Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday, 14 August, 2024, Juba, South Sudan

REALISTIC TIMETABLE FOR ELECTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY BUDGET, GUARANTEED FUNDING

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today Wednesday August 14, 2024 briefed virtually the 9705th meeting of United Nations Security Council.

In his address to the members of the Security Council reviewing the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“With regards to the prospects of elections, an inter-party Committee reviewed the Roadmap implementation, and submitted its report to the Principals, who met yesterday, 13 August.” 

He continued: “In response, the Parties to the Agreement by consensus have tasked the relevant institutions and the inter-party Committee to develop a realistic timetable for elections. It is expected that the timetable will be accompanied by a budget and guaranteed funding.”

In reviewing the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Amb. Gituai outlined some challenges which have slowed down progress which include, insufficient political will, trust deficit among the Parties, capacity gaps, and persistent levels of intercommunal violence in the states. 

Additionally, he said, “all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have insufficient and unpredictable funding which is hampering their work.” Lastly, Amb. Gituai acknowledged that the Revitalised Agreement has contributed to relative peace, inclusive governance structures, and the ongoing legal, security and economic reforms in the Republic of South Sudan. 

As such, he said: “It is evident that the Revitalised Agreement remains the most viable blueprint and transformative framework for achieving enduring peace and prosperity.”

The RJMEC Chairperson concluded: “I therefore appeal to this Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan and to encourage the international community to mobilise resources and political support for full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”