Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday, 29 November, 2023, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC to Governors’ Forum: With the prospect of elections in 2024, emphasis on peaceful transition and national cohesion welcome

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Wednesday 29 November, 2023, addressed the 7th Governors’ Forum in Juba. 

In his statement, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai began by congratulating H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the people of South Sudan, for recently taking over the Chairmanship of the seven-member State organisation of the East African Community. 

“This responsibility places South Sudan into regional and international focus at this critical period of her political life, as the country gears up for elections,” Amb. Gituai said. 

“Consequently, the approach, speed, commitment, and adherence by the RTGoNU to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution to the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), will be very crucial and imperative, in enhancing regional and international trust and confidence of the country and its leadership of the East African Community,” he added. 

In his remarks to the Forum, also attended by the Governors of South Sudan’s States and Administrative Areas, themed “Fostering National Cohesion: South Sudan’s Path to Peaceful Transition for Democratic Governance”, Amb. Gituai emphasised the responsibility of the RTGoNU at national and state levels in ensuring the full and timely implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, adding: 

“It is clear that the prospect of elections is accompanied by optimism and uncertainty among the people of South Sudan, therefore the emphasis on national cohesion is welcome.” The RJMEC Chair further noted that inter-communal violence and activities of some holdout groups continue to be a source of insecurity in several parts of the country.  

“Security matters at the subnational level require collective responsibility and collaboration at all levels of government, especially at this time as the country prepares for elections.”

“State Governments have a critical role to play in providing a conducive environment for the expansion and protection of civic and political space, the making of the permanent constitution, and the conduct of elections,” he said. 

“More broadly, national security would be strengthened by completing the unification of forces, and their deployment across the country to provide election-related security. In that regard, availing funding and political support to DDR programmes is essential, especially for those ineligible for the NUF.”

Highlighting progress made in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, Amb. Gituai noted the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC) at the start of November. 

“The timely operationalisation and adequate resourcing of these key institutions is needed to ensure their effective functioning, and will also pave the way towards the expansion and protection of civic and political space,” he said.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said: “It is important to underscore the need for continuous dialogue, close collaboration and collegiality at all levels of government in order to strengthen the processes and institutions of governance nationwide. In this way, the levels of social cohesion and public confidence needed to hold free, fair and credible elections can continue to be built.”