The training and redeployment of the National Unified Forces (NUF) has stalled. This follows an assessment by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). In addition, the RJMEC has noted a significant decline in the pace of implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) as envisaged in Chapter Two of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Of critical concern, the Commission noted, are the failure of cantonment, the stalling of NUF training, graduation and redeployment, and defections / changes of allegiance, which undermine the unification process.
Speaking during a one-day seminar organised by RJMEC that brought together the National Transitional Committee (NTC), the Revitalised Agreement security mechanisms and other key stakeholders, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen (Rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said:
“There are also reports of morale reaching low levels in the poorly supplied Cantonment sites, and reports of trainees abandoning poorly supplied training centres in search of food. To date no graduation or redeployment plans have been published.”
“Next month marks one year of the formation of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), other chapters have progressed, however slowly, but Chapter Two (of the Revitalised Peace Agreement), critical in the overall success of the Peace process, seems to be the slowest,” he said.
The seminar’s aim was to determine the status of the PCTSA, the current and future challenges, to set priorities and to agree on solutions and proposals to keep the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements on track.
The RJMEC Interim Chairperson continued: “The success of the implementation of Chapter Two will create the foundation upon which security of all other chapters will operate; and it is an assurance of a stable nation, as Unified Forces signifies the National Unity and a symbol of nationhood, where security forces are loyal to the Constitution and to the country with one Commander in Chief who is also the Head of State.”
As the country marks ten years of independence in July 2021, Maj. Gen. Gituai said, “it is our hope that a strong push from all of us here and South Sudan’s political leaders will go a long way to ensuring that 9 July 2021, will see a celebration of progress in the implementation of the peace agreement.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 26 November, 2020 , Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC HOLDS ITS 15THMONTHLY MEETING; CALLS FOR CONCERNED PARTIES TO APPOINT UPPER NILE GOVERNOR
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened its 15thmonthly meeting today, Thursday 26 November, 2020 in Juba.
Speaking to the RJMEC members during the opening of meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:
“The appointment of the governor of Upper Nile State remains outstanding. I have been informed on numerous occasions that negotiations between the concerned parties are ongoing. I therefore reiterate my previous appeals to the highest political leadership of the country to find compromise and appoint the governor of Upper Nile state. I am hopeful this will help address the instability in the state.”
Continuing his address, the Interim Chairperson said he remains concerned byrecent reports of military defections, adding it undermines trust and confidence in the peace process.
“I expect that all Parties to the Agreement view this issue with the seriousness it merits, because any action, including defections, by any party, individuals or groups detracts from the important work of peace building in the country and should be condemned,” he stated.
In addition, Maj. Gen. Gituai said the situation in both training centres and the cantonment sites continues to be of serious concern, with more recent reports indicating that food, medicines and other essential resources remain in scarce supply, resulting in some ex-combatants abandoning cantonment sites and training centres.
The Interim Chair then spoke about the issue of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for ex-combatants. He said that it “remains an integral part of the unification process. However, it continues to face severe challenges which need to be addressed. The DDR process has to go hand in hand with the unification process to train and provide alternative means of livelihood to ex-combatants that are not eligible to join the unified force.”
On the humanitarian front, the Interim Chair reported that eight humanitarian workers have lost their lives this year, including one in October, while providing aid to people in need.
“That is in clear contravention of Chapter 3 of the Agreement, and international humanitarian law. I would like to call upon the government to ensure a safe and secure operating environment for humanitarian workers to ensure the continued delivery of much-needed humanitarian services.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 4 November 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC ADDRESSES NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE: URGES ITS SUPPORT OF REVITALISED PEACE AGREEMENT
At the opening day of the National Dialogue conference on 3 November 2020, held in Juba, South Sudan, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, Chief of Staff of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), delivered remarks to the distinguished participants on behalf of Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC.
Noting that the “National Dialogue conference is a part of the concerted efforts towards finding solutions for the sustainable peace in this country”, Ambassador Kebede told the gathering:
“We must therefore all agree that the inclusion and recognition of the voices of the diverse peoples of South Sudan is of utmost importance to the peaceful future of this country.”
Referring to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), he continued:
“I would like to say that the vision of the Revitalised Peace 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”– is truly laudable. I urge the National Dialogue to support the achievement of this goal through whatever ways they can, not least in the sharing of their knowledge and experience they have gained in their work. Their recommendations at the end of this conference will be of particular interest and it is RJMEC’S hope that those recommendations will bond well with the R-ARCSS.”
In particular, Ambassador Kebede drew attention to Chapters Five and Six of the R-ARCSS in his remarks.
“As we continue to implement the Agreement in this Transitional Period, we should appreciate just how the voices of the entire spectrum of South Sudanese society are so important and critical in the implementation. Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice, is essential to atone for crimes committed during the dark days of conflict - the “untold human suffering” that the agreement acknowledges. In this regard, expeditious establishment of the three Transitional Justice institutions will be a great leap forward and RTGoNU support on this matter is critical.”
Ambassador Kebede added: “Furthermore, Chapter 6 of the Agreement on establishing the Permanent Constitution is vital, as it will lay a critical fundamental foundation for enduring peace in South Sudan. The Preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement duly recognises that the Parties to the Agreement are “determined to compensate our people by recommitting ourselves to peace and constitutionalism and not to repeat mistakes of the past.” Therefore, ensuring that the Permanent Constitution is a true reflection of all South Sudan’s peoples’ views of which is of paramount importance.”
“When the Constitution-making process is fully underway, reaching communities at grass-root level and understanding the perspectives of all peoples of South Sudan, irrespective of their backgrounds or political beliefs and affiliations, will be a critical ingredient in establishing the solid foundation that Chapter 6 intends to lay.”
Ambassador Kebede began his remarks by thanking H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for steering the peace process to this point so far, noting that throughout the process, his leadership has been evident, and that the people of South Sudan have stood alongside their leaders in the demand for sustainable peace and the full implementation of the Agreement.
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The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) expresses its concern at fighting in the Yei River area, reportedly caused by the defection of a General from the SPLM/A-IO to the SSPDF. Furthermore, RJMEC strongly condemns all loss of life and displacement of civilians, and urges the parties involved to come swiftly to the table and resolve any issues through dialogue. In this regard, we commend the ongoing efforts of the Joint Defence Board to investigate the issue and avoid the repetition of such incidents in the future.
Whether it is referred to as ‘defection’ or ‘change of allegiance’, the important point is that the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan has made commendable progress in the past two years since its signing and this must not be allowed to weaken because of instability caused by defections or accepting defections, which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement.
The joint training centre at Moroto, which was also the scene of some fighting in recent days, is one of 18 functioning training centres in South Sudan. Each training centre is a symbol of the unity which is being forged through creating a unified national army, and any threat to this is reprehensible. In this regard, I have requested CTSAMVM to investigate and report on its findings.
Whatever the source or driver of instability, RJMEC reminds all parties that the diplomatic architecture exists to manage all issues peacefully. In addition to the Revitalised Peace Agreement of 2018, there is the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of December 2017, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020, all of which affirm the signatories’ commitment to pursue dialogue and the protection of civilians.
As South Sudan moves into its third year of implementation of the R-ARCSS, it is clear that much remains to be done in a short time. RJMEC condemns any action by any party which detracts from the important work of peacebuilding in the country, and joins all other voices in urging constructive dialogue.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 30 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR TELLS MEETING OF RJMEC MEMBERS: URGENTLY RESOLVE THE IMPASSE IN UPPER NILE STATE; AND FURTHER UNIFICATION OF FORCES
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) held its 14thmonthly meeting in Juba on Wednesday 30 September, 2020.
Speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said: “To date, nine out of the ten State governors have been appointed, but the position of the governor of the state of Upper Nile is still outstanding.”
He continued: “There, an SPLM/A-IO nominee is to be appointed the Governor. However, their candidate was rejected by the President, and unfortunately, both sides have not changed their respective positions.”
As such, the Interim Chairperson called for an urgent resolution of the impasse by the political leadership. Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson has called for the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) as per Article 1.14.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“I urge that the Parliament be expanded and reconstituted without any further delay,” he added.
In his address, Maj. General Gituai also raised concerns that the unification of forces and reorganisation into the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) is behind schedule.
He said: “Although tens of thousands of troops reported to the cantonment sites and training centres, the conditions in which they exist are austere, with numerous reports of troops leaving them in search of food.”
In his recommendations, the Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to expedite and complete the unification of forces, and produce the plans for the redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
He also emphasised that the “overall implementation of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions in Chapter 4 of the Revitalised Agreement has been slow.” Furthermore, he added, there is need to expedite Public Financial Management reforms to ensure the accountable and transparent management of resources.
In concluding his address, Maj. Gen Gituai said: “The path to sustainable peace is never easy,” while calling on the RTGoNU “to ensure full implementation of the Agreement provisions and bring South Sudan further and faster down the road to enduring and sustainable peace.”
FULL STATEMENT IS ATTACHED
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 17 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
SOUTH SUDANESE OWNERSHIP OF DDR PROCESS IS CRUCIAL SAYS RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON; ADDS “REQUIRES A HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUCCEED”.
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened a joint National Transitional Committee (NTC) and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration) coordination meetingon Thursday 17 September 2020 in Juba.
While speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said, “Without doubt, it is important that the DDR Commission catches up meaningfully because DDR process is a complex, lengthy, and costly undertaking. Consequently, it must be effectively managed, funded, and supported.”
Furthermore, he added, “South Sudanese ownership of the DDR process is crucial and requires a holistic and comprehensive approach if it is to succeed.”
The meeting brought together the Transitional Security Mechanisms, representatives from the AU, UN, Civil Society among other stakeholders. The meeting was intended, among other things, to recognise and address the importance of DDR as a National RTGoNU responsibility, to review the current status of the Republic of South Sudan DDR process, to identify priorities, methods of improving coordination between all stakeholders, and to identify and address the challenges in implementation of the DDR process.
Gen. Gituai said responsibility (of ensuring that the DDR process succeeds) lies with the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity), noting that “a well-coordinated DDR process, of which the relevant levels of government are clearly committed to, is potentially able to attract international funding to support activities.”
“But for that to happen, clear signals must be sent that the DDR process is functioning as it should, and that most importantly, that it provides real opportunities for ex-combatants as they return peacefully to civilian life,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 8 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES TROOPS IN MAPEL TRAINING CENTRE, WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL: “LET US SEE YOU DEVELOPING THAT SPIRIT OF HONOUR, THE SPIRIT OF DUTY, THE SPIRIT OF COUNTRY.”
On 7 September 2020, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Major General Charles Tai Gituai, accompanied the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, H.E. Angelina Teny, and the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, H.E. Sarah Cleto Rial, on a visit to Mapel training centre in the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal. The high-level delegation paid the visit to the centre and gathered dignitaries to gain a clearer picture of progress in the unification of forces.
Addressing some 2000 gathered troops, General Gituai said: “I have been wearing that uniform for 41 years… and when I came here I saw you, I’m reminded of the old days when I was a young person like yourselves. And, it is a great honour for me to be able to address you.”
He explained: “One of the requirements for the implementation of the Agreement is the unification of the necessary forces… It is critical to have a unified force because a unified force signifies unification of a defence force which will be like any other military in the world.
Drawing on his long military career, General Gituai continued: “The most critical issue of training in my view for unification is character development… character development goes with the way you conduct yourself, (…) the issues of human rights, understanding issues of discipline and respect, and that spirit I am seeing here of camaraderie."
He explained: “A unified force is a guarantor of security of the country… a unified force is a guarantor of security of the people of South Sudan, and all over the world, even where I come from, militaries are the unifying factors in everything because it’s only the military where you find your brother does not necessarily come from your village… your brother soldier, the soldier next to you, is your brother, he is the one who will save you."
General Gituai closed his remarks in urging the troops: “Let us see that coming up. Let us see you developing that spirit of honour, the spirit of duty, the spirit of country.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 26 August 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR LOSS OF LIFE; APPEALS FOR RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Following the recent security situation in the Equatoria region, RJMEC expresses regret and sympathy for the loss of lives and displacement of civilians, and calls on all sides to exercise restraint.
RJMEC further urges all signatories to fully implement the four key documents, namely, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) of December 2017, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of September 2018, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020. These documents provide the framework of the protection of civilians and sustainable peace and prosperity in South Sudan.
The Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020 in particular, contain affirmation from the Government Delegation and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), including NAS / General Thomas Cirillo, of their commitment to pursue dialogue.
It should be noted that the recent ambush in Lobonok is contrary to the letter and spirit of all these four documents, and any loss of life perpetrated by the signatories and non-signatories is in direct contravention and should be avoided at all costs.
RJMEC wishes to highlight in particular the following key provisions of the Rome Declaration of January 2020. That the signatories (inter alia):
- “Mindful of the unprecedented suffering of the people of South Sudan caused by the devastating civil war and the urgent need to cease hostilities”;
- “Reaffirm their will to foster political dialogue”; and
- “Commit/recommit and adhere to the CoHA of December 2017 to avoid any further armed confrontation across the country by signatories and non-signatories.”
Furthermore, the Rome Resolution makes clear that, by signing it, the following was agreed (inter alia):
- SSOMA becomes a member of CTSAMVM upon signing of the Resolution;
- SSOMA be represented in all CTSAMVM structures in equal numbers as the other warring parties; and
- SSOMA shall fully cooperate with CTSAMVM by allowing unconditional access for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation as well as humanitarian access.
Failure to respect and operationalise the provisions of the CoHA, the Rome Declaration and the Rome Resolution, risks further harm to the lives of citizens of South Sudan at a time when there are many challenges which require protection of civilians to be of paramount importance.
RJMEC appeals to all Parties to exercise caution, restraint and engage in dialogue in the spirit of respecting the agreements in order to achieve durable peace in South Sudan.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 23rd April 2020, Khartoum, Sudan
Delay in restructuring, reconstitution of the TNLA and the Council of States is regrettable
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has addressed the 71st Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Khartoum, Sudan, held by teleconference.
While appreciating the formation of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity) and its Council of Ministers as significant steps towards the full establishment of the RTGoNU’s structure and composition, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge noted with concern other delays.
In particular, he called the delay in the restructuring and reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States, and the lack of agreement between the Parties on responsibility-sharing at the State and Local Government levels as “regrettable”.
“The Parties to the R-ARCSS have tried to address the issue of responsibility sharing at the State and Local Government levels in recent weeks, including the three Administrative Areas, through inter-party consultations. Unfortunately, they have failed to agree on the way forward,” he said.
In his address, the Chairperson said the low level of trust and confidence and the spirit of collegial leadership is lacking, resulting in the absence of political reconciliation between the Parties to implement the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.
Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Njoroge highlighted violations of the R-ARCSS, including: a) alterations made to Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.6) 2020 after it was submitted to the ITGoNU by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee; b) the failure of the Parties to adhere to the 35% provision for women participation in the Executive of the RTGoNU; and c) political appointments made after the formation of the RTGoNU that are inconsistent with the Agreement.
Lt. Gen. Njoroge concluded by reassuring the Council that the RJMEC remains fully committed to discharge its mandate in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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)
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