PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
25th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to define clear consequences “to be faced by those who wilfully violate, spoil or derail the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.”
Addressing the UNSC on Thursday, JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae said, “For the revitalisation process (of the ARCSS) to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are enforced.”
“We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorise or allow its violation with impunity the next,” the Chairperson said.
He was addressing the Council via video tele-conference from the capital, Juba.
The Chairperson said “it is now time to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption to our efforts to deliver peace.”
The Chairperson cited the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, communique issued on November 7, 2014, which listed enactment of asset freezes, regional travel bans, and the denial of the supply of arms and ammunition as consequences against violators of the then signed cessation of hostilities Agreement.
“Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU (Transitional Government of National Unity) and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process.”
The Chairperson said he was “disappointed” that within days the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities in Addis, fighting and troop movements had been reported in Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians.
“I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance,” he said.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
22nd January 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC DEMANDS FULL SUPPORT FOR CTSAMM
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, demands that all parties fully respect and comply with the terms of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access, signed on 21st December 2017, and calls upon all sides to fulfil their obligations to the international ceasefire monitoring body, CTSAMM.
“CTSAMM teams are the direct representatives of IGAD and the wider international community on the ground in South Sudan and as such they must command our full respect and total cooperation.
“CTSAMM has and will continue to monitor the Permanent Ceasefire and the most recent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to the best of its ability and with total impartiality. CTSAMM has and will continue to report any verified violations of the ceasefire, either in terms of specific acts of violence, military movement or any other actions that contravene the terms of the Agreement. Where necessary and where proven, CTSAMM apportions blame and responsibility as appropriate.
“CTSAMM is actively monitoring and investigating a number of incidents and movements around the country. It remains the responsibility of all Parties signatory to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to uphold their obligations to ensure unrestricted access to CTSAMM ceasefire monitors so that they can accurately and speedily report on the situation around the country.
“Article 4, paragraph 3 of the ACOH says, “the parties shall not carry out unwarranted verbal or physical attacks against CTSAMM, JMEC, IGAD, AU, UN or any other entity associated with implementation of this agreement.”
“It is therefore regrettable that public statements continue to be made which have the effect of undermining public acceptance of and confidence in regional and international peacekeeping efforts. It is the parties’ responsibility to ensure cooperation with CTSAMM and UNMISS to guarantee safe, open access to monitoring efforts and investigation teams, and CTSAMM’s work should not be impeded or interfered with in any way.”
ENDS
JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae, has called on all South Sudanese leaders and stakeholders to come to the table in search of a sustainable political solution, to renounce violence and demonstrate political will to compromise and accommodate one another.
President Mogae was speaking on Monday in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa during the opening of the High Level Revitalisation Forum. “At every level of society, from the village, to the community, the county, the state and the nation, dialogue and reconciliation must begin in earnest. You must find within you a desire to set aside the gun and settle your differences through dialogue and compromise” He said.
“My heart bleeds for the suffering and trauma that results, especially and particularly among the women and children of this country”.
The Chairperson quoting Dr Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. The chain reaction of hate and evil must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
Expressing optimism for the Forum, the Chairperson said that though the Peace Agreement can recover from the turmoil of the past eighteen months, there is need to first take stock of the current situation, review progress to date and identify the key challenges that restrain comprehensive implementation of the Agreement. “Of particular note, we must address the violations of the Permanent Ceasefire, lack of accountability for spoilers and violators, slippage in the implementation timelines, a lack of dedicated funding to the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and the need for inclusive governance arrangements” He added.
“In truth, the Peace Agreement signed in 2015 has never been implemented to the letter. Every institution that has been created, every appointment made, every policy enacted has gradually drifted further and further from the provisions set out in the signed document” He said.
Speaking to the South Sudanese leaders, President Mogae said, “Each and every one of you has a duty to the people of South Sudan. Not just YOUR people, but ALL the people”.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
17th December 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, has appealed to IGAD leaders to remain united under one voice and to encourage the South Sudanese leadership to seize this opportunity to restore the Peace Agreement to centre stage.
Speaking during the 59th Extra-ordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Sunday, the Chairman said, “I appeal to IGAD to be resolute, without fear or favour, in their determination to ensure the success of the revitalisation forum. This is a huge opportunity that cannot be wasted or squandered”.
The chairman reiterated that the region must approach the revitalization with strength of purpose. “Collectively, it is critical that the IGAD Heads of State and Governments prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance” He added.
The Chairman called upon all the South Sudanese participants at the High Level Revitalisation Forum to remain focused on the desperate plight of the people of South Sudan. President Mogae said, “For them, we must stop the fighting, end the violence, deal with criminality, prevent sexual and human rights abuses, reduce human suffering and address the economic crisis.
“I reiterate my call to all South Sudanese stakeholders that, as they come to the table in search of a sustainable political solution, they must renounce violence and demonstrate the political will to compromise and accommodate one another”.
He added that progress of any sort is only possible within a peaceful and secure environment. “It is simply not possible to overstate the fundamental necessity for an immediate cessation of all hostilities. Without that, we stand no chance of stemming the tide of displacement, enabling unhindered delivery of aid to those in need or contemplating the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes”, he said.
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday December 06, 2017, Juba, South Suda
JMEC: Vibrant Civil Society voice needed in the implementation of the ARCSS
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) “is keen to encourage a vibrant civil society voice and active involvement in the implementation of the Agreement of the Resolution of the Conflict of South Sudan (ARCSS)” JMEC Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said.
He was speaking during the opening of a Civil Society Advocacy Workshop on the ARCSS in Juba, on Wednesday. The participants were drawn from representatives of different Civil Society Organisations in Juba.
The three-day workshop focuses on how to collect data for research and use it for advocacy initiatives, and the status of the implementation of the ARCSS. The workshop is about equipping the participants with the knowledge and skills on how to strategize better engagement within the revitalised ARCSS processes in 2018.
Noting the many challenges in the implementation of the ARCSS, Ambassador Njoroge acknowledged the need to continue to promote inclusive participation and its popular ownership among all South Sudanese.
He added that members of the civil society are already actively engaged in the search for sustainable peace in the country and emphasized “That is the spirit of a vibrant civil society with which you must all continue, even against enduring challenges.”
During the workshop, JMEC’s recently released Evaluation Report will be discussed and alongside ways to engage in a more inclusive and participatory manner in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
“It is my hope that this (the workshop) will contribute in empowering you to participate effectively, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders to ensure its full implementation, and ultimately the realisation of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan.”
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
November 28, 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: “the path to peace firmly grounded on values of Peace, Justice and Reconciliation”
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has emphasized that “We must all do better in correcting the mistakes of the past and ensuring that the path to peace is firmly grounded on values of peace, justice and reconciliation” JMEC Deputy Chairperson, Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said.
He was speaking on Tuesday during an Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiative Conference in Yambio, Gbudue State.
The three-day conference themed “Peace Within and Across Borders” convened by the Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative led by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura, Reverend Edwardo Hiibiro Kussala. It was organized for representatives of nine neighboring states namely Yei River, Amadi, Wau, Meridi, Rumbek, Tonji, Gok, Tombura and Gbudue.
In attendance, were the SRSG for South Sudan Mr David Shearer who gave the keynote address, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Churches of South Sudan Peter Munde, State Governors, Ministers and Speakers among other stakeholders.
Applauding the initiative by the faith leaders, Amb. Njoroge said, “We salute you for leading the way in inter-communal dialogue as you build bridges across your state borders towards peace and social harmony and economic development for all South Sudanese communities.”
“There is a lot of faith placed in the Church to lead the way in seeking solutions to inter-ethnic and other conflicts, as well as in the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation” He added.
“We are all painfully aware of how continued fighting has worsened the economic and humanitarian situation. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is now higher than when the Peace Agreement was signed in August 2015 - a fact which the Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiative seeks to address,” the Deputy Chairperson said.
Since the signing of the Peace Agreement, the Deputy Chairperson noted, implementation of its key provisions “has not lived up to the expectations of citizens or the regional and international partners that support the process.”
“In an attempt to address this, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has engaged in consultations with key Parties and South Sudanese stakeholders in preparation for a High Level Revitalization Forum intended to reach agreement on steps to reinvigorate implementation of the Peace Agreement.”
Calling on all the stakeholders the Deputy Chairperson said, “we must all work together to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in South Sudan”.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION)
20 November 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC CHAIRMAN: “LET US HONOUR THE HEROIC MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND DIED FOR THIS YOUNG NATION.”
At the opening of the November JMEC Plenary in Juba, JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, recalled the sacrifice made by the people to create South Sudan and called for their heroic memory to be honoured.
The Chairman said, “Ten days ago, millions of people around the world stood in silence for two minutes in an annual act of remembrance of those who fought and died in the two world wars of the 20th century.
“The people of South Sudan will closely associate with the idea of fighting for freedom and commemorating those close relatives and friends of every community and every region who gave their lives for a better tomorrow.
“The questions on the lips of every South Sudanese should be – how do we secure that ‘better tomorrow’ and deliver peace and prosperity for all? And how do we honour the sacrifice made by our brothers and sisters?
“Let us now honour all those South Sudanese men and women, who stood resolutely side by side for decades and fought and died for this young nation. It is in their name and heroic memory that we strive for peace and prosperity for all.”
Every month the JMEC Chairman presents his report to the Board members, including representatives of the Transitional Government of National Unity, South Sudanese Stakeholders, IGAD member states, the UN, the Troika (US, UK, Norway), China, EU and International Partners Forum and Friends of South Sudan.
Reports are also received from the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Integrated Police (JIP), Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSRB) and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
With regard to the proposed IGAD-led revitalisation process, the JMEC Chairman said, “There is a need for the region to approach revitalisation unified and with strength of purpose. Collectively, the IGAD Heads of State must prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance.
“As we await IGAD’s detailed plan for the High Level Revitalisation Forum, I call upon us all to remain focused on the desperate plight of the people of this country.
“For them, we must stop the fighting, end the violence, deal with criminality, prevent sexual and human rights abuses, ameliorate human suffering and address the economic crisis.”
ENDS
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Wednesday begun an orientation and review workshop on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict of South Sudan (ARCSS) for youth representatives in South Sudan.
Speaking during the official opening of the two-day workshop in Juba on Wednesday, JMEC Deputy Chairperson Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said it is essential for the youth in the country to understand the ARCSS and its implementation process “in a more detailed and informed way”.
The workshop involved Chapter-by-Chapter presentations and review of the Agreement and in-depth discussions of the role the youth can play in forging the implementation of the 2015 Agreement forward.
In his remarks, Amb. Njoroge said, evaluation reports by six JMEC Working Committees show that the permanent ceasefire “has been and continues to be violated by all the Parties with impunity and as such security has deteriorated to a critical level.”
“Violations reported to both SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO have not been addressed. JMEC continues to urge all the warring parties to stop the fighting so that other critical aspects of the ARCSS may move forward,” he said.
The Deputy Chairperson also said the planned IGAD-led revitalization forum and the ongoing plans towards the process “offers an opportunity for the leaders of all communities (in South Sudan) to sit together to agree on how to end the violence and determine the way forward”.
The workshop brought together about 40 youth representatives drawn from various organizations in the capital, Juba.
“JMEC acknowledges the need to promote inclusivity and popular ownership of the ARCSS among different stakeholders and we believe that you (the youth) and the many young people you represent are a critical link in this quest,” he said.
“Our goal is the realization of enduring peace, stability and democracy in the Republic of South Sudan. We hope this workshop will contribute to empowering you (the youth), to effectively participate, advocate and strategically engage all the parties and other stakeholders, to ensure its full implementation.”
PRESS RELEASE
27 October 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC Publishes ARCSS Evaluation Report
JMEC has today, Friday 27th October, published the September 2017 ARCSS Evaluation Report.
Click here to view and download the report on our new-look website - http://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/arcss-evaluation-reports
JMEC remains fully focused on its mandate to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to support IGAD.
The JMEC Working Committees, comprising regional and international guarantors, the TGoNU and other South Sudanese stakeholders, have undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement complete with observations and recommendations.
This evaluation report has been presented to IGAD pursuant to our mandate and is expected to contribute to ensuring a successful High Level Revitalisation Forum by enabling the Parties, the region and all South Sudanese stakeholders to pursue the revitalisation process from an informed point of view.
PRESS RELEASE
18 October 2017, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC CHAIRMAN WELCOMES REVITALISATION PROGRESS, SAYS "WORLD IS WATCHING WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS".
At the opening of the October JMEC Plenary in Juba, JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, welcomed the progress made within the IGAD-led revitalisation process and announced the imminent publication of a comprehensive evaluation of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement.
The Chairman said, “I am delighted to hear from the IGAD Special Envoy, Ambassador Ismail Wais, that positive progress has been made and that all Parties consulted have approached the process in a constructive and peaceful frame of mind. I thank all those who took part.
"After more than a year of unacceptable turmoil and unimaginable distress suffered by millions of South Sudanese, this revitalisation process offers an opportunity for the leaders of all communities to sit together, bring the violence to an end and determine a political path forward.
"The people of South Sudan hope and pray for peace and stability and the world is watching with high expectations.
"I encourage them all Parties to take the necessary steps and compromises to revitalise the implementation of the Peace Agreement without further delay and deliver a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan."
Every month the JMEC Chairman presents his report to the Board members, including representatives of the Transitional Government of National Unity, South Sudanese Stakeholders, IGAD member states, the UN, the Troika (US, UK, Norway), China, EU and International Partners Forum and Friends of South Sudan.
Reports are also received from the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Integrated Police (JIP), Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSRB) and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
With regard to the JMEC ARCSS evaluation report, the JMEC Chairman said, “Our evaluation report will be presented to IGAD pursuant to our mandate and will form part of our contribution to ensuring a successful High Level Revitalisation Forum.
"Fundamental to the whole report is the irrefutable fact that the permanent ceasefire has been and continues to be violated by all the Parties with impunity and as such security has deteriorated to a critical level.
"I have previously described implementation of the Peace Agreement as being “modest, at best” and from the evaluation reports presented I have heard nothing to change my view."
PRESS RELEASE
October 05, 2017, Juba
NCAC holds stakeholder’s forum on South Sudan security laws.
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has on Thursday held a key stakeholders forum to review South Sudan’s national security laws.
The forum was called to discuss proposed amendments presented by the NCAC and receive feedback and inputs from the stakeholders, who are drawn from the security forces, the parties to the 2015 Peace Agreement, civil society organizations, United Nations and various other experts.
The laws in focus are the SPLA Act (2009), the Police Service Act (2011), National Security Act (2014), the Prisons Service Act (2011), and the Wildlife Act (2011).
Speaking during the opening of the forum, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Deputy Chairperson Amb. Gen. Augostino Njoroge lauded the efforts by the NCAC to amend and review laws to conform to the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).
“In the process of developing amendments to the laws, the Committee adopted a very participatory process which includes consultations with the security institutions and holding an experts meeting,” he said.
The Committee, chaired by constitutional lawyer Mr. Gichira Kibara, will thereafter consider the input by the stakeholders and where necessary revise the proposed amendments before incorporating them into the draft bills to be presented to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The amendments will also be presented to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) for debate and subsequent enactment.
Amb. Njoroge said amendment to both the Constitution and the law by the NCAC, “are vital to the effective implementation of the Agreement”.
NCAC, whose mandate is derived from the ARCSS, has already finalized and submitted the Constitutional Amendment Bill to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Committee has also commenced work on the Political Parties Act and the Elections Act.
On his part, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kuol Manyang Juuk, who officially opened the one-day forum, said the successful implementation of the legal regulatory framework will add credibility to the broader calls for reform within the security forces in South Sudan.
“The fact that we have come thus far, despite the delays hitherto encountered, demonstrates our collective commitments not only to the transformation of the security forces, but also to the honest quest for peace, security and development in this country. Those are fundamental steps towards the implementation of the ARCSS,” he said.
“The review of all the documents related to the security sector is of the utmost priority. This is because there is an urgent need to accelerate and rectify all the amendments and make them into functional laws and transform the security forces into a professional and disciplined force.”
The Minister called on the Parties and stakeholders to agree on timelines to submit their proposals in order to accelerate the constitutional amendment process.