Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 23 November 2021 , Juba, South Sudan

THE PACE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF R-ARCSS IS SLOW, AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

The pace of implementation of the  Revitalised Agreement of the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is slow and time is running out with critical tasks lagging behind the agreed timelines, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.  

Speaking during the 5thGovernors’ Forum held in Juba on Tuesday 23 November 2021, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said despite progress insome thematic areas, challenges persist. Too much time has been lost. The pace of implementation is slow, and time is running out.

He added, “Over the last three years since the R-ARCSS was signed, some peace dividends have been realized across the country, but much remains to be done. Within the current timelines of the R-ARCSS, we have barely 15 months until the end of the Transitional Period and yet some very critical tasks remain outstanding.”

While detailing the status of implementation of the Agreement and noting significant progress in some thematic areas, Gen. Gituai recommended the RTGoNU to: 

·     fast-track ratification of all the approved bills, including the Permanent Constitution Making Process Bill 2021;

·     finalise the nominations and the establishment of the ad-hocJudicial Reform Committee;

·     make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including graduation and redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes;

·     urgently resolve the outstanding issues of the ratio of the unified forces and unified command structure of the Necessary Unified Forces;

·     expedite the establishment of the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund, in collaboration with the partners; 

·     expedite all the reforms required in Chapter 4, including the National Audit Chamber and the Anti-Corruption Commission; and 

·     fast-track implementation of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of the Peace Agreement. 

The five-day 5thGovernors’ Forum was aimed at deliberating on the “Role of Sates and Administrative Areas in the Implementation of the Peace Agreement for a Peaceful, Prosperous South Sudan.” 

ENDS