The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has urged Parties to expedite the process of cantonment of troops arriving in verified Cantonment Sites and in Barracks. 

Speaking during the opening session of the consultative meeting of the Parties to the Agreement held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. General Augostino Njoroge said “Accordingly, the Parties should give direction and timelines on operationalization of several cantonment sites across the country and in respective States as a start and within the remaining Pre-Transitional Period”. 

“Parties must also give direction and timelines on commencement of training centers across the country and in the respective regions, including training of officers identified for VIP protection”, he added. 

While addressing the attendees at the meeting, Amb. Njoroge in addition pointed out that the Permanent Ceasefire had continued to hold, and this has resulted in an overall improvement in the general security situation across the country. “I commend all the Parties for observing the Permanent Ceasefire. The security situation has contributed to improved access to humanitarian activities, including decisions by some refugees and IDPs to spontaneously return to their areas” 

He also urged the National Pre-Transition Committee (NPTC) to organize more joint confidence building measures among the Parties as well as joint dissemination of the R-ARCSS to enhance better understanding, ownership, healing and reconciliation in the country.  

“ The Government must fulfil its pledge of funding the implementation of the R-ARCSS in a timely and predictable manner”, he added. 

ENDS