Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday 22 November 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Report factually and seek to promote cohesion and unity among citizens, South Sudan media asked
The media in South Sudan must ensure that they not only seek to report factually but also promote cohesion and unity among citizens, the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop in Juba on Thursday in collaboration with UNESCO and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), the reconstituted JMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“As the media, you have an important role to play in helping the people of South Sudan to understand the Agreement through your reporting. Your being here today is a demonstration that you, members of media, are also ready to be part of this journey to lasting peace."
“It is your responsibility to keep the citizens informed which in turn will enable them to unite and together push for the implementation of the Agreement,” Ambassador Njoroge added.
Further, Ambassador Njoroge expressed optimism that the Parties, stakeholders and the people of South Sudan will implement the revitalized peace agreement.
“I am greatly encouraged by the demonstrable political will of the Parties to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement both in letter and spirit. So far, the signs are good, and there is momentum – but we must keep our efforts up,” he said.
The workshop themed “Towards Effective and Constructive Reporting of the R-ARCSS” brought together 50 journalists in South Sudan.
The JMEC Interim Chairman noted that some commendable progress has been made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, within the prescribed timeline including:
a. Ratification of the Revitalized Agreement by the Parties;
b. Nominations by the Parties and stakeholders of their representatives to various institutions and mechanisms;
c. Establishment and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
“These are just a few building blocks of peace in South Sudan. But peace is a much broader concept requiring a constructive approach that reaches right across the country, and this is where you can help,” he said.
“I urge you to support all the Parties to the R-ARCSS and stakeholders and work alongside them in pursuing the common goal of having a peaceful country where its people live in safety and dignity.”
ENDS
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE OFFICES OF JMEC AND IGAD
Tuesday, 20, November, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission reconstituted
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) was reconstituted at a meeting convened on Monday 19 November 2018 by H.E. Dr Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan.
The Special Envoy commended the IGAD Council of Ministers for their support of the Revitalized Peace Agreement as well as the Government of South Sudan and the Parties for their commitment to the peace process.
JMEC Interim Chairman Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge told the members of the reconstituted JMEC: “This august body is now reconstituted, made more inclusive, and bestowed with significant power and responsibility to monitor the Parties’ and stakeholders’ adherence to the implementation of the revitalized Peace Agreement. I can assert that we have the attention of the region as well as the people of South Sudan, and we must do our utmost to deliver.”
The meeting was attended by the Parties to the Agreement and other stakeholders, comprised of faith-based leaders, eminent personalities, and representatives of women’s groups, the business community, civil society, youth, and academia. Also present were the Regional Guarantors and the International Partners and Friends of South Sudan.
The reconstituted JMEC resolved as follows:
• Welcomed the reconstitution of the reconstituted JMEC by IGAD and expressed deep appreciation to H.E Dr. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan for his personal contribution that led to the success of the revitalization process;
• Congratulated the Interim Chairman Ambassador Lt. Gen. and all the representatives nominated to the reconstituted JMEC;
• Endorsed the statement of the reconstituted JMEC Interim Chairperson on the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement;
• Commended the Parties for the positive steps taken in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, in particular nominations of representatives to the various institutions and mechanisms of the Peace Agreement and for the ongoing confidence building, and encouraged further progress;
• Endorsed the reconstituted JMEC Rules of Procedure 2018;
• Took note of the reports of the UNMISS, National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) and Ceasefire and Transition Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), and thanked the SGSR H.E Mustafa, and the Chairperson of NCAC Mr. Gichira Kibara for the good work and called for the immediate implementation of their recommendations;
• Called upon all parties and stakeholders to observe the permanent ceasefire in all parts of the country without exception and to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access;
• Commended the outgoing Chairperson of CTSAMVM Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Abduljelill for his contribution to the peace process in his tenure and welcomed the new CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen. Desta Abiche;
• Appealed to the international partners and friends of South Sudan to support implementation of the Pre-Transitional activities of the Revitalized Peace Agreement;
• Called upon the IGAD Office of the Special Envoy to ensure the immediate establishment of the Joint Defense Board, International Boundaries Commission and Technical Boundaries Committee;
• That next reconstituted JMEC meeting should be convened on 12th December 2018 in Juba.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) yesterday met with the leadership of South Sudanese Opposition Alliance (SSOA) to discuss their membership and composition of the Joint Defence Board (JDB).
The meeting was convened by JMEC and attended by officials from the Office of the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. The meeting followed a disagreement within the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) on the correct interpretation of Article 2.4.2 of the R-ACRSS 2018 on nominations to the JDB.
In discussions led by JMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge, the SSOA leader H.E. Gabriel Changson Chang and his fellow-members of the Alliance reached a common understanding.
The Chairperson Lt. Gen. Njoroge said: “It was encouraging to see the spirit of openness and cooperation we had at this meeting. SSOA showed their unwavering support for the agreement, and were prepared to be flexible to abide by our impartial interpretation of provisions of the revitalized agreement.”
The SSOA’s membership nominees to the JDB will be duly submitted to JMEC without delay, now that all outstanding issues surrounding the matter have been cleared up.
“The matter of security is essential in the ongoing implementation of the revitalized agreement, and today was a measure of how seriously SSOA takes it. For the part of JMEC, we are pleased to continue in our role of facilitating wherever we can, to ensure implementation continues without undue delay,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) held its first working meeting at JMEC offices in Juba on Monday, 5 November. The meeting was attended by representatives of all the parties in the reconstituted committee, including members of all the parties, women, youth and civil society. JMEC commends that representatives of the SPLM-IO and SSOA travelled from outside the country to attend. This is a welcome indicator of trust-building.
The NCAC is scheduled to meet continuously in Juba for the next three weeks. Its work is critical in laying the legal framework for the pre-transitional and transitional reforms. NCAC is mandated to incorporate the revitalized agreement into the transitional constitution, review security, political parties and election laws among other things.
Yesterday’s meeting followed the inaugural meeting in Khartoum on 22 October 2018, during which the modalities of NCAC’s work were discussed and a tentative schedule agreed on for the incorporation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS) 2011 (Amended) 2018.
NCAC Chairman Gichara Kibara said: “The Committee’s meeting went well. This is indeed a positive and encouraging start to the work of the reconstituted Committee as we embark on undertaking our very critical role. We look forward to fruitful deliberations and we are optimistic that we will be able to achieve this important task.”
The members of the committee are as follows: representatives of IGAD: two (2) - Chair and Deputy Chair; TGoNU: five; SPLM/A-IO: two; SSOA: one; FDs: one; Other Political Parties (OPP): one; Civil Society: one; Women: one; and Youth: one.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, November 1, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
The coming together of key parties to the R-ARCSS signals continued hope for peace implementation
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) takes this opportunity to applaud the people and leaders of the Republic of South Sudan for conducting successful peace celebrations on Wednesday at John Garang Mausoleum.
For the people of South Sudan, the region and the international community, the day will live long in the memory as it was a huge public demonstration of continued hope for reconciliation, and a permanent end to the longstanding conflict in the country.
That key opposition leaders came to Juba after a long absence and shared a podium in a spirit of compromise and national solidarity is a public signal that the much-needed building of trust and inclusive implementation of the agreement is underway.
JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said: “The faces of the thousands of jubilant South Sudanese from all walks of life who attended the event showed optimism and hope, and they also have an expectation that their leaders will give it their all to implement peace.”
The announcement to release more political prisoners and the call to open humanitarian access routes and allow free movement of people are important indicators that the parties are willing and able to make a compromise.
“The signing of the agreement in September was not forced upon the parties – it was an act of compromise and leadership. We at JMEC are hopeful for the future, though we do not underestimate the task ahead. We will do everything we can to support the process, and expect all other stakeholders to do the same,” Lt. Gen. Njoroge added.
As mandated by the R-ARCSS, JMEC works closely with all political stakeholders in the country, as well as with regional and international partners, for an inclusive, impartial and honest implementation of the peace agreement.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, October 22, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
NPTC it holds its inaugural meeting in Khartoum
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) to constructively engage the people of South Sudan for effective and inclusive implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
Speaking during the opening session of the inaugural meeting of the NPTC in Khartoum on Sunday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“The reconstitution of the NPTC and the convening of its first meeting heralds very positive news for the people of South Sudan who are eagerly awaiting to see the agreement implemented in letter and spirit.”
Ambassador Njoroge urged the Committee to take the responsibility for bringing about the healing and reconciliation process for the people of South Sudan.
“It is evident that the huge responsibility bestowed upon you requires the collaboration of regional and international actors. This behooves you to develop an effective and transparent mechanism to bring on board those important partners,” Ambassador Njoroge added.
The IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ambassador Dr. Ismail Wais and Sudan Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Jamal al-Sheikh also attended the meeting. Ambassador Njoroge said the Committee’s approach to challenges will be key “to a successful implementation of the many critical tasks” that lie ahead.
"I would like to draw the attention of the Committee members to the need to look carefully at the financial requirements for the revitalized peace agreement, institutions and mechanisms,” the Deputy Chair told the Committee.
“Experience has shown that a failure to secure the requisite financing for such crucial institutions can severely undermine and ultimately stall implementation.”
Article 1.4.7 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the NPTC is among other tasks, entrusted with the function of oversight and coordination of the implementation of the Agreement during an 8-month pre-transitional period, draw a roadmap for implementing the political tasks, as well as prepare budget for the activities, and address issues of VIP security in Juba.
In addition, the 10-member committee is required to submit monthly written reports to the Chairperson of the Reconstituted JMEC, the Parties and other stakeholders.
The membership of the committee is drawn from TGoNU (5), SPLM/A-IO (2), South Sudan Opposition Alliance (1), Former Detainees (1) and Other Political Parties (1).
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, October 3, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Buy textbooks, not guns; departing JMEC Chairperson asks South Sudanese political leaders, calls for full implementation of the revitalized Agreement
“Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.” This was the parting shot of former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E Festus Mogae to the Political leaders in the Republic of South Sudan.
Speaking during a farewell reception held in his honour in Juba on Tuesday evening, H.E Mogae said,
“I appeal to you (South Sudanese) to build bridges. Come together and build this youngest and beautiful African nation. Many things may have gone wrong but it is time to concentrate on the future and implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (A-ARCSS), which we all painstakingly brought to fruition,” he said.
Although the objective of a peaceful South Sudan is yet to be realized, the President said, he remains “hopeful that tragedy that befell this country, will one day come to an end” and that South Sudan leaders “many of whom are religious, will ultimately see the necessity of turning swords into ploughshares.”
“I am more optimistic because South Sudan political leaders must be tired of fighting, instead of destroying the country, they could use the natural resources to build social and physical infrastructure,” he said.
President Mogae, who stepped down as the Chairperson of JMEC at the end of last month, appealed to the regional and international community to fully support the more inclusive Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) “for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS”.
He thanked IGAD leadership for giving him “the opportunity to be part of the pursuit to stabilize the Africa’s youngest nation.”
“That was a big honour and it is a pity that I am leaving when peace has not been completely achieved. But together much has been achieved as well, including the constitution of key institutions and mechanisms which remain critical to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement,” he said.
The President reflected on the missed opportunities and challenges he encountered while at the helm of the Commission, whose mandate is to monitor, evaluate and report the implementation of the Agreement.
“At one time, I pushed for the one voice message among IGAD member states. I think they listened but I don’t think they spoke with one voice, as I would have wanted them to do,” he said.
“However, my appeal to launch a process for the revitalization of the 2015 Agreement was however accepted,” he said.
“I depart with hope and best wishes to the people of South Sudan. Much remains to be done. I pray for the peace and tranquility that this country deserves,” he said
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday October 1, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC welcomes President’s Order for the Release of PoWs and Detainees
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) welcomes the Order by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit issued on September 27, 2018 for the immediate release of all Prisoners of War (PoWs) and Political Detainees.
“This is a requirement under the revitalized Agreement and an important confidence building measure,” says JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
Under Article 2.1.6 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), Prisoners of War and Detainees shall be released immediately under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
JMEC urges all Parties to emulate and honour their commitment to the R-ARCSS, cooperate with the ICRC and release all PoWs and Detainees without further delay and that the list of all such released persons, be made public.
The Commission further reminds the Parties to the R-ARCSS to abide fully by the provisions of the permanent ceasefire and facilitate the operationalization of the Transitional Security Arrangements and the voluntary repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons.
Lastly, JMEC reminds all Parties and Stakeholders who have not yet submitted a complete list of their nominees to the various Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms to do so immediately in order enable the expeditious convening of their activities.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday 28 September, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC issues an Interim Implementation Status Update of the Revitalized Peace Agreement
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday issued a status update on the implementation of the recently signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for D-Day + 15, noting that some deadlines have been met while others have been missed.
The Commission, mandated to oversee the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, has also highlighted pending tasks and upcoming timelines for the next 15 days (D-Day +30) as envisaged by the Agreement signed on 12 September 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Activities implemented include nominations and appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), which was constituted by the President of the Republic of South Sudan on Tuesday, September 26, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) workshop, and several declarations of commitment to the R-ARCSS by the Parties.
The Commission notes that the ongoing Pre-Transitional activities include ratification of the Agreement by the leadership of the various Parties, the dissemination of the signed R-ARCSS by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), preparation for the urgent actions required from the Mediation to kick-start the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and reconstitution of the various Boards and Commissions of the Agreement.
The Commission observes further that progress has been made in the area of confidence building, through declarations by the Parties, celebration to mark the signing of the R-ARCSS, dialogue between the Party leaders and invitations extended to all opposition leaders to visit Juba.
However, the Commission also notes that while the deadlines for the appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the convening of the PCTSA workshop, and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) Board have been adhered to, others have been missed.
Deadlines missed include the ratification of R-ARCSS by the Transitional National Legislature (TNL), the reconstitution of the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC), reconstitution of JMEC, the formation of the Joint Defense Board, and the release of all prisoners of war and political detainees.
As the Parties and Stakeholders continue to nominate their representation to the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the Commission urges the Parties to give due consideration to gender and age representation in selecting their nominees, and to expedite the process of reconstituting and establishing them.
“The Parties should adhere to the provisions of the permanent ceasefire, and hold violators accountable. The R-ARCSS should also be widely disseminated by the Parties and all stakeholders, and the R-ARCSS should be ratified by the TNL,” the Commission added.
Read the full status update here: https://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/arcss-evaluation-reports/109-interim-implementation-status-update-d-day-15-of-the-r-arcss-september-28-2018/file
ENDS
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) outgoing Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae, on Wednesday appealed to the South Sudan parties not to squander the opportunity to bring lasting peace in South Sudan.
The former President of Botswana was speaking at the 33rd Extra Ordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa. The main agenda of the meeting, was the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) by all Parties.
In his last speech to the Heads of State as the Chairperson of JMEC, President Mogae said, “It is my earnest hope that the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement will herald a new chapter for the Republic of South Sudan”.
“It is important to underline that the HLRF process has afforded all the parties and stakeholders every opportunity, to make their case and reach compromises. The outcome we are witnessing today is therefore a reflection of a thorough and inclusive process”, he added.
In addition, the President also noted the immense contribution and involvement from various stakeholders that had made the Revitalization Forum a success. In particular, he applauded the South Sudanese parties and Stakeholders, the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the High-Level Facilitators, the Mediators of the Khartoum phase of the HLRF as well as the International Partners.
“In particular, I want to also acknowledge the contribution of my staff, the JMEC members of the HLRF taskforce, without whom this progress may not have been achieved as timeously as has been the case”, he stated.
While making the remarks, the outgoing Chairperson also used the opportunity, to thank the IGAD Heads of State for his appointment as the Chairperson of JMEC in 2015 as well as the support extended to him during his tenure. He noted how proud he was of the many challenges that the JMEC members had collectively overcome in discharging the mandate of monitoring and evaluating the progress of the implementation of the 2015 Peace Agreement, over the last two years and eight months.
“I am also proud, that through my leadership, we recommended the revitalization of the ARCSS 2015 and today we conclude with a more inclusive peace agreement. This revitalized agreement, if fully implemented, promises sustainable peace and prosperity in the Republic of South Sudan”, he added.
President Mogae steps down as the JMEC Chairperson at the end of September.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, Augsut 20, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
World Humanitarian Day: A call to protect aid workers in South Sudan
As the world marked this year’s World Humanitarian Day (Sunday August 19), the Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission (JMEC) calls on all Parties to the conflict of the Republic of South Sudan, to do more and ensure aid workers who diligently serve the society’s most vulnerable, are safe and protected.
Attacks on humanitarian aid workers are not only against the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH) as signed in December 2017,but are also against international humanitarian law.
In the recent past, aid workers in South Sudan have unfortunately been targeted, threatened, abducted, killed and aid access obstructed, in blatant violations of what the ACoH was intended to achieve.
JMEC reminds the Parties to the Agreement that they have a duty to ensure that aid workers in their midst are not targeted, their safety and security is guaranteed at all times, and that hindrance to access the vulnerable and displaced population, are cleared to facilitate safe humanitarian operations.
ENDS