution’ within the Transitional Period is one of the cardinal promises made by the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to the people of South Sudan and this constitutional moment should not be lost.”
In his address, Amb. Gituai made the following recommendations to the R-TGoNU:
- continue sustained inter-party dialogue in a collegial manner, build consensus amongst the Parties and the stakeholders on the way forward on elections, and provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the dialogue;
- continue to avail the requisite resources and logistics to the Agreement institutions and mechanisms to enable them to discharge their mandates;
- fast-track the passing of all pending bills and operationalise those already enacted by the TNLA; and
- complete the unification of the mid-level command echelon, redeployment of the unified forces, and commence Phase II, and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration).
- In his conclusions, the Chairperson said:
- “I would like to underscore the importance of continuous implementation of the R-ARCSS tasks, irrespective of the ongoing inter-party dialogue and the Nairobi talks. Much work remains to be done and no time should be lost going forward.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 23 May 2024
WITH SEVEN MONTHS REMAINING, NO EVIDENCE OF SUFFICIENT PREPARATION FOR CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN SOUTH SUDAN
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday, May 23 2024, convened its 35th monthly meeting in Juba.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said itis concerning that “barely seven months to the elections, there is still no evidence of sufficient preparation for the conduct of elections and implementation of critical election-related tasks.”
In his assessment of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Amb. Gituai said these critical tasks, among others, include the full operationalisation and funding of the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Elections Commission (NEC), and the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), completion of Phase I and Phase II unification of forces, and making of a permanent constitution to guide the conduct of elections.
In addition, he said, the conduct by the NEC of elections-related such as establishment of subsidiary electoral management bodies at the state level, the establishment of procedures for the voter registry and registration, and support to civic education and voter outreach, the publication of the voters register six months prior to the holding of elections, are also pending.
He further stated that other pending tasks to be completed, include judicial reform process, review of the judiciary Act and establishment of the Constitutional Court and the enactment of the revised National Security Service Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 to, among others, create an enabling civic and political space for citizens’ participation in governance.
As such, he said, it is important that the inter-party dialogue be expedited to provide clarity on the way forward.
“This would help the South Sudanese to prepare sufficiently and enable timely mobilisation of resources by the regional and international community to support the process,” he said.
Additionally, Amb. Gituai raised concerns on continued inter-communal violence in different parts of the country, such as in Tambura, Twic, and parts of Abyei region, saying: “This underlines the critical importance of full unification of all forces and their redeployment to provide security in all parts of the country,” he said.
In his recommendation, the Interim Chairperson asked the Transitional Government and the Parties todialogue in a collegial manner, build consensus, provide regular updates and a way forward on elections and complete the deployment of the unified forces and commence Phase II without further delay.
In his conclusion, he said: “Overall, it is important to underline that four years into the Transitional Period, relative progress has been made in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. All efforts should therefore be made to consolidate the peace gains, and lay a firm foundation for lasting peace, development and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 21 March 2024, Juba, South Sudan
URGENT DIALOGUE THE WAY FORWARD TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION IN SOUTH SUDAN
With the end of the extended transitional period fast approaching, a number of critical tasks remain unimplemented, and critical bodies, such as the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the National Constitutional Review Commission(NCRC), remain unfunded with no clear timelines on the way forward.
With elections as scheduled are barely nine months away, the Republic of South Sudan therefore needs clarity from the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on how it is planning to expedite and complete the critical pending tasks necessary to conduct free, fair and credible elections in December 2024.
In RJMEC's engagements with all key stakeholders and institutions and mechanisms of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), it is evident that there is a need for clear and actionable political guidance from the Executive of the RTGoNU and the Parties to the Agreement, without the loss of any more critical time and momentum. As such, urgent dialogue of the Parties to the R-ARCSS is the most expedient way to address the current political situation.
It is clear that the way forward on elections depends on the Parties meeting and engaging in dialogue openly and constructively, in the spirit of collegiality and consensus. Against this backdrop, and as per Article 7.10 of the Peace Agreement, RJMEC has written to the RTGoNU and stressed on the importance of the inter-party consultations and constructive dialogue, in order to forge a viable way forward, within the framework of Article 1.9.1 of the R-ARCSS, which states that:
“the RTGoNU is founded on the premise that there shall be collegial collaboration in decision-making and continuous consultations within the Presidency, between the President, the First Vice President, and the Four Vice Presidents, to ensure effective governance during the Transitional Period.”
Even though implementation has not progressed according to the Roadmap timelines, it is nonetheless possible to make important strides in the coming months by undertaking various tasks as stipulated in the R-ARCSS. This will serve as a clear demonstration of the political goodwill needed to move forward while engaging in dialogue.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 8 March 2024, Juba, South Sudan
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024: RJMEC SALUTES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS
Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a day where the world marks the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) salutes the contributions of women to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
During the IGAD-led High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the Parties and stakeholders which culminated into the Revitalised Peace Agreement, South Sudanese women played a critical role in successfully negotiating issues affecting them. The chief mediator was a woman.
The increase in women representation from 25% under the previous Peace Agreement to 35% under the Revitalised Peace Agreement is a demonstration of women’s agency in arguing their case for effective representation and participation in political processes, including in all state institutions.
RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, says, however: “The slow implementation of the different chapters of the agreement affects women’s meaningful participation in the ongoing political and constitution making processes.”
“How will women participate when they and their families remain hungry, lack protection, are stuck in refugee or IDP camps, have no IDs, no access to basic services, and are preoccupied with the challenge of feeding their families without access to income or productive resources?”
“RJMEC encourages women to engage multiple stakeholders in their circles of influence, key among that is to appeal to the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, to take action to improve the environment for women’s participation through programming and interventions targeted at investing in women to accelerate progress.”
“The letter and spirit of the gender provisions in the Revitalised Peace Agreement are deep and far-reaching, and aimed at creating a conducive environment for women in South Sudan to actively participate in the political, economic and social life of their country. RJMEC further encourages the Parties to the Agreement to facilitate the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of Agreement implementation.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Juba, South Sudan
WITH TEN MONTHS LEFT, NO CONSENSUS AMONG THE PARTIES ON ELECTIONS, KEY PENDING TASKS REMAIN INCOMPLETE
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today Tuesday 27 February 2024, addressed the 1202nd meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
In his statement delivered virtually, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said it is concerning that with 10 months to scheduled elections, much work remains to be done to complete the Agreement requirements for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
Amb. Gituai said that pending tasks include funding and operationalisation of the elections-related institutions responsible for preparation and conduct of elections and the making of the permanent constitution, the provisions of which will guide the conduct of elections.
Others are judicial reforms to enhance the capacity and independence of judicial institutions, completion of Phase I and II unification of forces and the expansion of political and civic space to enhance public participation in constitution and election processes.
In his address, Amb. Gituai noted: “This five-year period of the Agreement marks the longest period of relative peace, inclusivity and stability since independence in 2011. The gains made in this period are significant, considering the previous security situation in the country. It is therefore important to consolidate and protect these achievements.”
However, the RJMEC Chair continued: “In my recent engagement with the Parties to the Agreement, it is evident that there is no consensus among the Parties on the elections.” “Given the scale of the tasks ahead, therefore, there is need for the Parties to dialogue, and demonstrate political will, compromise, consensus, unity of purpose and agree on the way forward,” he said.
In his recommendations, the RJMEC Chairperson called on the AUPSC to support the Revitalised Transitional Government to deliver credible elections within the framework of the Agreement, and encourage the Parties to dialogue in order to build the consensus and compromise as necessary to hold free, fair and credible elections.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 8 February 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ACKNOWLEDGES PROGRESS, NOTES MUCH WORK TO BE DONE FOR AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday February 8, 2024 convened its 34th monthly plenary in Juba. Addressing the meeting, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“This is a significant and important year for South Sudan.” However, he added, “What is unclear is how the RTGoNU and Parties to the Agreement will be able to complete the critical pending tasks and create a conducive environment for the conduct of credible elections within the time left.”
He said, “Much work needs to be done to create an enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, as per the Agreement and the Roadmap.”
Amb. Gituai noted commendable progress made since December 2023, especially the reconstitution and operationalisation of “some the critical institutions, such as the National Constitutional Review Commission, the National Elections Commission, and the Political Parties Council.”
“However, we are mindful of the delays in their establishment, and the very short time left for them to deliver their important mandate,” he said.
However, Amb. Gituai took note of recent examples of intercommunal violence, in particular the Abyei Administrative Area, and Unity, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Jonglei States, adding: “These attacks (in Abyei) follow a pattern of continuing violence between local communities in recent weeks and months.RJMEC urges for dialogue to break the cycle of violence and underscores the need for the culture of peace to prevail. Much is at stake for the people of South Sudan as they seek to have their democratic aspirations met by holding their first elections as an independent nation.”
The RJMEC Chair drew members’ attention to a number of tasks, which if completed in a timely manner, he said ”will enhance political and civic space, sustain the peace and consolidate the gains made in the implementation of the Agreement so far.”
These include among others, the full operationalisation of the three newly reconstituted institutions, completion of Phase I and Phase II unification of forces, and addressing intercommunal violence through national and state-level dialogue and peacebuilding mechanisms.
In his recommendations, the RJMEC Chairperson encouraged dialogue among the Parties and clarity on the plans and preparations for the conduct of elections and funding of elections-related reconstituted institutions.
Others include the completion of the training and deployment of the NUF to provide election-related security and security in areas of intercommunal violence, the funding and operationalisation of the process of making a people-led and people-owned constitution, and ensuring the participation of women in all political processes, and their representation in mechanisms in accordance with the Agreement at the minimum threshold of 35%.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 29 January 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONDEMNS ABYEI ATTACKS, REGRETS LOSS OF LIVES, URGES R-TGoNU TO RESTORE PERMANENT, SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND SECURITY
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) condemns the attacks which took place in the Abyei Administrative Area over the weekend of 27-28 January 2024, resulting in the loss of lives, including two peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
RJMEC condoles with the families of all those who lost their lives in this regrettable incident. These attacks did not happen in isolation, but follow a pattern of continuing violence between local communities of that area in recent weeks and months, which also resulted in the death of the Deputy Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area in late December 2023. RJMEC urges for dialogue to break the cycle of violence and underscores the need for the culture of peace to prevail.
South Sudan’s successful democratic transition hinges on the implementation of key tasks which are still incomplete, in particular the unification of forces and their deployment, and the making of the permanent constitution.
With so much at stake for the people of South Sudan as they look to have their democratic aspirations met by holding their first elections as an independent nation, RJMEC reminds the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) of its responsibility, as per Article 1.2.2 of the R-ARCSS, to restore permanent and sustainable peace, security, and stability.
It is important to emphasise on the need for close collaboration and collegiality at all levels of government in order to strengthen the processes and institutions of governance nationwide, which include those responsible for conducting dialogue and mediation. In this way, the levels of social cohesion and public confidence needed to hold free, fair and credible elections can continue to be built.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 22 January 2024, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC TO NCRC: PERMANENT CONSTITUTION TO ANCHOR LASTING STABILITY, A PEACEFUL TRANSITION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday 22 January 2024 addressed the opening of an induction workshop for the members of the newly reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (RNCRC).
In his statement, RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai underlined the critical importance of the permanent constitution under the Revitalised Peace Agreement in “anchoring lasting stability, a peaceful transition and good governance.”
He continued: “There is no doubt that the Permanent Constitution, when made in an inclusive and participatory manner, will go a long way in addressing all the root causes of conflicts in this country.”
As such, Amb. Gituai added, “I would like to first congratulate all of you upon being entrusted with this enormous and consequential responsibility,” and appealed to the Commission “to live up to its expectations” and discharge its mandate as per the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and the Permanent Constitution Making Process Act 2022.
The RJMEC Chair continued: “It is critical to note that going by the roadmap timelines, we are far behind schedule and therefore time is of the essence. The RNCRC is expected to get up and running without any further delays,” he said.
In his address, Amb. Gituai called on the Commission to “swiftly consider and adopt practical rules of procedure, endorse the draft budget, and action plan, as well as agree on a practical strategy to immediately commence civic education and robust public consultation campaigns, to promote public debate and awareness on critical constitutional issues.”
The constitution making process is crucial given that the provisions of the Permanent Constitution are expected to guide the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period in December 2024.
ENDS