Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 26 Jan. 23, Juba, South Sudan
AHEAD OF VISIT OF THE POPE, THE RTGONU, PARTIES AND THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN URGED TO “REBUILD TRUST, DEMONSTRATE GENUINE POLITICAL WILL AND UNITY OF PURPOSE”
With the expected visit of Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage of three religious leaders, led by His Holiness, Pope Francis to the Republic of South Sudan early next month, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has urged the leadership of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), the Parties, and the people of South Sudan to “renew their confidence in the peace process, rebuild trust and demonstrate genuine political will and unity of purpose, with the spirit of forgiveness and magnanimity.”
Speaking at the 26th RJMEC monthly meeting held in Juba on Thursday 26 January, 2023, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“The imminent Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage to Juba of the three religious leaders, led by His Holiness, Pope Francis, is an indicator of the world’s desire for lasting peace in South Sudan.”
“I hope the RTGoNU and the people of South Sudan will find inspiration and a spirit of forgiveness in these visits in order to renew public confidence in the peace process by rebuilding trust and showing unity of purpose, and demonstrate genuine political will through joint actions and messaging for peace,” he added.
Additionally, General Gituai told the meeting that it is “very concerning to note that over the holiday period, numerous armed clashes have taken place, cumulatively costing hundreds of lives and displacing thousands of civilians, in particular in Upper Nile State and in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“For all intents and purposes, there is a very serious picture of escalating violence, negatively impacting the environment in which the R-ARCSS is being implemented,” he said.
Further, the RJMEC Chairperson noted that six bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of South Sudan in December, including the Constitution-making Process Bill 2022. However, he raised a concern that their operationalisation needs to be further advanced.
“By now, there are critical institutions which should have been reconstituted to pave the way for the implementation of key aspects of the Agreement. For instance, the Political Parties Council which is central for the registration of political parties, and there is also the National Constitutional Review Commission which is tasked with spearheading the constitution-making process,” he said.
Amb. Gen. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to reconstitute the Political Parties Council as part of the operationalisation of the recently enacted laws, which helps to protect political space, thereby allowing for the registration of political parties.
In addition, he called for the immediate reconstitution and funding of the National Constitutional Review Commission and its Secretariat, and fast-tracking the establishment of the other mechanisms like the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) and the Preparatory Sub-Committee.
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to harmonize the ranks of the unified forces, and provide for their welfare so that they can be deployed to provide security and protection of civilians caught up in sub-national violence.
RJMEC, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika and the EU are gravely concerned about the escalating ongoing violence, loss of life and reports of alleged use of heavy weaponry in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, by armed youth from Jonglei state.
They urge involved parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise restraint and respect human rights.
UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC call on South Sudanese leaders to urgently intervene to stop the fighting and ensure the safety and security of civilians as well as unimpeded humanitarian access to people affected by the fighting. They also emphasize the need to investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of the conflict, including those who are instigating and inciting violence and those responsible for the abduction of women and children.
UNMISS and international partners strongly encourage national politicians and traditional leaders to persuade youth to immediately stop the violence and pursue a dialogue-based approach that focuses on restoring calm and peacefully resolving the root causes of the conflict.
While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Transitional Government of South Sudan, UNMISS and international partners stand ready to provide all necessary support to protect civilians in affected areas. UNMISS is intensifying patrols in conflict hotspots and closely monitoring the situation, noting that such fighting has in the past led to significant loss of life and large-scale civilian displacement.
UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC reiterate the call for an immediate cessation of this uncalled-for violence that poses a serious risk to the peace and stability of the South Sudanese people. They further request CTSAMVM to investigate the violence and urge the parties to the conflict to facilitate access.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 14 December 22, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC: PEACEFUL, DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN ARE POSSIBLE; EXPRESSES CONCERN AT ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN UPPER NILE
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai told participants during the 25th monthly meeting convened in Juba on Wednesday, 14 December, 2022, that peaceful and democratic elections for the Republic of South Sudan are possible in the next 24 months.
However, for this to happen, Amb. Gituai gave key recommendations, which include:
a) adhering (by the Parties) to the roadmap timelines and prioritising implementation through the availing of predictable, timely and adequate funding for all tasks
b) the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative (TNL) to expedite the processing of all Bills before the Legislature;
c) commencing of Phase 2 of the unification of forces, which is overdue, and avail funding and political support to the DDR programmes, which is an essential component of the unification of forces;
d) addressing subnational violence, especially in Upper Nile and Jonglei States, hold perpetrators accountable, and take steps to address the root causes and protect civilians and their property;
e) kickstarting preparations for the reconstitution and appointment of the critical Constitution Making mechanisms and institutions, including giving due attention to the 35% level of women’s participation, as well as taking note of youth and people living with disabilities.
“There are immense tasks and expectations ahead, and even with the extension (of the transitional period), time is of the essence. The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less than total implementation of the Roadmap in letter and spirit in order to enjoy the peace dividends that it brings,” he continued.
Further, RJMEC expressed its deep concern over the escalating violence in both Upper Nile and Jonglei States “with innocent lives being lost, thousands displaced, livelihoods and property destroyed.”
“If not addressed urgently, the wider ramifications of such violence could destabilize the ongoing implementation of the Peace Agreement,” Amb. Gituai said.
In his remarks, Amb. Gituai noted that recent meetings of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council, as well as the visit to Juba by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the holding of the East Africa Inter-Parliamentary games recently in Juba.
These, he said, are positive signals, adding, “The leaderships in the region and beyond have shown their determination to urgently build on recent progress in order to push for more implementation. It is incumbent upon the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, to match that level of determination in the pace of implementation of the Roadmap.”
In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai highlighted the resolution of the Sixth Governor’s Forum (held in Juba on 21st – 28th November 2022) , which affirmed the “commitment of the States and the Administrative Areas to implementation of the R-ARCSS through the Roadmap 2022.”
“With this in mind, and against the backdrop of the diplomatic support affirmed at the recent IGAD, AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council meetings, RJMEC expects that progress should be more rapid and substantial in the new year 2023."
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 17 November, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONVENES MONTHLY MEETING, CALLS FOR HEIGHTENED SENSE OF URGENCY AND FOR RTGONU TO AVAIL PREDICTABLE, TIMELY AND ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR ALL ROADMAP TASKS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday, 17 November, 2022 convened its first monthly meeting of the RJMEC members since the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Public of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was extended.
The extension to the Transitional Period was agreed at an Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC held on 1 September 2022, in which the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) presented its Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end of the Transitional Period of the R-ARCSS.
In his statement to the RJMEC members, Ambassador Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai (rtd), the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, told the meeting participants that several steps forward have been made since the last ordinary meeting of RJMEC, which was held in July. Those steps include the commencement of the graduation of forces, with around 80% of phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces graduated. Additionally, the Constitution-making Process Bill has been passed by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature.
However, despite the progress noted, the RJMEC Chair urged the RTGoNU, among other things, to “Prioritise implementation of the Roadmap tasks within the given timelines, and avail predictable, timely and adequate funding for all Roadmap tasks.”
The Chair stressed the need for heightened urgency: “The people of South Sudan, who are the primary beneficiaries of this Peace Agreement, have waited a long time to reap the benefits of peace. It is therefore of utmost importance to implement the Roadmap in letter and spirit.”
In concluding his statement, he told the meeting that “the RTGoNU must demonstrate the urgency, the unity of purpose, the commitment, the extra effort and political will required to implement the tasks outlined in the Roadmap as scheduled.”
Furthermore, he appealed to the RJMEC members, saying: “you as RJMEC members, individually and collectively, need to enhance your approaches in engaging the RTGoNU and the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms with a strong focus on facilitating progress.”
Amb. Maj Gen Gituai closed his statement by saying “Finally, there is need for us to consolidate our efforts, speak with one voice, and bring all our collective pressure to bear and push for the timely implementation of the Roadmap, thereby creating the conditions for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.”
[END]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Sunday, 12 September, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
4TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REVITALIZED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN (R-ARCSS)
Four years ago today, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed. This is a significant milestone marking the momentous journey that South Sudan is on.
If we recall recent history, armed conflict broke out in July 2016 within one year of the signing of the 2015 Peace Agreement, and barely two months after the first coalition government was formed. By contrast, implementation of the R-ARCSS is now entering its fifth year, and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) is just over two-and-a-half-years old.
This is an important achievement, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), as the institution responsible for the overall oversight of the implementation of the Peace Agreement, congratulates H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, First Vice President, and the four Vice Presidents and the diverse peoples of South Sudan in general.
In recent weeks, we have seen two notable events in particular. Firstly, the graduation of the first batch of the unified forces. The unification of forces is the backbone of the Agreement, and one of the key building blocks promoting national unity, reconciliation, and community cohesion. The momentum generated should be maintained and Phase II of unification should commence as quickly as possible.
The second notable event is the vote by the RJMEC members to extend of the Transitional Period by two years, so it would expire in February 2025 after the holding of free, fair and credible elections. The extension was part of a Roadmap presented to the RJMEC members by the RTGoNU, known as the “Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
The Roadmap makes it clear that much remains to be implemented across all chapters of the Peace Agreement, and we cannot ignore the fact that the need for this Roadmap arose directly because of the slow pace of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Therefore, as we mark the four years since the Agreement’s signing, RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to redouble its efforts and implement the Roadmap fully in letter and spirit. As it does so, we urge it to bear in mind that more confidence and trust building across society is needed, and that improved inclusivity and extending and protecting the political and civic space for all South Sudanese to participate in their governance is also needed.
Furthermore, instability in the states detracts from gains made in peacebuilding. RJMEC reminds the RTGoNU that the preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement talks of “laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” and this is truly a laudable goal which must apply to each and every citizen of South Sudan equally
God Bless South Sudan.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 01 September, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONVENES EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY, VOTES TO EXTEND TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND RTGONU TERM
Today, 1 September 2022, the members of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) voted to extend the Transitional Period and term of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) by two years from 23rd February 2023 until 22nd February 2025.
Article 8.4 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) requires that at least two-thirds of the voting members consent to an amendment of the Agreement, which is 29 of the total 43 members. 37 voted in favour of the extension.
The extension was part of a Roadmap presented to the members by the RTGoNU, known as the “Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
The RJMEC vote now requires ratification by the Transitional National Legislature, according to the constitutional amendment procedures set out in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic South Sudan, 2011 (as amended).
As the next step, the RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai will submit the decision and the accompanying resolution to the RTGoNU to consider RJMEC’s position and recommendation in this regard.
In his closing statement, Amb. Maj Gen Gituai said: “I would like to encourage the Parties to continuously dialogue, work together to enhance the rebuilding of trust and confidence in the peace process, by taking concrete steps to address all the key impediments to progress in the implementation of the Agreement.”
“About the concerns expressed over the limited nature of the consultations conducted prior to the development of the Roadmap, I urge the RTGoNU Parties to implement the Roadmap in an inclusive manner, including by continuously consulting with all relevant stakeholders, and civil society actors, during its implementation,” he added.
He concluded, “I urge the RTGoNU to demonstrate full and unwavering political will and commitment to implement all the priority tasks set out in the Roadmap, in accordance with letter and spirit of the Revitalised Peace Agreement to implement additional interim measures, including an economic recovery plan to improve the current business environment.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 30 August, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
GRADUATION OF UNIFIED FORCES, AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) welcomed the graduation of the first batch of the South Sudan Necessary Unified Force (NUF) as historic, and an important milestone as envisaged under Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Juba on Tuesday 30 August, 2022, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“As I have always said, the unification of forces is the backbone of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite the challenges, this graduation is a testament and a clear indication of the determination by the Government of Republic of South Sudan to stay the course of peace.”
“This graduation ceremony today symbolizes national unity, the spirit of patriotism, loyalty to the constitution and to the country. The unified forces reflect the national character of the people of South Sudan.”
While congratulating the graduating unified forces ”for their endurance, commitment and determination to serve the country as members of the security forces,” Amb. Gituai said:
“As professional, apolitical security forces, the spirit of comradeship, discipline, espirit de corps and loyalty that you have developed during your training should serve as your guiding values as you get redeployed to your respective units.”
“Let this spirit of unification of forces be one of the building blocks in promoting national unity, reconciliation and cohesion which should be emulated across the country. The unified forces will enable the realization of a united, secure, peaceful and prosperous South Sudan,” he added.
However, despite this achievement, Amb. Gituai noted, “we have a long way to go to attain full unification of forces, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ineligible candidates for the unification. We expect this momentum to be maintained and Phase II of unification to commence as quickly as possible.”
He concluded, “It is my sincere hope and expectation that this graduation will also provide a timely boost to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement going forward.”
“Much remains to be done across all the chapters of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, especially in the Permanent Constitution-making process, legislative reforms and the necessary preparations for free, fair and credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 07 March, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
THE START OF REVIEWING OF THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS ACT 2012 VERY ENCOURAGING
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), has welcomed the start of the review of the National Elections Act 2012 of South Sudan, one of the key legislations assigned to the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), terming it as an important step for the successful conclusion of the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Speaking at the opening of experts meeting on the electoral laws in Juba on Thursday, RJMEC Chief of Staff, Amb. Berhanu Kebede said,
“The launch of both judicial reforms process and review of the National Elections Act coming at the same time is a demonstration that the Revitalized Peace Agreement is indeed on the right path of making a difference in the governance of this country. This is very encouraging,”
“The conduct of a credible, peaceful, free, fair and democratic elections is the only end point of the Transition under the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and the review and amendment of the elections law and eventual reconstitution of the election commission are two key pre-requisites,” he added.
“We trust that the experts assembled here today, parties and the various stakeholders to be engaged by the NCAC in this review process, will draft an election law that not only conforms to the Agreement but one that will ensure the conduct of a democratic, peaceful, free and fair elections and referenda in South Sudan.”
Chapter 1, Article 1.20.3 provides that the National Elections Act, 2012 be amended to conform to the terms of the Revitilised Peace Agreement. The review and amendment of the electoral law will involve a participatory process, which includes convening expert and stakeholder forums, whose views will define the scope of the amendment to the electoral law.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 28 July, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
INAUGURATION OF JRC, A KEY MILESTONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALIZED PEACE AGREEMENT
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has lauded the formation and inauguration of ad-hoc Judicial Reforms Committee (JRC) of the Republic of South Sudan terming it as “yet, another key milestone in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.”
Speaking at the official launch of the JRC on Thursday July 28, 2022, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“As a committee mandated to study and recommend appropriate judicial reforms to the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), the work of the JRC will lay a firm foundation for the future of the Judiciary in the Republic of South Sudan.”
“The Judiciary is an important third arm of government, and an effective, independent, and impartial judiciary is sine quo non for lasting peace, stability and democratization,” he said.
“Despite the slow pace and delays in the implementation of the Peace Agreement generally, the launch of the JRC today, is very timely. It comes on the heels of the enactment of the Constitution Making Process Bill by the Parliament and the ongoing National Constitutional Amendment Committee review of the National Elections Act,” he said.
He added, “It also comes at a time when the RTGoNU is developing a roadmap for the implementation of all critical pending tasks towards credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period.”
“I strongly believe that the RTGoNU will factor the work of the JRC into the roadmap and that they will be afforded sufficient time to execute their tasks. The JRC report and recommendations will be taken on board by the RTGoNU to ensure that the judiciary is reformed before the end of the Transitional Period.”
Amb. Gituai appealed full support for the JRC so as to carry out its mandate as stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement.
“We must all lend our support politically, technically, and of course financially for the JRC to do its work within the stipulated timelines,” he said.
I believe that the key reforms that will be recommended by the JRC, will get prioritized in the RTNLA.
The JRC is chaired Justice James Ogoola (Uganda), duputised by Lady Justice Joyce Alouch (Kenya).
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 21 July, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
THE R-ARCSS IMPLEMENTATION AT CRITICAL MOMENT WITH SEVEN MONTHS TO THE END OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday July 21, 2022 held its 23rd monthly plenary meeting in Juba.
Speaking during the opening of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said with seven months to the end of the Transitional Period in February 2023, “all critical tasks, including the constitution making process should have been completed and preparation for the conduct of elections should have been in high gear.”
“However, this is not the case. Critical tasks, including some pre-transitional tasks, like the unification of forces, are still pending.”
However, Amb. Gituai said, a draft roadmap presented to the President on Friday 15th July 2022 “is a welcome development.”
“I understand that this draft will be discussed by the Presidency before being tabled to the Parties for consideration. Once adopted by the RTGoNU it will be presented to RJMEC,” he said.
A detailed roadmap is expected to ensure implementation of the remaining tasks, to facilitate a peaceful, free, fair and credible elections at the end of the transition period.
Further, Amb. Gituai acknowledged that since the unification of the command structure (in April), there has been a reduction in clashes between South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF)-allied elements and the SPLA-IO.
However, he said, “Despite the April agreement on a unified command structure, progress towards the graduation of the unified forces has stalled.”
“Nonetheless, I am encouraged by the recent statement of H.E. the President, that the Presidency will soon meet and set a date for the graduation of the unified forces,” he added.
Furthermore, the Interim Chair has commended the SSPDF leadership for the recently concluded Court Martial in Yei, Central Equatoria State that resulted in the trial and conviction of several soldiers for crimes committed against civilians such as murder, rape and looting, among others.
“It is important that all perpetrators of violence are held accountable,” he said. In his recommendation, Amb. Gituai called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to fast track the process for the consideration and adoption of the agreed final roadmap and to urgently set the date for the graduation and redeployment of the unified forces and the commencement of Phase 2 and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process.
In conclusion, he said, at this critical phase of the implementation of the peace agreement, “I appeal to all of you as members of RJMEC to be cognizant of our collective mandate, as monitors and evaluators.” “Let us seize this unique opportunity and proactively engage with the RTGoNU, propose remedial measures to overcome the challenges to the peace process, and facilitate progress.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 2 June, 2022, Juba, South Sudan
AS THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD LAPSES IN FEBRUARY 2023, THERE IS GROWING PUBLIC ANXIETY, FRUSTRATION, DESPAIR
There is growing public anxiety and despair ahead of the expiry of the Transitional Period which ends in February next year, without the completion of critical pending tasks of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Speaking during the 22nd Plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) in Juba on 2 June 2022, RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“The R-ARCSS lays the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law” with about eight months to the end of the Transitional Period Maj. Gen. Gituai added that “continuous delays in the implementation of the Agreement have consequential effects as witnessed in the recent incidents of military defections and the associated violent confrontations.”
In addition, the Interim Chairperson expressed “serious concerns” regarding continuous occupation of civilian centers by the SSPDF (South Sudan People’s Defence Force) and SPLA-IO and attacks by the SSPDF on the SPLA-IO forces in Upper Nile and Unity States.
Most disturbingly, he said, are reports of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Koch and Leer Counties in Unity State, including deaths of unspecified numbers of people, destruction of property and displacement of civilians.
Among the key pending tasks related to the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements in Chapeter II are:
· Completion of the unification of the command structure at all levels of rank and file;
· Graduation and redeployment of Phase I of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) and commencement of Phase II cantonment and training;
· Operationalization and funding of the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration) programmes as a critical component of unification of forces and long-term security;
· Logistics support for cantonment sites and training centres; and
· Complete demilitarization of all civilian centres.
In his address to the meeting, Maj. Gen. Gituai highlighted cross-cutting challenges which remain an obstacle to the implementation of the R-ARCSS. These include, he said, delayed Unification of Forces, lack of sufficient funding, military defections, trust deficit among parties, insufficient political will, capacity gaps and the cumulative effects of prolonged subnational conflicts across the country.
Maj. Gen. Gituai further stressed on the importance of the Permanent Constitution making process and the need to carefully incoporate planning for the electoral process. He also reitarated the need for RTGoNU to urgently develop a roadmap on the way forward, in regard to implementing the remaining tasks, considering the limited time left before the expiry of the Transitional Period.
ENDS