Be part of the solution, JMEC tells media
August 16,2018PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, July 19, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Enough is enough; end the senseless killings, JMEC tells warring Parties
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation has on Thursday called on the South Sudanese warring parties to embrace the spirit of compromise at the revitalization forum and end the “senseless killings” in the country.
“The achievement of peace in South Sudan is a collective process. You must all make the decision that the conflict, and especially the senseless killings need to stop and say enough is enough,” JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said.
“It is critical for allparties to fully abide by the Agreements they have signed to date, including the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access of December 2017 (ACoH) and particularly refrain from all acts of violence,” he added.
Speaking in Juba on Thursday during the closing ceremony of a four-day workshop, Ambassador Njoroge said even though steps that have been taken towards the Peace Agreement revitalization process is “encouraging”, the Parties should endeavor to resolve outstanding issues.
“So much ground has been covered since the Revitalization process begun. This is indeed encouraging. JMEC continues to urge the Parties in the conflict to embrace the spirit of compromise and to resolve all the outstanding issues,” he said.
The workshop themed “Peace in Time: Creating awareness for the Youth on the South Sudan Peace Process” brought together 200 students from the Youth Peacemaker Network at the Juba-based Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI).
The workshop provided training on the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH) and the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF).
Ambassador Njoroge said the youth of South Sudan, “should be the social capital, the vanguard and a force for good.”
“The youth in this country must rally around a common goal, set better standards, educate the population on their rights and responsibilities and continue to agitate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict that has continued for far too long,” he said.
“Remember however that, all wars must end in peace. Let all of you as South Sudanese find in your hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild your motherland. As the youth, the future belongs to you more than any other social group.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, July 16, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Deputy chairperson: The impact of the war on civilians is “deeply disheartening”
The continuous killings of civilians, sexual violence against women, the displacement of children, the elderly and disabled persons in South Sudan are “deeply disheartening”, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has said.
Speaking during the opening of a four-day orientation workshop in Juba on Monday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“The impact of the war on the civilian population is deeply disheartening. We in the JMEC, particularly deeply regret the killing of civilians, sexual violence against women, the displacement of children, the elderly and disabled persons,”.
“Today, we are still being confronted by increased hostilities amongst different Parties and flagrant violations of the permanent ceasefire. The continuously deteriorating political, security, humanitarian and economic situation in the country has caused unprecedented displacement, famine and economic meltdown.” He added.
This, he said, as evidenced in the report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Human Rights released in June.
“We strongly condemn any acts of violence on civilian population and remind the parties to respect the spirit and fully commit to the letter and spirit of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed by all Parties to the conflict on 21st December 2017,” he said.
Notably, he added, the economic situation continues to worsen. “The effects of the war are putting more pressure on an already fragile economy and causing more despair amongst the South Sudanese population,” he noted.
Despite all these setbacks, the Deputy Chairperson said, the Commission continues to urge all South Sudanese to play a part in positively engaging in the peace process.
“I call on all of you here to be the front-runners in promoting peace in the country.”
The workshop themed, “Peace in Time: Creating awareness for the Youth on the South Sudan Peace Process” is organized by JMEC in collaboration with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative and brings together 200 students from the center.
Information and awareness about the content and procedures of the Peace process, including all the agreements that have emanated from it, is crucial in enabling effective participation among the South Sudanese population, Ambassador said.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday June 27, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC CONDEMNS KILLING OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPER IN SOUTH SUDAN
The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae, strongly condemns the 26th June attack against the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian providers in Yei River State that resulted in the death of a Peacekeeper. The Chairperson of JMEC expresses his deepest condolences to UNMISS and to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain UN Peacekeeper from Bangladesh.
This is but the most recent example of several disturbing trends. It is the third attack against UNMISS Peacekeepers since 3rd May 2018. Six humanitarian aid workers have lost their lives and 384 access incidents have been reported so far this year by the United Nations.
The Chairperson of JMEC calls upon the Government of South Sudan and the leadership of all warring parties to ensure that United Nations agencies and all humanitarian providers have unimpeded access and can operate safely and freely in the Republic of South Sudan.
Individuals who directly or indirectly engage in attacks against United Nations or humanitarian personnel are violating the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (August 2015) and Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (December 2017).
The Chairperson of JMEC further calls upon the Government of South Sudan and all warring parties operating in the area of this latest killing to bring the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to justice.
Violators must be identified and made to face the law.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday May 23, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC Chief of Staff: “Do not turn a deaf ear to the ever widening cries and pleas for peace in South Sudan”
It is time to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan, said the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), as the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) came to a close on Wednesday May 23rd2018 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of the Forum, JMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said,
“We have heard the deep yearning for peace by all the people of South Sudan, which was so eloquently expressed in the voices of the representatives of the refugees here at the forum. We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.”
Rather than continue on the destructive path of conflict, Ambassador Kebede said, I urge you to invest your energies to make the best use of your resources for the good of all the people of South Sudan.
“Time is no longer on your side and therefore you must not grow weary in your pursuits. At this point in time nothing is more important to the citizens of South Sudan than the realization of a lasting and comprehensive peace.”
“You must reaffirm your commitment, not only in word, but also by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country.”
The Chief of Staff welcomed the signing of an addendum to the CoHA signed in December last year. The addendum fully operationalizes the CTSAMM Board, which is expected to enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties to the conflict.
The Continuation of Phase II of the Forum opened on Thursday May 17, 2018 and lasted for six days.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday May 17, 2018, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
JMEC Chairperson: HLRF provides best opportunity to end “catastrophe” in South Sudan
The High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) provides best and timely opportunity to end the “catastrophe that befell the people of South Sudan”, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), has said.
Speaking during the opening of the continuation of the Second Phase of the HLRF in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, H.E. Festus Mogae said,
“You are at a critical juncture. This forum (HLRF) provides the best and timely opportunity for you all, to collectively decide and bring the catastrophe that has befallen your people to an end.”
“There comes a time in life, where nothing else should matter more, than to do what is right. I believe the time is now, for all patriots of South Sudan, to rise to the occasion.”
“Enough is enough. Let us all find in our hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild South Sudan.”
H.E. Mogae, said in his address, about 4.2 million of South Sudanese people remain displaced, 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries as refugees.
“The resumption of the conflict (in South Sudan) has left immeasurable human costs, which continue to rise. The economy is devastated and there is a deepening sense of anxiety and insecurity among large parts of your society. Your people are fast losing hope.”
He said an estimated 7 million South Sudanese are currently in need of humanitarian assistance with at least 6.3 million severely food insecure.
He expressed concern that the Cesssation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed on December 21, 2017, “has been repeatedly violated with impunity.”
“This is regretable and only serves to undermine our confidence on how seriously some parties are taking this noble process.”
He called on all Parties to overcome outstanding issues, and “put the interest of the country first.”
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Saturday, April 28, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC SAYS SECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN VIOLATIONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE AND DEMANDS UNCONDITIONAL AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF AID WORKERS
The surge in violence and fighting in Unity, Jonglei and Central Equatoria and the detainment of ten humanitarian aid workers are unacceptable violations of the 2015 Peace Agreement and the 2017 Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access.
JMEC is dismayed by reports that ten aid workers, working for UN agencies and NGO’s and supporting people in need, have gone missing from around Yei town in Central Equatoria.
JMEC condemns this latest violation of the two-signed Agreements, which demand unimpeded access for humanitarian aid workers in South Sudan.
JMEC expects this deplorable situation to be resolved as quickly as possible and that the aid workers are found and released immediately and unconditionally.
JMEC also condemns a reported outbreak of fighting in Unity, Jonglei and Central Equatoria states, where violent clashes are reportedly causing an influx of internally displaced people, especially women, children and the elderly, seeking sanctuary.
These incidents must be investigated before any pronouncements can be made but all violence is unacceptable and potentially damaging to the on-going revitalisation process. JMEC therefore has asked CTSAMM to undertake the necessary investigation as stipulated in the 2017 Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH).
JMEC further calls upon all signatory parties to cease fighting, avoid confrontation and protect civilians from harm or displacement and fully comply with the provisions of the ACoH in both letter and spirit.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, April 19, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Chief of Staff: Teachers recognized as vital agents of peace
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has lauded teachers as key contributors to the peace process in South Sudan.
Addressing over 100 secondary school teachers at the opening of a two-day workshop on Thursday, JMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said,
17 April 2018
JMEC STATEMENT ON HLRF
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) met with the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Ambassador Dr Ismail Wais, today Tuesday 17 April 2018 in Juba and were informed of a change to the dates of the next phase of the High Level Revitalisation Forum, that was due to commence in Addis Ababa on 26th April. The new dates will be communicated by the Office of the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers in due course.
ENDS
For more info please contact Richard Bailey, JMEC Communications Advisor, on 0922 750 304
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Chief of Staff: “We remain committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes”
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) is committed to supporting the prominent role women play in peace building and conflict resolution in South Sudan, Chief of Staff, Amb. Berhanu Kebede has said.
Speaking during a workshop organized by the Women Bloc of South Sudan and supported by JMEC and UN Women in Juba on Wednesday, Amb. Kebede said,
“Keeping in line with South Sudan’s gender policies as well as regional and international standards on gender inclusion in peace processes, JMEC remains committed to promoting women’s participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes and joins Women organizations across South Sudan in pressing for progress in this effort in our monitoring mandate.”
The three-day conference themed “Women together for Sustainable Peace” was aimed at creating awareness among representatives of women groups in the country on the first and second phase of the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) process. In addition to the presentations on the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH), it also sought to engage the participants on the role that the women can play to effectively contribute to the peace process in the country.
“Information about the content and procedures of the processes is key to enabling women’s effective participation,” he said.
Amb. Kebede thanked the regional body, IGAD and its Special Envoy for South Sudan, Dr.Ismail Wais “for ensuring that women were consulted in the pre-forum stage of the HLRF process and for the increased number of accredited women and civil society delegates.”
During the first phase of the HLRF that opened in December last year, Amb. Kebede said, the parties committed themselves to end the fighting, after they signed the ceasefire Agreement.
“This was an important first step in laying the foundation for revitalization of the Peace Agreement,” he said.
“It is my hope, and that of JMEC’s that this workshop will not only equip you with the information you need but also help strengthen your role in contributing to the HLRF’s intended outcomes.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC mourns the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou
It is with utter shock and deep sorrow that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has learnt of the demise of Ambassador General Andrew Makur Thou.
Until his passing on Tuesday in Khartoum, Ambassador General Makur was a Member of JMEC, and the Chairperson of the JMEC Security Working Committee.
Ambassador General Makur was a patriot, a champion of peace and indeed a key pillar in the 2015 Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), where he was a participant in the signing of the Agreement as an Eminent Personality.
His sober and honest contributions to the Commission and to the entire South Sudan Peace process will undoubtedly be missed.
During this difficult time of mourning, the JMEC Chairperson, H.E Festus Mogae, Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge and the entire JMEC fraternity wish to send heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Ambassador General Makur.
May the Almighty God give his family the strength to bear the loss and the wisdom to understand His will.
May the Almighty God rest his soul in everlasting peace.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
24 February 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC postpones Plenary meeting
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, has announced that the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Plenary meeting scheduled for the forthcoming week has been postponed until further notice, pending consultations with the Chairperson of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The IGAD-led High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF) and the signing in December 2017 of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACoH) has necessarily expanded the number of participants in the peace process and the ACoH includes specific provisions that require the restructuring and reconstitution of both JMEC and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM).
Therefore, it is important to ensure that JMEC pays proper respect to the principles of inclusivity and fairness and seeks guidance from IGAD on the way forward.
The 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) remains at the centre of the peace process, and progress towards its inclusive revitalisation is being made.
The IGAD-led High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF) first convened from 18th to 22nd December 2017, resulting in the signing by all parties of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access.
The Forum then convened for a second session from 5th to 16th February, 2018 during which progress was made in revitalising the articles and provisions of Chapters One and Two of the ARCSS. A third session of the HLRF is expected to convene within weeks.
JMEC will resume its regular meetings as soon as possible.
ENDS