The inaugural meeting of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) was held on Monday 18 March in Juba, South Sudan.

Speaking during the official opening session, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede congratulated all those who had been appointed to the Commission, telling them: “Your work of considering the number of States in the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, is very important to the future stability of this country. At the same time, your recommendations about the same issues will be invaluable.”

The IBC is established under article 1.15 of the R-ARCSS and is made of fifteen members namely, five from the Incumbent TGoNU, two from SPLM/A-IO, one from South Sudan Opposition Alliance, one from Former Detainees and one from Other Political Parties. The other five, of whom two are yet to arrive, are highly experienced C5 members nominated by the member States of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan from South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Algeria and Chad.

While urging the Commission to do all in its power to complete the tasks within the 60 days, Ambassador Kebede noted that the conclusions of the Commision will undoubtedly prove critical to the work and functioning of the RTGoNU.

“The judgement and recommendations of these esteemed members present today will be very consequential for South Sudan as it builds its architecture of permanent peace.”

“There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan and the country’s friends and supporters await the results of the work you will undertake over the next two months. I am convinced that you are all more than equal to the task ahead, and will bring to bear your collective professionalism and impartiality”, Ambassador Kebede added.

Upon completion of its work, the IBC will present its recommendations to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. These recommendations will then be communicated immediately to the Parties.

ENDS