PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 27 March 2020, Juba, South Sudan
“THE INTERIM RJMEC CHAIRPERSON APPEALS TO THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS TO EXPEDITE THE RESOLUTION OF THE DEADLOCK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY SHARING AT THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT”
H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augustino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd), the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) today convened a consultative meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), pursuant to Article 7.11 of the R-ARCSS, to break a deadlock on responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments.
The consultative meeting with the representatives of the Parties followed a request from H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Chairperson of the SPLM/A-IO and First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan for assistance of the RJMEC leadership to break a deadlock on the modalities of responsibility sharing as provided for in Article 1.16. of R-ARCSS.
While addressing the meeting, the Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC commended the Parties for the compromises that they have made so far leading to the formation of the RTGoNU and urged them to continue with the spirit of collegiality during the Transitional Period and beyond. The Interim Chairperson also reminded the Parties of the cardinal principles upon which the R-ARCSS is anchored, which include inclusivity, equity, peace and reconciliation, collegiality, relationship and trust building, justice and fairness, among others.
The Interim Chairperson noted that any further delay in the finalization of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Governments would also delay the completion of the establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition. He therefore appealed to the Parties to expedite the resolution of this outstanding matter.
The Interim RJMEC Chairperson will continue to engage the Parties to the R-ARCSS to ensure that the outstanding matter is expeditiously resolved.
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PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Publication)
Saturday, 22nd February 2020, Juba, South Sudan
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) takes this opportunity to congratulate H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, Chairperson and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO, and other Parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for this historic day of 22ndFebruary 2020, a day when the long-awaited Revitalised Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) is born.
RJMEC also congratulates H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny for his appointment as the First Vice President and H.E Dr. Wani Igga, H.E Taban Deng Gai and H.E Rebecca Garang for their appointments as Vice Presidents of the Republic of South Sudan.
RJMEC further applauds the People of the Republic of South Sudan for the endurance and resilience they have shown throughout the Pre-Transitional period.
The formation of an inclusive Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, indeed heralds hope in the lives of millions of South Sudanese who painfully bore the brunt of a bloody war, bolsters confidence and paves the way towards the realisation of a peaceful, stable and democratic South Sudan.
It must however, be noted, that the formation of R-TGoNU is not an end in itself but the beginning of a transitional period that many expect, will herald the country’s path to political and socio-economic reforms and setting the foundation for lasting peace, genuine dialogue and trust-building.
As such, the R-ARCSS that guides this process contains a range of far-reaching reforms and programmes for reconstruction, rehabilitation and development that would help restore South Sudan on a sustainable path to growth if fully implemented.
There is a permanent constitution making process intended to uphold the supremacy of the law and to lay the legal framework for good governance. This can only be achieved if the political leadership, work together in good faith and embrace the spirit of patriotism.
Finally, RJMEC presents its best wishes to R-TGoNU, the Agreement Parties and the People of South Sudan as they embark on South Sudan’s journey to self-reflection, peace and reconstruction.
His Excellency, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
Interim Chairperson,
Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT COMMITTEE (NCAC) STATEMENT ON PARTY NOMINATIONS TO THE TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (TNLA)
22 FEBRUARY 2020
The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) wishes to congratulate the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for their commitment to form the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) within the extension period of 100 days as agreed in the Resolution of the Tripartite Summit of 7 November 2019 in Entebbe, Uganda. NCAC lauds H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to revert the Country to ten (10) States which has contributed significantly to paving the way for the formation of RTGoNU.
The NCAC is mandated by R-ARCSS under Chapter 1, Article 1.18.1.4to receive lists of nominees to be appointed to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) from the Parties and present them to the President for appointment.
On 13 February 2020, the NCAC wrote to all the Parties entitled to make nominations under the Revitalized Agreement requesting them to present the lists of their nominees by 18 February 2020. It was indicated to the Parties that NCAC would examine the lists to ensure they complied with the Constitution, the R-ARCSS and relevant laws and submit them to the President before 22 February 2020, the deadline for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government.
However, by the end of the 100 days extension of the Pre-Transitional period NCAC had only received one valid list of nominees from the Former Detainees (FDs). The submission of the lists of nominees was to be based on criteria designed to ensure that the nominations adhere to the gender, youth and regional diversity requirements in the Agreement.
NCAC is aware that some Parties were unable to present their lists due to internal disagreements. Efforts to build consensus on these lists are ongoing.
In the circumstances, NCAC has written to H.E the President informing him that the list of nominees to be appointed to the TNLA is not ready and that NCAC will present it as soon as it is.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 20th February 2020, Juba, South Sudan
We must all prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU
With barely a day before the expiry of the deadline of the extended pre-transitional period on 22ndFebruary2020, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called on all Parties to the Agreement and other stakeholders to prepare for the formation of the Revitalized Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) of the Republic of South Sudan.
RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said, “It is clear that all must prepare for the formation of R-TGoNU. I call on the Parties to capitalise on the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12thSeptember 2018, and continue to build towards lasting and sustainable peace in South Sudan,”
He was speaking in Juba on Thursday 20thFebruary 2020, before the postponing the 14thRJMEC monthly meeting. The meeting was postponed to next month, after it did not secure requisite quorum, for the meeting to proceed.
On the number of states and their boundaries, the Interim Chairperson commended H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan for the “compromise he made on the 15thof February to revert the number of States to 10 as outlined in his letter to IGAD dated 15thFebruary 2020”.
“In that regard, I applaud the leadership of IGAD and the regional Special Envoys for the role they played in helping the Parties to break the deadlock on the number and boundaries of states,” he said.
“I urge the people of South Sudan, to welcome this decision, which will allow the formation of the RTGoNU in a timely manner and on a solid foundation,” he added.
Consequently, Ambassador Njoroge reported that the Chairperson (of IGAD) and the other regional leaders are in the process of preparing a roadmap that will guide the formation of an inclusive Revitalised Government of National Unity.
The proposed roadmap, he said, will highlight key tasks, and necessary steps as provided for in the Revitalised Agreement.
On the unification of forces, Ambassador Njoroge noted that significant progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated training centres, where at least 38,000 troops are currently assembled.
“Preliminary training activities are ongoing. So too is screening, which I witnessed recently in Rajaf Training Centre. Furthermore, at the Gorom training centre, I witnessed the assembly of 3,339 trainees for the VIP Protection Force. However, training in accordance with the unification module is yet to start,” he said.
In addition to the unification of forces, he said, the enactment by the TNLA (Transitional National Legislative Assembly) of the security laws, submission of the Parties nominees for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to the NCAC; and the allocation of ministerial portfolios to the various Parties have not yet been completed.
In his recommendation, the Interim Chairperson asked the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process.
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 11 February 2020, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, OFFERS ONE VOICE MESSAGE
The 70thExrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, 8thFebruary 2020. In his update to the Council members, Ambassador Lt. General Augostino Njoroge began by giving the latest information on the unification of forces. He said: “CTSAMVM reports that considerable progress has been made in moving personnel to the designated Training Centres, where at least 36,000 troops are currently assembled.”
However, he continued: “screening, selection and actual joint training of the forces is yet to start. Unification progress has been impeded by challenges including insufficient food, medicines, shelter, and storage for weapons, as well as lack of facilities for female combatants.”
Amb. Lt. Gen Njoroge also informed the Council that “the issue of the number of States and their boundaries remains outstanding despite several efforts to resolve it.” Accordingly, he urged “that the leadership of the Parties demonstrate the spirit of compromise.”
In closing, he added: “I must underline that the gains made since the signing of the R-ARCSS on the 12th September 2018 must be consolidated, not least in terms of the Permanent Ceasefire, and improved humanitarian access.”
In urging the region, the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to speak with one voice in support of the peace process in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. Njoroge offered the following points which all can agree on.
One Voice 2020
1. Maintaining the Permanent Ceasefire is the best way of consolidating the gains made since signing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018, and it is a key factor which enables progress to be made. Progress delivers its own benefits to all South Sudanese in terms of confidence and trust building.
2. The issue of the number of states and their boundaries, which the R-ARCSS itself recognises as sensitive, is a pivotal issue that if resolved before the formation of the RTGoNU, will underpin much more achievement and cooperation in implementing the Peace Agreement. Mere postponement of implementation of any provisions is harmful in the long run.
3. The unification of forces must continue so that the representative national army and organised forces can be established and deployed to protect all cities, civilians, humanitarian access and the free movement of people. The Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) process is a fundamental part of that process.
4. Inclusivity is critical to the R-TGoNU, and all parts of it will be strengthened if a women’s participation rate of 35% is adhered to. Inclusivity is the bedrock of all aspects on implementation of the Peace Agreement.
5. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains grave, and innocent women and children continue to suffer the greatest burden resulting from the conflict. All steps must be put in place to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.
6. A peaceful and inclusive environment conducive to political engagement must be sought and maintained so that Parties and stakeholders can cooperate with one another meaningfully at every level. The political space for civil society, women and youth to engage with the peace process must be created, protected, and cherished.
[ENDS]
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 27th January 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ADDRESSES AUPSC, REPORTS SLOW PACE OF IMPLEMENTATION, AND APPEALS FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTH SUDAN REVITALISED PEACE AGREEMENT
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge on Monday 27thJanuary, 2020 addressed the 905thmeeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
While addressing the meeting, H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks due to delayed funding and the lack of effective coordination between the Agreement implementing Mechanisms.
“Funds were not availed to the implementing mechanisms until the 17th of December 2019, 35 days into the 100 days extension,” he said. Furthermore, he continued, despite mobilization of troops to cantonment sites and training centres, the implementing Agreement Mechanisms “have not performed as expected.”
He asked the Council to appeal to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to continue providing the funds necessary for the implementation of the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks and ensure that implementation of the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks is expedited to enable the RTGoNU (Revitalized Government of National Unity) to be formed in a timely manner.
In his address, Ambassador Njoroge also asked the Council to appeal to the regional and international community and friends of South Sudan to continue supporting the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Finally, in his recommendations, Ambassador Njoroge asked the Council “to appeal to the Government and the Parties to the Agreement to compromise in order to resolve the outstanding issue of the number of states and their boundaries to enable the formation of the RTGoNU on a solid foundation.”
[ENDS]
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday 23rd January, 2020, Juba, South Sudan
Delayed screening and training of unified forces a concern
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 17 December, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD TO IMPROVE WITH AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
With the release of funds to the R-ARCSS mechanisms, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has expressed confidence that significant progress will now be made in implementing Pre-Transitional period critical tasks within the remaining 65 days.
Speaking during the 12th RJMEC monthly meeting in Juba on Tuesday, the Interim Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“It is my expectation that the government will continue to release funds in a timely manner to the NPTC throughout the extension period. Furthermore, I also expect that the issues of accountability and transparency will be addressed.”
He said timely implementation (of pending tasks) requires political will, leadership and predictable release of the necessary funding.
The Interim Chairperson said that it is “deeply regrettable” that the implementation of the critical tasks of the Pre-Transitional period has ”failed to live up to expectation” in 2019.
Ambassador Njoroge said two key pending issues critical to the successful implementation of the Pre-Transitional activities and the establishment of the RTGoNU on a solid foundation remain outstanding. These are the unification of necessary forces and the resolution of the number of States and their boundaries.
“To be specific, no screening, no selection and no training has taken place. This is of course, is very disappointing,” he said.
The Interim Chairperson also welcomed the face-to-face meetings between Dr. Riek Machar and H.E. President Salva Kiir, and other stakeholders, saying these meetings contribute in the resolution of outstanding issues and build further confidence amongst the Parties.
“I call upon the key principals to the Agreement to continue their engagement to ensure that progress is made,” he said.
ENDS
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
THE CLOCK IS TICKING, SAYS RJMEC AS JOINT SECURITY MECHANISM WORKSHOP COMES TO A CLOSE IN JUBA
A two-day jointworkshop convened together by RJMEC, IGAD, AU Commission and CTSAMVM for the Revitalized Peace Agreement security mechanisms came to a close on Tuesday.
The workshop was aimed at agreeing on a roadmap with clear timelines for the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements within the one hundred (100) days extension" of the Pre-transitional period.
Speaking during the closing ceremony n Juba, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino said:
“All of us know that time is against us, and this should keep us focused on achieving the tasks that have unfortunately held up the formation of the RTGoNU (Reconstituted Government of National Unity), on a solid foundation.”
He added, “Similarly, I would like to remind all of you of the need to fine-tune your budgets and keep them realistic, and to implement activities according to principles of transparency and accountability. I also urge the Mechanisms at the same time to focus on the implementation of tasks that do not cost money.”
“The clock is ticking, and your work and commitment to the people of South Sudan is clear and much needed,” he said.
Ambassador Njoroge reiterated on the importance of funding for the tasks identified by the Mechanisms.
“I continue to urge the Government to release the necessary funding so that the plans deliberated at this workshop can be put into action without any delay,” he said.
“One day without funding is one day wasted, and surely the release of funds is a strong indicator of political will,” he concluded.
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 18thNovember, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC: LACK OF FUNDS IMPEDING REMAINING CRTITICAL TASKS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) in collaboration with IGAD, CTSAMVM and the African Union Commission have on Monday 18thNovember, 2019, convened a two-day workshop for the Revitalized Peace Agreement security mechanisms in Juba.
This follows the IGAD Council of Ministers communiqué on 10thNovember, 2019, which among other things, "...instructed the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan in collaboration with R-JMEC, CTSAMVM and the African Union Commission to urgently organize a workshop for security mechanisms in Juba to agree on a roadmap with clear timeline for the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements within the one hundred (100) days extension" of the Pre-transitional period.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“We all understand that without funds, not much can be implemented. The timely and predictable flow of funds is paramount.”
He added: “RJMEC has consistently called for the release of funds and continue to urge the ITGoNU (Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity) to immediately release the requisite funding, in the understanding that one day without funding is a day lost.”
The Interim Chairperson gave the following recommendations for the NPTC and the Security Mechanisms during the 100 days extension:
a) Each mechanism should adhere strictly to the activities and timeframe as set out in the respective work plans;
b) Each mechanism should have the highest regard for cost effectiveness and transparency;
c) The NPTC should establish dedicated budget lines for each mechanism, and set up an account for each, which would promote accountability and transparency according to the letter and spirit of Article 1.4.8;
d) Each mechanism should account for the funds it has received to date;
e) Each mechanism should establish and commit to an effective and realistic system of coordination between all the various mechanisms to avoid duplication of effort and ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resources; and
f) Each mechanism should develop a standardised and regular reporting system so that progress can be clearly evaluated against benchmarks.
The workshop is expected to identify, prioritize, sequence and cost critical tasks to be accomplished by each mechanism during the 100 days extension, and determine specific timelines for the accomplishment of outstanding tasks.
ENDS