Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication

 Thursday, 31 March, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONVENES COUNCIL OF STATES WORKSHOP, CALLS ON THE LEGISLATIVE BODY TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 31 March, 2022, convened a workshop for members of the Council of States of the Republic of South Sudan. 

In a statement delivered on his behalf by RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff-Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine during the official opening of the workshop in Juba, the RJMEC interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai underscored to the Council members the importance of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which he said will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, paving the way for a smooth transition through free, fair and credible elections. 

As the legislative arm of Government, I take this opportunity to remind you of the critical role you play in ensuring that the necessary legislation is enacted to enable this process to commence expeditiously,” he said.

As such, Maj. Gen. Gituai reminded the members of the Council that the implementation of the 2018 R-ARCSS is now at a critical juncture” with less than a year to end of the Transitional Period.

The slow progress in the implementation of the Agreement, compounded by the recurring challenges, is beginning to create anxiety amongst the Parties to the R-ARCSS, the region and international peace partners,” he said. 

 One key question I have asked repeatedly relates to what strategy the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) has in place to complete implementation of the R-ARCSS within the remainder of the Transitional Period.

Further, the Chairperson called on the Parties to the Agreement to build on the peace dividends made so far, adhere to their commitments to peace, take steps to improve relationships and trust, and inculcate the necessary political will which will move the country forward towards enduring peace.

While closing the Workshop, H.E Maj. Gen. Gituai noted that implementation of the R-ARCSS has faced various challenges, ranging from lack of sufficient resourcesinsufficient political will and lack commitment of some actors, trust deficit amongst the Parties and capacity gaps in some Agreement institutions and mechanisms, as well as growing subnational violence, activities of the holdout groups, military defections from one signatory party to anotherimpact of flooding and the COVID-19 global pandemic have also impacted the implementation of the of the Revitilised Peace Agreement, he said. The Interim Chairperson, tasked members of the Council to individually and collectively support the full implementation of the Agreement. 

The workshop, which targets the 100 members of the Council, will be followed by a series of workshops for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), is aimed at enhancing common understanding of the content of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, its staus of implementation and how the two legislative bodiescan provide the necessary support for its progress. 

 

ENDS

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 24 March 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONCERNED WITH CLASHES; EMPHASISES INCLUSIVE DIALOGUE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE R-ARCSS AS THE ONLY WAY OF RESOLVING DISAGREEMENTS  

RJMEC held a meeting of its members on Thursday, 24 March 2022 in Juba. Addressing to the participants about the security situation, Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“I am concerned by the reports of an increasing number of clashes taking place between SPLA-IO forces and defectors to the SSPDF in Upper Nile and Unity States, including in training centres. We have tasked CTSAMVM to further investigate these clashes.” 

He continued: “I would like to stress that each training centre is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified force, and any threat to this is unacceptable. Such divisive activities complicate the unification process, lower morale and breed mistrust among troops. A unified force depends on cohesiveness for its ability to function as a professional force.”

Maj. Gen. Gituai urged the RTGoNU to complete the Transitional Security Arrangements, including resolving the issues of unified command and force ratios, and redeployment of unified forces.

Referring to the suspension earlier this week of the SPLM/A-IO of their participation in R-ARCSS Security Mechanisms, and RJMEC meetings, the Interim Chair said:  

“RJMEC has taken note of all the concerns raised by the SPLM/A-IO. It is encouraging to note that SPLM/A-IO has reiterated its continuous commitment to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS and is willing to be available to discuss these issues with RJMEC. 

“I would like to emphasise that the full engagement of all the Parties and inclusive dialogue within the framework of the R-ARCSS is the only way of resolving disagreements.”  

The RJMEC Chair revealed that he has invited the concerned Parties to a meeting tomorrow 25 March 2022, to discuss these issues.  

The RJMEC Chair reiterating his appeal for the presentation of the roadmap and strategy to be developed by the RTGoNU which should, among other things, set out the tasks most critical for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, given the dwindling time left to implement the Peace Agreement. 

RJMEC Chair concluded by reminding the participants of the Signatory Parties’   commitment, expressed in the Preamble of the Agreement, “to lay the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law.” 

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Wednesday, 23 March 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONCENRED WITH SPLM/A-IO SUSPENSION OF PARTICIPATION IN THE MEETINGS OF R-ARCSS SECURITY MECHANISMS

RJMEC notes with concern the suspension of participation of the SPLM/A-IO in the meetings of the security mechanisms of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), but is encouraged by its reiteration of its continuous commitment to full implementation of the R-ARCSS. The security mechanisms, which are composed of representatives from across the different Parties to the Agreement, are an integral component of implementing the Transitional Security Arrangements of the peace agreement.

RJMEC has stressed in many recent public statements, and in meetings and interventions at the highest political level in South Sudan and regionally, that right now is a critical time in the implementation of the Peace Agreement as we now have under 11 months of the Transitional Period left with much remaining to be done.

We take note of reports from CTSAMVM, the ceasefire monitors, which indicate a range of localised incidents of violence in different parts of the country which are a serious cause of concern for the overall implementation of the R-ARCSS.

RJMEC is also concerned  by recent reports of clashes taking place between SPLA-IO forces and defectors to the SSPDF in Upper Nile and Unity States, including in some training centres. Each training centre in South Sudan is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified force, and any threat to this is unacceptable. 

CTSAMVM, which is composed of representatives from all the Parties to the Agreement, has been tasked to investigate these clashes and will report in due course. This state of affairs is exacerbated by the delayed implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements as set out in the R-ARCSS, growing military defections from one signatory party to another, and poorly-resourced cantonment sites and training centres.  

Such divisive activity complicates the unification process, lowers morale, and breeds mistrust among troops who should be building togetherness. A unified force depends on cohesiveness for its ability to function for the greater good of the South Sudanese people. This insecurity also increases the number of displaced people, and strains the already scarce humanitarian support.

RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to expedite the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, and condemn military defections and accepting defections as being against the letter and spirit of the Agreement. Defectors must be held accountable for their actions following a transparent investigation. RJMEC further urges the RTGoNU to ensure the protection of civilians at all times.  

RJMEC reminds all Parties that full engagement and inclusive dialogue within the framework of the R-ARCSS is the only way of resolving disagreements. 

 

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Friday, 11 March 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC URGES RTGONU TO IMPLEMENT TRANSITIONAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FULLY TO HELP RESOLUTION OF STATE AND COUNTY LEVEL VIOLENCE

RJMEC welcomes the appointment by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, of a high-level committee, headed by Vice President H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, to investigate the clashes between communities in Twic County and the Ngok from Abyei. All measures to support the peaceful resolution of disputes is welcome, and should be replicated across those numerous areas of South Sudan which need it.   

Recent reports from CTSAMVM, the ceasefire monitors, indicate a range of localised incidents of violence in different parts of the country which are a serious cause of concern for the overall implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and enjoyment of its dividends at the community level. This overall picture of insecurity has a negative impact on the gains made so far in the implementation of the Peace Agreement at this critical time when every little bit of progress should be built upon. 

This state of affairs is exacerbated by the delayed implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements as set out in the R-ARCSS, growing military defections from one signatory party to another, and poorly-resourced structures of governance at the State and local levels.  This localised violence not only complicates implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, but also increases the number of displaced people, strains the already scarce humanitarian support, and further impacts on humanitarian access.

On 22 February 2022, two Medecins Sans Frontieres vehicles were looted and burnt 8kms outside of Yei, Central Equatoria State. Fortunately, none of the staff were harmed during the incident. This attack on humanitarian aid workers and the delivery of humanitarian services deprives the civilian population of much-need care and assistance.  

These state and county level insecurities could be resolved more effectively if the Transitional Security Arrangements, already much delayed, were completed at this time of the Agreement period. Consequently, RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to complete the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements and joins other voices in urging the RTGoNU to conduct timely and transparent investigations of the perpetrators of violence at the communal level, engage local authorities in dialogue, utilise local peace building mechanisms and hold accountable those perpetrators found to be guilty.

As the RTGoNU develops its roadmap to the end of the Transitional Period, it should include a robust strategy for dealing with such growing localised conflicts in order to create a conducive environment for implementation of the critical pending tasks such as the making of the permanent constitution and the eventual conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period. 

ENDS

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 07 March, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CHAIR BRIEFS THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL, UNDERSCORES CRITICAL TASKS PENDING FOR “FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS”

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Monday 7 March, 2022 briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), highlighted key critical pending tasks including requirements for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period.

In his address delivered virtually from Juba, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: “In RJMEC’s assessment, the tasks most critical for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections under the Revitalized Peace Agreement are the unification of forces and their redeployment, enactment of the permanent constitution, review of political parties and electoral related laws, and reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Elections Commission.”

He added, “I wish to underscore the importance of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, preparing” the way for a democratic transition through free, fair and credible elections.” 

While noting some progress has been achieved since the signing of the Revitilised Agreement in 2018, Gen. Gituai highlighted “several recurring challenges facing it”. 

“The challenges include lack of sufficient resources, insufficient political will and commitment of some actors, trust deficit amongst the Parties; capacity gaps, subnational violence and activities of the holdout groups, military defections from one signatory party to another, flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

Given these challenges facing the implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry (in Feb 2023), RJMEC Chairperson said,  the Commission has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to develop a clear roadmap and strategy within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on how to implement the outstanding critical tasks as the end of the Transitional Period approaches. 

“The roadmap should be consensus-based, with verifiable benchmarks and timelines,” he said.

In closing, the Chaiperson made the following recommendations to the UN Security Council:

a)    actively engage the Revitalised Unity Government to ensure implementation of the critical outstanding tasks, especially the unification of forces and the permanent constitution making process, both tasks fundamental to the holding of free, fair and credible elections;

b)    encourage the Revitalised Unity Government to reconcile their inter-party differences and to work collegially in the best interests of South Sudan and its people;

c)    assist the Revitalised Unity Government’s efforts in mobilising resources from the international community to enhance implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement;

d)    support the Revitalised Unity Government to establish the Special Reconstruction Fund, and convene a South Sudan Pledging Conference to provide support to conflict-affected states and communities, as provided for in the Agreement; and

e)    continue supporting the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

ENDS

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

With two years of transitional period gone, much in the R-ARCSS remains to be done

Today, February 22 February 2022, marks exactly 24 months since the beginning of the Transitional Period and the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). 

With the clock ticking and just 12 months to the end of the Transitional Period, much remain at stake in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

While the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) acknowledges progress made, particularly in terms of governance, the Commission takes note of key tasks that remain pending:

  1. Several key pieces of legislation are not ratified by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and State governments are not fully functioning;
  2. the forces are not unified;
  3. the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;
  4. public financial management reforms remain largely undone;
  5. the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and
  6. beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.

 The Permanent Constitution process must be fast-tracked, as this is a pre-requisite for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period. The new constitution represents democratisation, the rule of law and a stable South Sudan.

Further, security is the foundation upon which the country’s future is built. The RTGoNU should make dedicated financial resources available for the completion of the much-delayed Transitional Security Arrangements, especially the graduation and redeployment of the unified forces.

Additionally, a clear plan of action to address the current dire humanitarian situation and the facilitation of voluntary returns of IDPs and repatriation of refugees is needed, while specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a Transitional Period must be embarked on in earnest.

 Next, RJMEC urges the establishment of the Transitional Justice mechanisms, especially the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Hybrid Court for South Sudan without further delay. Accountability and justice are important building blocks for peace and reconciliation, and these mechanisms are a cornerstone in building accountability and the rule of law for the Republic of South Sudan.

With these pending tasks and the limited time left, renewed vigor, commitment, compromise and political will are needed to deliver the South Sudan that the R-ARCSS enviages.  The implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the best hope for building durable and sustaibanle peace in South Sudan. 

ENDS

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC UNDERSCORES KEY ROLES CIVIL SOCIETY PLAY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS 

Civil Society in South Sudan has key roles to play in pushing for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), said the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Chairperson.

Speaking in Bor, Jonglei State on Tuesday 15 February 2022 during a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“Advocating for the contents and the values of the Agreement as widely as possible helps to push along implementation.  The more Civil Society understands and is able to explain the Agreement to its constituents, the more effective the push for its implementation becomes,” adding that the R-ARCSS “offers the best window of opportunity for lasting peace.”

“Your knowledge, capabilities and experience with your constituencies are invaluable. In particular, there are some key ways in which, I see your relative advantages and potential as civil society in supporting the implementation environment here in South Sudan,” he added.

Further, the Chairperson of RJMEC noted that Civil Society can initiate, promote and strengthen comprehensive and objective dialogue between the government and the people. “Your flexibility and potential to reach out to communities helps to adapt to external changes when governments can typically be slower to react,” he said.

Civil Society can understand clearly and focus on where there are shared interests of the people they serve, he said, while adding that, “In this way, you form a powerful link which bridges the space between the people and the government, and then promote the shared interests.”

There are always challenges to any peace process, the Interim Chair noted, “and civil society is an excellent early warning system.”  “You can create awareness and caution about the possibility of upsets or obstacles to implementation. In your own ways, you then promote the move towards dialogue through sensitisation and awareness creation.” 

“The monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the R-ARCSS will be much the stronger as a result of your unity of voice and purpose, your access to the grassroots, and your advocacy remains central for the continued implementation of the Agreement. The challenges in South Sudan are many. It has been a long road, but civil society must have a voice that can be heard far and wide.” 

The four-day consultative forum was convened by RJMEC, Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) in collaboration with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and Nonviolent Peaceforce.

ENDS

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 10 February, 2022, Juba, South SudaN

WITH JUST 12 MONTHS LEFT OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, KEY TASKS REMAIN OUTSTANDING

With just 12 months left before the end of the Transitional Period, critical tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented.

Speaking during the 21st plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 February 2022 in Juba, Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“There is now just 12 months left of the Transitional Period, and elections are due to take place 60 days before it ends, and yet key unimplemented tasks are outstanding.”

These tasks, the Interim Chairperson outlined in his opening remarks, include: 

i)               Several important pieces of legislation are not ratified and state governments are not fully functioning;

ii)             the forces are not unified;

iii)            the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;

iv)            public financial management reforms remain largely undone;

v)             the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and

vi)            beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.  

“At this crucial stage of implementation, and with such a comparatively short time left in the Transitional Period, your insights on the challenges facing South Sudan are vital,” Maj. Gen. Gituai told the meeting.

In his recommendations, Maj. Gen. Gituai urged the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties and constitution making bills. He further urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes.

On the humanitarian situation in the country, the Interim Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund, in line also with the recent African Union Peace and Security Council, meeting resolutions. This is especially important, he said, considering the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing the country, including the continued need for aid for flood-affected communities.

“The living conditions of flood-affected people in displacement sites remain dire and are likely to further deteriorate with the onset of seasonal rains. There are many hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people requiring humanitarian assistance,” the Interim Chairperson added.

FULL STATEMENT: https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/jmec-statements/item/599-statement-by-h-e-maj-gen-charles-tai-gituai-rtd-interim-chairperson-rjmec-to-the-21st-rjmec-monthly-meeting-thursday-10-february-2022-juba-south-sudan 

ENDS

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 9 December 2021, Juba, South Sudan

TRANSITIONAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS REMAIN STALLED, FRUSTRATIONS GROWING 

The delayed implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements, including the unification of forces and their redeployment, has contributed to growing frustrations amongst the people of South Sudan.

Speaking during its 20thmonthly meeting held in Juba yesterday, Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

We are now past the mid-way mark of the timeline of the Transitional Period. The Parties are far behind schedule in implementation of key tasks. As we close the year 2021, therefore, we need clarity from the Revitalised Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on its plan for the implementation of the outstanding tasks in the coming 14 months.” 

“It is now over two months since the Presidency directed the deployment of three assessment teams to training centers in preparation for the graduation of Phase 1 of the NUF (Necessary Unified Force). It is disheartening to see that this directive of the Presidency has not been carried out,” he added. 

In his address, Maj. Gen. Gituai further expressed concerns that defections of senior military officials mainly from the SPLA-IO (Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition) to the SSPDF (South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces), “erode trust amongst the two parties and public confidence in the peace process.”

Regarding the living conditions of cantonmentsites and training centers, Maj. Gen. Gituai said the situation is “dire and that the occupants continue to abandon the sites in search of food and other essentials for survival.” 

“The situation has undermined the morale of security forces cantoned or in training and risks eroding their trust in the political leadership of the country,” he said. 

“I would like to remind us that this is the last meeting before we break for Christmas and the New Year. I hope that we will return with concrete plans and renewed vigour and determination to bring durable peace, stability and prosperity to the people and country of South Sudan,” he concluded.

 

ENDS

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 7 December 2021 , Juba, South Sudan

South Sudanese Generals, Ministers conclude post-conflict peacebuilding seminar in Rwanda

High-ranking military and political leaders from South Sudan on Friday, 3 December 2021 in Musanze, Rwanda, concluded a five-day post-conflict seminar organised by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA).  

The seminar was aimed atidentifying challenges and opportunities for postconflict peace building, reconstruction and stabilisationin the Republic of South Sudan. It was also an effort to enhance trust and confidence amongst South Sudan leaders, while drawing on the unique experience of Rwanda in post-conflict resolution.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the workshop on behalf of the RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, the RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff-Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, called on the participants to now embark on a “renewed drive” towards the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. 

“Indeed, much remains to be done in restoring sustainable peace in South Sudan, but with your full involvement, and efforts to boldly confront the emerging challenges, I am confident that we will see the day when government structures are fully operational both at national and sub-national levels, unified national forces are deployed,  constitution making process completed, refugees and the internally displaced have returned to their homes, transitional justice mechanisms become operational, economic and social reforms take root, and free and fair elections are held,” said Dr. Fontaine.

“By working together, the South Sudanese leaders will ensure that lasting peace and the consequent development and prosperity is realised in South Sudan,” the Deputy Chief of Staff- Strategy concluded.

This seminar, entitled the "Senior Leadership Post-Conflict Peace building, Reconstruction and Stabilization Course”,was the third seminar aimed at such high-level South Sudanese participants, with one held previously also in Musanze, and one in Nairobi. 

 

ENDS

 

 

 

 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 23 November 2021 , Juba, South Sudan

THE PACE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF R-ARCSS IS SLOW, AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

The pace of implementation of the  Revitalised Agreement of the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is slow and time is running out with critical tasks lagging behind the agreed timelines, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.  

Speaking during the 5thGovernors’ Forum held in Juba on Tuesday 23 November 2021, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said despite progress insome thematic areas, challenges persist. Too much time has been lost. The pace of implementation is slow, and time is running out.

He added, “Over the last three years since the R-ARCSS was signed, some peace dividends have been realized across the country, but much remains to be done. Within the current timelines of the R-ARCSS, we have barely 15 months until the end of the Transitional Period and yet some very critical tasks remain outstanding.”

While detailing the status of implementation of the Agreement and noting significant progress in some thematic areas, Gen. Gituai recommended the RTGoNU to: 

·     fast-track ratification of all the approved bills, including the Permanent Constitution Making Process Bill 2021;

·     finalise the nominations and the establishment of the ad-hocJudicial Reform Committee;

·     make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including graduation and redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes;

·     urgently resolve the outstanding issues of the ratio of the unified forces and unified command structure of the Necessary Unified Forces;

·     expedite the establishment of the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund, in collaboration with the partners; 

·     expedite all the reforms required in Chapter 4, including the National Audit Chamber and the Anti-Corruption Commission; and 

·     fast-track implementation of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of the Peace Agreement. 

The five-day 5thGovernors’ Forum was aimed at deliberating on the “Role of Sates and Administrative Areas in the Implementation of the Peace Agreement for a Peaceful, Prosperous South Sudan.” 

ENDS