Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Friday, September 26,2019, Nairobi, Kenya
The Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, Amb. Lt. Gen. Augustino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd) presented a paper on “Integrating South Sudan in the East African Community” at the High-Level Conference on Trade Integration 2019 held from 25 – 27 September 2019 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. This Conference was convened by the Secretariat of the EAC on the theme: Enhancing trade integration in the East African Community.
In his presentation, the Interim Chairperson demonstrated how the South Sudan peace process is a critical ingredient for her successful and effective political integration in the EAC. He argues that post-conflict stabilization, including all necessary reforms that would result in independent, accountable and strong institutions of governance in South Sudan are crucial for effective and holistic integration in the EAC.
The Interim Chairperson further stated that Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides an opportunity for facilitating effective integration of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous South Sudan in the EAC. He adds, “the R-ARCSS offers a broad framework to achieve the aspiration for stabilization of the country through a series of comprehensive political, security, humanitarian, economic and constitutional reforms”.
The Interim Chairperson concluded that the integration of South Sudan in the EAC should be expedited and not wait for the end of the transitional period.
Finally, the Interim Chairperson recommended that the EAC should engage more with South Sudan and give her special considerations in view of her current post-conflict status, and also appealed to the EAC member states to support their South Sudan counterpart to fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement. -–Ends--
Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Thursday, September 12 2019, Juba, South Sudan
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR CANTONMENT OF FORCES, SAYS RJMEC
At the 9thmonthly meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the Interim Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, noted that while some progress has been made on the operationalization of cantonment sites, time is running out for the cantonment, selection and training of the 50% of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Force (NUF) to be completed by September 30, 2019.
Accordingly, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino called on the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration)Commission to immediately operationalize an action plan, which, he said, is vital to the cantonment process.
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge applauded the recent face-to-face meeting between His Excellency Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM/A-IO, Dr. Riek Machar, saying that such meetings are critical for the successful implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“Their commitment to resolve the outstanding issues, either personally or by putting in place official mechanisms, is critical for the successful implementation in order to build trust and confidence among themselves and address the challenges facing implementation,” he said.
Ambassador Njoroge concluded, telling those present: “I must remind the Parties once again how short the time is, and that they must work closely together in order to accomplish the remaining critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks within the remaining two months.”
ENDS
Communication Office
PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Friday, September 06 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC Interim Chairperson lauds AUC, China donation to cantonment sites
I am delighted today to have witnessed the hand-over of in-kind support destined for different parts of South Sudan in order to facilitate the cantonment process. The materials were kindly donated by the African Union Commission (AUC).
The in-kind support, which is in the form of large, durable tents to house former combatants while they undergo cantonment, will go a long way in furthering the cantonment process.
This is indeed a great step towards achieving successful cantonment, which is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional tasks.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the AUC for the consignment, and I urge all other partners to offer their unwavering support towards the critical process of cantonment. It is my hope that more support will arrive in the coming days and weeks.
I would also like to acknowledge the donation of 1500 tons of rice from the government of The People’s Republic of China which has been received. Through the Ambassador of China, I would like to extend my thanks to the government of The People’s Republic of China.
It is my expectation that by end of this month, September, we will have attained the required number of troops, that is 50% of the Necessary Unified Forces.
The hand-over of the AUC and Chinese consignments comes at a time when the R-ARCSS is shortly to mark the first anniversary of its signing, which is on 12 September 2018. I hope that together we will achieve much more before the end of the extended Pre-Transitional period.
Thank you very much.Thank you very much.
H.E Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge,
Interim Chairperson, The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC)
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has urged Parties to expedite the process of cantonment of troops arriving in verified Cantonment Sites and in Barracks.
Speaking during the opening session of the consultative meeting of the Parties to the Agreement held in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. General Augostino Njoroge said “Accordingly, the Parties should give direction and timelines on operationalization of several cantonment sites across the country and in respective States as a start and within the remaining Pre-Transitional Period”.
“Parties must also give direction and timelines on commencement of training centers across the country and in the respective regions, including training of officers identified for VIP protection”, he added.
While addressing the attendees at the meeting, Amb. Njoroge in addition pointed out that the Permanent Ceasefire had continued to hold, and this has resulted in an overall improvement in the general security situation across the country. “I commend all the Parties for observing the Permanent Ceasefire. The security situation has contributed to improved access to humanitarian activities, including decisions by some refugees and IDPs to spontaneously return to their areas”
He also urged the National Pre-Transition Committee (NPTC) to organize more joint confidence building measures among the Parties as well as joint dissemination of the R-ARCSS to enhance better understanding, ownership, healing and reconciliation in the country.
“ The Government must fulfil its pledge of funding the implementation of the R-ARCSS in a timely and predictable manner”, he added.
ENDS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) in collaboration with the Female Journalists Network and the Association of Media Women in South Sudan have on Wednesday July 10, 2019 convened a two-day workshop for female journalists.
The workshop is aimed at sensitising women media practitioners on their role in promoting women representation and participation in the dissemination and implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and further push for the implementation of the 35% affirmative action through the media.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop in Juba, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said: “As South Sudan continues in its path for peace, it is now time for all the women in the country, to unite and together push for their representation, participation and inclusion in the various levels of government, and in the decision making processes to ensure that not only are their voices heard, but also to ensure their contribution in the search for sustainable peace and development.”
He added that the participation of women is needed to not only address the injustices but also to recognize the huge role they play in the transformation of society.
The workshop, themed “Empowering female journalists to play a role in creating awareness of women representation and participation in the peace process through their reporting”brought together 40 female media practitioners in South Sudan. Further, the Chief of Staff noted the importance of the media in campaigns against gender-based violence, shaping perceptions and opinions of communities as well as policy makers.
“Media can contribute positively to the implementation of the Peace Agreement by informing the law review and criminal justice reform processes that are contemplated, especially as regards the rights of women, children and vulnerable populations such as IDP’s and refugees,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 7 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IGAD COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The 67th Exrtra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers met in Juba, South Sudan, on Tuesday, 7 May, 2019. The session was convened shortly following last week’s agreement of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to extend the Pre-Transitional Period by 6 months, effective 12 May 2019.
Ambassador Lt. Gen Augostino Njoroge, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), urged the IGAD Council of Ministers to consider the request of extension, and to take concrete steps to ensure that the Parties implement the Agreement in letter and spirit.
He said: “Our focus should now fall squarely on the leadership of the Parties to demonstrate clear political will and commitment to make sure that the security-related institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement deliver.”
Amb. Lt. Gen. Njoroge continued: “I also welcome the Parties’ request for IGAD’s Heads of State and Government to convene regular face-to-face meetings of the top leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS to review the status of implementation of the Agreement.”
Finally, the Interim Chair closed his address by submitting his recommendations to the Council of Ministers, as follows:
1. The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission to be reconstituted without any further delay;
2. ITGoNU to disburse the funds pledged to the National Pre-Transitional
Committee (NPTC) without any delay;
3. The regional and international community to extend additional support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement;
4. The NPTC to establish clear deadlines for the implementation of tasks that do not require funding;
5. The immediate demilitarization of civilian centres;
6. IGAD Member States and International Partners to second experts to support the various security mechanisms including Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC), Joint Military Ceassrefire Commission (JMCC), and Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B); and
7. The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) to expedite its work and submit its report.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Juba, South Sudan
World Press Freedom Day 2019 observed in Juba
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
Speaking in Juba on Friday, during the commemoration of this year’s event, RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy) Dr. Thomson Fontaine said,
“We cannot stress enough the critical role of a free and credible press in South Sudan’s peace process and particularly in regards to efforts to keep the focus on the implementation (of the revitalized Agreement).”
“While our role is to monitor the implementation of the Agreement, it is equally important that the message gets out to the people of South Sudan and you are the best placed to do so in a language, manner and form that your people best understand ,” he added.
The event themed “Enhancing Democracy and Freedom of Expression in the South Sudan Peace Process”also honoured South Sudan veteran journalist Alfred Taban who died on April 27, whom Dr. Fontaine described as a “resolute defender of freedom of the press.”
“Just like Alfred, I encourage you to stay true to your crafts, stay true to what you believe in, report the news unfiltered and report truthfully,” he said.
Further, Dr. Fontaine highlighted progress made in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, noting that some critical tasks remain pending.
“Indeed, we have seen some progress made so far, but I also understand there is a lot of anxiety around the peace process specially as the Pre-Transitional period comes to an end,” he said.
“Critical tasks such as the unification of forces and the determination on the number of states remain to be undertaken. That’s why the Parties to the Agreement are now meeting in Addis Ababa to arrive at the best way forward,” he said.
The event organised by RJMEC in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and CTSAMVM brought together at least 115 participants from the Media, Civil Society and representatives from the diplomatic missions in South Sudan.
ENDS