Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 23rd April 2020, Khartoum, Sudan

Delay in restructuring, reconstitution of the TNLA and the Council of States is regrettable

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has addressed the 71st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Khartoum, Sudan, held by teleconference. 

While appreciating the formation of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity) and its Council of Ministers as significant steps towards the full establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge noted with concern other delays. 

In particular, he called the delay in the restructuring and reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States, and the lack of agreement between the Parties on responsibility-sharing at the State and Local Government levels as “regrettable”.

“The Parties to the R-ARCSS have tried to address the issue of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Government levels in recent weeks, including the three Administrative Areas, through inter-party consultations. Unfortunately, they have failed to agree on the way forward,” he said. 

In his address, the Chairperson said the low level of trust and confidence and the spirit of collegial leadership is lacking, resulting in the absence of political reconciliation between the Parties to implement the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.  

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Njoroge highlighted violations of the R-ARCSS, including: a) alterations made to Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.6) 2020 after it was submitted to the ITGoNU by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee; b) the failure of the Parties to adhere to the 35% provision for women participation in the Executive of the RTGoNU; and c) political appointments made after the formation of the RTGoNU that are inconsistent with the Agreement. 

Lt. Gen. Njoroge concluded by reassuring the Council that the RJMEC remains fully committed to discharge its mandate in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ENDS