PRESS RELEASE


(For Immediate Publication)

25th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to define clear consequences “to be faced by those who wilfully violate, spoil or derail the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.”

Addressing the UNSC on Thursday, JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae said, “For the revitalisation process (of the ARCSS) to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are enforced.”

“We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorise or allow its violation with impunity the next,” the Chairperson said.
 
He was addressing the Council via video tele-conference from the capital, Juba.
 
The Chairperson said “it is now time to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption to our efforts to deliver peace.”
 
The Chairperson cited the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, communique issued on November 7, 2014, which listed enactment of asset freezes, regional travel bans, and the denial of the supply of arms and ammunition as consequences against violators of the then signed cessation of hostilities Agreement.
 
“Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU (Transitional Government of National Unity) and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process.”
 
The Chairperson said he was  “disappointed” that within days the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities in Addis, fighting and troop movements had been reported in Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians.
 
“I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance,” he said.