Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 2 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia           

MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS

The first day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) took place on Thursday 2 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Addressing the participants, the Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge took stock of the progress made during the Pre-Transitional period, concluding that “unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.” 

“My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational,” he continued.

The Interim Chairperson told the participants: “The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.” 

During the meeting, the Parties to the Agreement set out their positions on how to manage the pending tasks given the short time remaining of the Pre-Transitional period. The tone was calm and respectful throughout the day. The meeting continues tomorrow, 3 May.   

ENDS