Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 9 November 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC MEETS IN JUBA: WELCOMES RECONSTITUTION OF KEY BODIES, EXPRESSES CONCERN ON UNIFICATION OF FORCES
Today, 9 November 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed a meeting of the RJMEC members: “Today we meet at a more hopeful moment with the recent appointment of members to reconstitute the Political Parties Council (PPC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC). The reconstitution of these institutions is a welcome development and I commend the Parties to the Agreement for this milestone,” he said.
Regarding these institutions, Amb. Gituai explained: “Their effective functioning will pave the way towards the widening of civic and political space, the completion of the permanent constitution, as well as the timely conduct of elections.” As such, he said, “focus should now shift to operationalisation and adequate resourcing to ensure the delivery of their mandates.”
Noting that the reconstituted Political Parties Council attained 50% women’s representation, the Chair added: “However, women’s representation in the reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission is 33%, and in the reconstituted National Elections Commission, it is 22%. RJMEC reiterates its appeal to the Parties to always adhere to the 35% minimum representation of women in various institutions and bodies of the R-ARCSS.”
On a different note, the RJMEC Chair highlighted concerns regarding the unification of forces, a task which, he said, “faces the biggest challenges, and yet, it is the most consequential for the stability and enduring peace of South Sudan.
Amb. Gituai continued: “For almost four years, troops have languished in the cantonment sites and training centres with very little support, and while the upper command echelon of the NUF is unified, the mid and lower levels are not.”
The RJMEC Chair stressed the point that “without the completion of unification of forces and bringing these forces under one commander-in-chief, achieving a secure environment for the holding of elections will be a huge challenge.” Therefore, he added, “there is no justification for the further delay of this process, or the defection of forces from one party to the other, which continues to be reported.”
Noting that the recurring problem of lack of funding of the Agreement institutions and mechanisms, causing them severe operational difficulties, he appealed to the RTGoNU to fully fund the unification of forces and to support the efforts of the Security Mechanisms who are working to bring the process to its conclusion. He said: “If this lack of support continues, then the transitional security arrangements, especially the much-delayed unification of forces, will further slowdown.”
Although this RJMEC meeting did not reach quorum and cannot be classed as the 33rd RJMEC Plenary, it nonetheless progressed with the statements and detailed briefings by different Agreement institutions and mechanisms on the status of the implementation of the Agreement and subsequent vibrant discussions. The 33rd RJMEC Plenary is accordingly rescheduled to 7 December 2023.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 5 October, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
LACK OF SUFFICIENT PROGRESS, CLARITY ON ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IS CREATING UNCERTAINTY
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 5 October, 2023, convened its 32nd monthly meeting in Juba.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Amb. Charles Tai Gituai said that in the five years since the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in 2018, “the Parties to the R-ARCSS have stayed the course of peace.”
However, with 14 months until the elections, Amb. Gituai said, “a lot of work still remains to be done to complete the critical pending tasks necessary to effect South Sudan’s democratic transition”, and continued,“it is imperative for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide to the people of South Sudan clarity on election preparedness.”
The RJMEC Chairperson underlined that, “The lack of sufficient progress and clarity on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces, each of which is a critical pre-condition for smooth and successful elections, is creating uncertainty.”
Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson emphasised the need to conduct civic education, fast-track the permanent constitution-making process and promote political and civic space to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. As such, Amb. Gituai said, “it is incumbent on the country’s leadership to consolidate the peace dividends to all its diverse communities through a democratic transition.”
Amb. Gituai noted the passage of National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), and its subsequent assent by the President, calling it a “an important step in realising the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan.”
In his recommendations to the meeting, he called on the Parties to the Agreement to dialogue among themselves and agree on the practical steps to fast-track the implementation of the Roadmap to ensure the timely conduct of elections, and ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains the minimum 35% threshold, including in the Constitution-making bodies and the other institutions and commissions being reconstituted.
He also called for completion of the unification and redeployment of forces and further urged the RTGoNU to provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms.
While updating the participants on his recent diplomatic engagements with the international community, Amb. Gituai said, it is “evident that there is much goodwill to support South Sudan in the pursuit of sustainable peace and development.”
“Therefore, expectations are that the Parties will adhere to the Agreement, increase the pace of implementation and demonstrate tangible progress in the completion of the critical pending tasks.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 05 September, 2023, South Sudan
RJMEC BRIEFS PARLIAMENT, AND WITH A WEEK TO THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE R-ARCSS, NOTES SEVERAL CRITICAL BENCHMARKS REMAIN UNACCOMPLISHED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has today Tuesday September 5, 2023, addressed the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (RTNLA) in Juba.
In his briefing delivered pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitilised Peace Agreement, which mandates RJMEC to report quarterly to the Parliament and provide detailed update on the status of implementation of the Agreement, Amb. Gituai observed that: “Several critical benchmarks remain unaccomplished as outlined in the Roadmap, including the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, enactment and operationalization of legal frameworks and electoral processes in preparation for elections scheduled for December 2024.”
The Chairperson further noted that “following the Phase I graduation of 55,000 troops between August 2022 and January 2023, there has been no further progress on the unification of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). The graduated forces are still in the Training Centres, yet to be redeployed and in dire need of logistical support.”
“Additionally, there is no progress in Phase II of the unification of forces and the DDR process remains unfunded,” Amb. Gituai added. The Chairperson further provided Chapter-by-Chapter update on the Agreement, observing for instance, that on the humanitarian front, the disruption of trade routes between Sudan and South Sudan linked to the recent conflict has also negatively affected the supply of food and other essential goods into South Sudan, resulting in scarcity and increase in prices.
Furthermore, he said, the long overdue establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) Board, remains a concern especially in view of increasing needs and dwindling funding for humanitarian support, recovery as well as the implementation of Chapter III of the Agreement.
The Interim Chairperson also reminded the lawmakers of their critical role in ensuring that relevant key legislations are prioritised for enactment in order to hasten implementation of the Agreement. These legislations include the National Elections Bill, the National Security Service Bill, Land Policy and Public Finance Management (PFM) legislation.
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai noted that this month, September 2023 marks one year since the endorsement of the Roadmap and five years since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed. “It is therefore, important to reflect on the road which we have traveled thus far in the implementation of the R-ARCSS.”
“It is critical to underscore the need for sufficient political will, commitment of resources by the RTGoNU and for the Parties to the Agreement to build trust and confidence.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 10 August, 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC HOLDS MONTHLY MEETING ONE YEAR AFTER ROADMAP ENDORSED; MANY MILESTONES STILL TO BE ACHIEVED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 August, 2023, convened its 31st monthly meeting in Juba.
Speaking during the opening of meeting, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Major General Charles Tai Gituai, said that this meeting marks the first anniversary of the endorsement of the Roadmap by the Parties, and therefore “we should take stock on what has been achieved, what is pending, and what needs to be done in the remaining time of the extended Transitional Period.”
Noting that elections are due in December 2024 according to the Roadmap, the RJMEC Chair then gave a chapter by chapter assessment of the critical pending tasks, reaching the conclusion that “it is evident that many milestones are still to be achieved, and yet it is barely 16 months away from elections.”
Amb. Gituai informed the meeting: “Regarding preparations for elections, in addition to the amendment of the national election law and reconstitution of the National Elections Commission, all the other tasks, including the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, and establishment of election management structures at the sub-national levels, are still pending.” Furthermore, regarding the unification of forces, the RJMEC Chair added, phase one of the Necessary Unified Forces has graduated but not yet been redeployed, and phase 2 is yet to commence.
With this in mind, Amb. Gituai invited the RJMEC members present to reflect on whether the implementation of the critical pending tasks is on track, and at the appropriate pace? Further, the RJMEC Chair asked, “will the pre-requisites for free and fair elections be implemented within timelines? And how?”
In closing, the RJMEC Chair gave his recommendations regarding key elections-related tasks, given the time remaining.
a) expedite the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission;
b) expedite the enactment by the Transitional National Legislature of the National Elections Act, paving the way for the reconstitution of a credible and impartial National Elections Commission;
c) expedite the completion of the unification of forces, and provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms;
d) provide timely and sufficient resources for the implementation of all the critical pending tasks of the Revitalised Agreement;
e) encourage the expansion of political and civic space for all South Sudanese to take part in the conversations surrounding their participation in the political process; and
f) ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains minimum 35%, including in the Constitution-making bodies.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 06 July, 2023, South Sudan
WITH SEVENTEEN MONTHS LEFT TO ELECTIONS, CRITICAL MILESTONES AS SET OUT IN THE REVITALIZED PEACE AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday July 6, 2023, convened its 30th monthly meeting in Juba, South Sudan. In his address to the meeting, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai reiterated the need to hasten the pace of implementation of the Agreement, with only seventeen months to elections scheduled for December 2024.
“To date, critical milestones as set out in the Revitalized Peace Agreement have not been accomplished in accordance to the timelines in the Roadmap,” he said.
Reiterating the need to conduct free, fair, and credible elections as scheduled, Amb. Gituai highlighted key pending benchmarks in the R-ARCSS, including the reconstitution and operationalization of the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission, judicial reforms and completion of the unification and redeployment of forces to provide security throughout the electoral process.
He further reitarated that the making of the Permanent Constitution under whose provision elections shall be conducted; and the improvement of political and civic space to enhance public participation in the constitution-making and electoral processes be given a priority.
In his recommendations, the Interim Chairperson called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of all the critical pending tasks of the Agreement and continue to consult and dialogue in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus to address emerging issues during the implementation of the Agreement.
In his conclusion, as the Republic of South Sudan prepares to mark its 12th Independence Day on July 8th, Amb. Gituai congratulated the people and government of South Sudan on reaching this “milestone and more importantly on sustaining the peace efforts over the last five years since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018.”
He added: “South Sudan should seize this opportunity to consolidate the peace dividends and implement the critical tasks in the Roadmap so as to fulfil the aspirations of her people for justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 20 June, 2023, New York, United States
WITH ELECTIONS DUE IN DECEMBER 2024, CRITICAL BENCHMARKS FOR FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS, NEED TO BE ATTAINED
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Tuesday addressed the 9353rdmeeting of the United Nation Security Council in New York, United States.
In his address to the Council, and with about 18 months to the end of the extended Transitional Period for the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai outlined key benchmarks that need to be attained for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
The benchmarks, he outlined, are the completion of the unification and redeployment of forces, the reconstitution and operationalisation of the institutions tasked with the preparation and conduct of elections, and the making of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution to guide the conduct of elections. Other benchmarks are judicial reforms and improvement to the overall political and civic space in which multiparty elections are conducted.
In his address, Amb. Gituai underscored that the R-ARCSS legitimises South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity and remains the most plausible blueprint for a peaceful transition and building enduring peace in the Republic of South Sudan.
“With the prospect of elections looming, there is need for our collective efforts to focus on South Sudan at this critical time and ensure that the Agreement is implemented in letter and spirit,” he said.
Amb. Gituai continued “the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) requires more support from the Council and the international community to complete the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the R-ARCSS.”
“Without predictable and adequate funding, our assessment is that South Sudan will continue to struggle to adhere to implementation schedule of the R-ARCSS,” he said.
He noted that trust deficit among the Parties, lack of adequate resources, capacity gaps, persistent levels of intercommunal violence in the states, negative activities of the holdout groups, and natural calamities like floods have slowed down progress in effective implementation of the R-ARCSS.
“Most recently, additional strain has been placed on humanitarian and other resources in South Sudan by the influx of refugees and returnees from the conflict in the Republic of Sudan,” he added. While outlining RJMEC’s efforts in support of the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, the Interim Chairperson said:
“RJMEC’s objective and impartial reports, and all-inclusive stakeholders monthly plenary meetings, continue to inspire confidence in the peace process and encourages the Parties to stay the course for peace, help create focus, unity of purpose and informs policy decision making on South Sudan and the implementation of the Agreement.”
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said “I would like to appeal to this Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, engage the RTGoNU to expedite implementation of the Peace Agreement and to conduct elections as scheduled, and to consider visiting Juba at this critical time of election preparations and to stand in solidarity with the people of South Sudan.”
ENDS
“IT IS PARAMOUNT THAT OUR COLLECTIVE ATTENTION REMAINS ON THE VERY PRESSING ISSUES REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS”
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday May 25, 2023, convened its 29th monthly meeting in Juba. Speaking during the opening of the meeting, the RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, said while the unfolding events in neighbouring Sudan is cause for concern, with loss of life, civilian displacement, and destruction of property, “it is paramount that our collective attention remains on the very pressing issues regarding the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).”
“It is encouraging that the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity has continued to reassure South Sudanese that it remains focused and will deliver on its commitments to implement the R-ARCSS, including holding elections as scheduled,” he said.
Considering that the elections are due to be held in December 2024, the RJMEC Chairperson noted, key tasks such as the operationalisation of the Political Parties Act is well behind schedule, despite it having been enacted over ten months ago.
“The Political Parties Council is still not yet reconstituted. This is a critical body for political parties to register in order to participate in the elections, and to entrench the electoral democratic processes in South Sudan, as well as improve the overall political and civic space for public participation in the elections.”
Further, the Chairperson said, the process of the restructuring and reconstitution of the various Commissions and Institutions at the national level, as required by the Agreement under Article 1.19, is behind schedule, in accordance to the Roadmap.
“All these national institutions play a critical role in improving, accountability, transparency, institutional independence, and efficiency in national governance,” he said. He noted that the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan is further compounded by the influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan following the outbreak of conflict, and the onset of rains and efforts by humanitarian agencies to reach those in need continue to be hampered by reduced funding and access impediments.
As such, the Chairperson commended the RTGoNU for opening its border with Sudan to allow returnees and refugees to escape the conflict. In conclusion, the Chairperon reiterated that the R-ARCSS remains a transformative blueprint for building a stable and resilient South Sudan, which is of great value not only to its citizens, but to the region as a whole, especially at this critical time.
“Therefore, it is imperative for the RTGoNU to inject additional impetus into the implementation of the Agreement to achieve the milestones it set for itself in the Roadmap. Furthermore, South Sudan needs the support of the region and international community, now more than ever.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 15 May 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ADDRESSES CONFERENCE ON TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE MECHANISMS; URGES FRESH MOMENTUM IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENT
Today, 15 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the conference on transitional justice mechanisms in the Republic of South Sudan, held in Freedom Hall, Juba.
In the presence of H.E. the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the conference, consisting of national, regional and international practitioners, was convened to examine the building of a “South Sudanese Model for Transitional Justice System."
Addressing the conference, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai said: “It is important that the Transitional Justice model to be used in South Sudan is homegrown and in accordance with the people’s sense of justice.”
Noting that chapter 5 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides broad parameters for the implementation of transitional justice, in particular truth-seeking, reconciliation, healing, reparations and accountability using a range of interlinked mechanisms, the RJMEC Chair informed participants that “it is expected that the outcome will inform and enrich the legislative process for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.”
Amb. Gituai added that “this conference provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing so that all participants can contribute to the development of a South Sudanese model of transitional justice.”
Concluding, the RJMEC Chair said: “It is clear that much remains to be done and we are behind schedule according to the Roadmap timelines. It my sincere hope therefore, that this conference will create fresh momentum in the implementation of chapter 5, and other critical pending tasks of the Agreement.”
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 11 May 2023, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ADDRESSES LAUNCH EVENT OF IGAD-AU POST-CONFLICT NEEDS ASSESSMENT; FOCUS PLACED ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL RECONSTRUCTION FUND AND BOARD VERY IMPORTANT
Today, 11 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the launch event of the joint IGAD and African Union initiative, the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment for South Sudan.
In the presence of the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr James Wani Igga, Amb. Gituai commended both IGAD and the AU for coming together in support of their member state South Sudan at this timely juncture, telling attendees that “with the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) recently extended by 24 months, and elections due in December 2024, all possible support is truly welcome as much remains to be done at this critical time.”
The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to ‘enhance the efforts of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) towards the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)’, and to highlight opportunities for support, including modalities for the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) as per Article 3.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Amb. Gituai expressed his hope that the initiative will “help to create a springboard from which the RTGoNU can establish and operationalise the SRF,” clarifying: “As we all know, the lack of funding has been a huge challenge since the Agreement’s signing, and the SRF is a mechanism required to raise and transparently manage funds for the reconstruction effort and the implementation of the Agreement.”
Noting that the magnitude and severity of humanitarian needs in South Sudan continues to rise, Maj Gen Gituai continued: “The focus that the needs assessment places on the establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and Board is very important. Once the SRF is established, in accordance to Article 3.2.8, IGAD, the African Union and the UN are expected to collaborate in convening the Pledging Conference to resource the fund, and to support the implementation of the Agreement.”
The RJMEC Chairperson informed meeting participants that the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, and preparations for elections in December 2024, are among the critical tasks which remain pending. He said, “given the magnitude of the tasks ahead and the slow pace of implementation, RJMEC has urged all parts of the RTGoNU to redouble efforts, work collaboratively, in a collegial and consultative manner, and to expedite implementation and provide much-needed resources and leadership to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The support of international partners and friends of South Sudan in this regard is also crucial.”
However, Amb. Gituai concluded, “besides the challenges, there is plenty of potential in the country of South Sudan, and a population deeply deserving of peace and sustainable development.”
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 30 March, Juba, South Sudan
THE RTGONU SHOULD DEMONSTRATE IN ACTION ITS COMMITMENT TO DELIVER THE TRANSITION IN TIME, NOT SIMPLY BY WORD
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday 30 March 2023, convened its 28th monthly meeting in Juba.
In his opening remarks, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said as the second month of the extended transition period begins, “a lot of work remains to be done if the Roadmap timelines are to be adhered to as promised.”
“The Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity should demonstrate in action its commitment to deliver the transition in time not simply by word,” Amb. Gituai said.
In terms of the preparation for elections as stipulated in the Roadmap, Amb. Gituai told the RJMEC members that no progress has been made in the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council despite the law having been enacted over 8 months ago.
As such, he emphasized that the reconstitution of the Council is critical, paving way for the registration of political parties, adding that the enactment of the National Elections Act and its operationalization is way behind schedule.
“As a result of these delays, all the elections-related tasks including the establishment and functioning of institutions that drive the elections process, are behind schedule,” he said.
Furthermore, Amb. Gituai commended the recent progress made in the unification of the middle and lower levels of command of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) where the Parties agreed on a responsibility sharing ratio of 60:30:10 to the SSPDF (South Sudan People's Defence Forces), SPLA-IO and SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance) respectively.
“However, the forces which graduated during Phase I are still in training centers, and their delayed redeployment has hindered the commencement of Phase II NUF training,” he noted.
On the humanitarian front, RJMEC Chairperson noted that access and safety of humanitarian workers, goods, and assets remain a challenge.
“These are matters that the RTGoNU should urgently address including by providing security along humanitarian corridors, protecting humanitarian workers and their assets and holding perpetrators to account.”
In his recommendations, Amb. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to continue to consult in the spirit of collegial collaboration and consensus in an attempt to address emerging issues during implementation of the Agreement.
He reitarated the need for the provision of adequate and predictable funding for the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Agreement, particularly, the Constitution Making and Electoral processes and the completion of the unification of forces and operationalization of all the enacted laws.
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai said “Finally, faced with the current setbacks and the slow pace of implementation, it is encumbent upon us to redouble our efforts, encourage and support the RTGoNU to accelerate the pace of implementation going forward, in order to provide a much needed impetus to the peace process.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 09 March, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ENCOURAGES CONSULTATION TO RESOLVE ISSUES ON THE REMOVAL OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS; URGES FOCUS ON TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF R-ARCSS.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes note of the Presidential Decree of 3 March 2023, announcing the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Minister of Interior, and the swapping of the two ministries between the ITGoNU and the SPLM-IO.
RJMEC welcomes the decision of the President and the First Vice President to meet and discuss the issue of the removal of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the swapping of the two ministries. In that regard, we urge the Parties to observe the letter and spirit of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which is founded on collaboration, consultation, and agreement between the Parties.
If there is a deadlock between the Parties to the Agreement, a referral can be made to RJMEC pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS to engage the Parties with a view to finding a compromise and / or recommending measures to break the deadlock.
With less than 24 months of the extended Transitional Period remaining, it is important that this issue be resolved as soon as possible so that the Peace Agreement can continue to be implemented in a timely manner.