Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday, 14 December 22, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC: PEACEFUL, DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN ARE POSSIBLE; EXPRESSES CONCERN AT ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN UPPER NILE

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai  told participants during the 25th monthly meeting convened in Juba on Wednesday, 14 December, 2022, that peaceful and democratic elections for the Republic of South Sudan are possible in the next 24 months.

However, for this to happen, Amb. Gituai gave key recommendations, which include:

a)    adhering (by the Parties) to the roadmap timelines and prioritising implementation through the availing of predictable, timely and adequate funding for all tasks

b)    the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative (TNL) to expedite the processing of all Bills before the Legislature;

c)    commencing of Phase 2 of the unification of forces, which is overdue, and avail funding and political support to the DDR programmes, which is an essential component of the unification of forces; 

d)    addressing subnational violence, especially in Upper Nile and Jonglei States, hold perpetrators accountable, and take steps to address the root causes and protect civilians and their property;

e)    kickstarting preparations for the reconstitution and appointment of the critical Constitution Making mechanisms and institutions, including giving due attention to the 35% level of women’s participation, as well as taking note of youth and people living with disabilities.

“There are immense tasks and expectations ahead, and even with the extension (of the transitional period), time is of the essence. The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less than total implementation of the Roadmap in letter and spirit in order to enjoy the peace dividends that it brings,” he continued.

Further, RJMEC expressed its deep concern over the escalating violence in both Upper Nile and Jonglei States “with innocent lives being lost, thousands displaced, livelihoods and property destroyed.” 

“If not addressed urgently, the wider ramifications of such violence could destabilize the ongoing implementation of the Peace Agreement,” Amb. Gituai said.

In his remarks, Amb. Gituai noted that recent meetings of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council, as well as the visit to Juba by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the holding of the East Africa Inter-Parliamentary games recently in Juba.

These, he said, are positive signals, adding, “The leaderships in the region and beyond have shown their determination to urgently build on recent progress in order to push for more implementation. It is incumbent upon the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, to match that level of determination in the pace of implementation of the Roadmap.”

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai highlighted the resolution of the Sixth Governor’s Forum (held in Juba on 21st – 28th November 2022) , which affirmed the “commitment of the States and the Administrative Areas to implementation of the R-ARCSS through the Roadmap 2022.” 

“With this in mind, and against the backdrop of the diplomatic support affirmed at the recent IGAD, AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council meetings, RJMEC expects that progress should be more rapid and substantial in the new year 2023."

ENDS