Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 4 November 2020, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC ADDRESSES NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE: URGES ITS SUPPORT OF REVITALISED PEACE AGREEMENT  

At the opening day of the National Dialogue conference on 3 November 2020, held in Juba, South Sudan, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, Chief of Staff of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), delivered remarks to the distinguished participants on behalf of Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. 

Noting that the “National Dialogue conference is a part of the concerted efforts towards finding solutions for the sustainable peace in this country”, Ambassador Kebede told the gathering: 

“We must therefore all agree that the inclusion and recognition of the voices of the diverse peoples of South Sudan is of utmost importance to the peaceful future of this country.”

Referring to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), he continued: 

“I would like to say that the vision of the Revitalised Peace Agreement – to lay “the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law”– is truly laudable. I urge the National Dialogue to support the achievement of this goal through whatever ways they can, not least in the sharing of their knowledge and experience they have gained in their work. Their recommendations at the end of this conference will be of particular interest and it is RJMEC’S hope that those recommendations will bond well with the R-ARCSS.”

In particular, Ambassador Kebede drew attention to Chapters Five and Six of the R-ARCSS in his remarks.

“As we continue to implement the Agreement in this Transitional Period, we should appreciate just how the voices of the entire spectrum of South Sudanese society are so important and critical in the implementation. Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice, is essential to atone for crimes committed during the dark days of conflict - the “untold human suffering” that the agreement acknowledges. In this regard, expeditious establishment of the three Transitional Justice institutions will be a great leap forward and RTGoNU support on this matter is critical.”

Ambassador Kebede added: “Furthermore, Chapter 6 of the Agreement on establishing the Permanent Constitution is vital, as it will lay a critical fundamental foundation for enduring peace in South Sudan. The Preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement duly recognises that the Parties to the Agreement are “determined to compensate our people by recommitting ourselves to peace and constitutionalism and not to repeat mistakes of the past.” Therefore, ensuring that the Permanent Constitution is a true reflection of all South Sudan’s peoples’ views of which is of paramount importance.”

“When the Constitution-making process is fully underway, reaching communities at grass-root level and understanding the perspectives of all peoples of South Sudan, irrespective of their backgrounds or political beliefs and affiliations, will be a critical ingredient in establishing the solid foundation that Chapter 6 intends to lay.”

Ambassador Kebede began his remarks by thanking H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for steering the peace process to this point so far, noting that throughout the process, his leadership has been evident, and that the people of South Sudan have stood alongside their leaders in the demand for sustainable peace and the full implementation of the Agreement. 

[ENDS]