The inaugural meeting of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) was held on Monday 18 March in Juba, South Sudan.
Speaking during the official opening session, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede congratulated all those who had been appointed to the Commission, telling them: “Your work of considering the number of States in the Republic of South Sudan, their boundaries, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States, is very important to the future stability of this country. At the same time, your recommendations about the same issues will be invaluable.”
The IBC is established under article 1.15 of the R-ARCSS and is made of fifteen members namely, five from the Incumbent TGoNU, two from SPLM/A-IO, one from South Sudan Opposition Alliance, one from Former Detainees and one from Other Political Parties. The other five, of whom two are yet to arrive, are highly experienced C5 members nominated by the member States of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan from South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Algeria and Chad.
While urging the Commission to do all in its power to complete the tasks within the 60 days, Ambassador Kebede noted that the conclusions of the Commision will undoubtedly prove critical to the work and functioning of the RTGoNU.
“The judgement and recommendations of these esteemed members present today will be very consequential for South Sudan as it builds its architecture of permanent peace.”
“There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan and the country’s friends and supporters await the results of the work you will undertake over the next two months. I am convinced that you are all more than equal to the task ahead, and will bring to bear your collective professionalism and impartiality”, Ambassador Kebede added.
Upon completion of its work, the IBC will present its recommendations to the IGAD Executive Secretariat. These recommendations will then be communicated immediately to the Parties.
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The fourth Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) meeting took place on Thursday 7 March 2019. Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge welcomed the participants, and said “I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved”, with particular reference to confidence building measures and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS.
The Interim Chairperson informed participants at the meeting that progress is being made by a number of agreement institutions and mechanisms. “The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations”, and that “the Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing,” he added.
Furthermore, the Joint Defence Board (JBD) has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge also reiterated his appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, having noted his “deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area.”
In his statement, the Interim Chairperson also noted ongoing challenges, making clear that a greater pace of progress is required, as well as meeting the challenge of a shortage of funding.
“Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation,” he concluded.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 19 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONVENES AN EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY; FOCUS ON FUNDING AND SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Tuesday convened in Juba an extraordinary meeting to discuss funding and other challenges facing the implementation of the revitalized Agreement during the pre-transitional period.
The convening of the meeting follows a resolution reached during the 3rdPlenary of the RJMEC, held last month.
The objective of this meeting was to discuss among other things, financial constraints and other challenges impacting on the smooth implementation of the tasks and activities of the various agreement institutions and mechanisms, as well as to discuss ways forward.
The meeting also discussed plans and progress regarding cantonment, training, and the unification of forces and how to expedite the reconstitution of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission.
Speaking during the opening session of the extra-ordinary meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Over the course of the last few meetings, and in other consultations I have held with the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the issue of funding has loomed large in the discussions.”
“We are all aware that security is an essential component of the Pre-Transitional period, and therefore understanding the progress of cantonment in particular would be beneficial to all,” he added.
“Are the sites fully designated? What resources are needed for cantonment’s successful and timely completion?” he asked.
He reiterated that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) take a lead in mobilizing requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks.
In addition, he appealed to partners and friends of South Sudan to support the implementation of the Agreement.
He said, “the more implementation of the peace agreement is owned by the people and government of South Sudan, the greater the chances of its success.”
“I have been equally clear about security arrangements. Ensuring that all the security institutions and mechanisms function in harmony is of critical importance, not least because of the imminent need to unify the forces,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 13 February, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Be a pillar in South Sudan peace process, RJMEC tells media
Media practitioners must diligently work towards a free, impartial and responsible media industry, which “focuses on truth and fosters peace” in South Sudan, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking at a forum convened in Juba to mark this year’s World Radio Day on Wednesday, RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede said the media should “fully realize the objective of ensuring sustainable peace as well as economic growth and development in South Sudan.”
The forum, themed “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”, brought together representatives of radio stations and journalists in the country. The day is marked annually on 13 February.
“Among the major media outlets, radio has an important role to play in promoting confidence and peace building because of its wide reach and the diverse languages that programming is broadcast in,” Ambassador Kebede said.
“Radio as a medium provides a wider platform for people to solve problems and challenges that affect their livelihood. Discussions conducted in this manner provide a sense of belonging, dignity, and achievement,” he added.
Ambassador Kebede urged members of the media to be a “pillar in the process of building sustainable peace” by “increasing knowledge and awareness of public affairs, and in particular, the peace process.”
“By creating and broadcasting peace-themed radio programming, radio stations are able to ensure that as many members of the community as possible can contribute to the discussion,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of Agreement, the Chief of Staff said there has been willingness among the Parties to engage in dialogue, who have shown commitment to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“We must work together to ensure that confidence and peace building efforts bear more fruit and that the people of South Sudan feel part of the process.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 01 February 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Establishment of cantonment, training sites key for S. Sudan army unification, says RJMEC
Establishment of numbers, training sites and start dates of cantonment remains an essential step towards the effective unification of South Sudan security forces, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of a two-day workshop on Friday in Juba, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“Declaring the numbers, locations and start dates of cantonment and training sites (for forces) is essential to be able to move forward to the next decisive phase of unification of forces.”
The workshop was convened on Thursday by RJMEC, and was attended by chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement.
The mechanisms established under Chapter II of the Agreement are the Joint Defence Board, the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, the Joint Transitional Security Committee and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board.
“The issue of training will become critical when unifying and sustaining the national South Sudanese defence and security forces. The Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) should therefore develop rigorous criteria for training,” Lt Gen Njoroge continued.
Yours is sensitive work, Ambassador Njoroge told members of the security mechanisms, “but vital aspects such as trust, truthfulness, and clarity of objectives were all debated (at the workshop) in a collegiate and professional manner.”
“I expect that your work will continue in this constructive way. The gaps and challenges that are common in tasks such as yours will be more easily overcome through discipline and continued cooperation.”
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 31 Janaury 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Leave politics to politicians, RJMEC advises Generals in S. Sudan
“Leave politics to politicians” was the message delivered to the representatives of the various security mechanisms by the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
“I want to address you as soldiers. In my experience as a soldier, I have learned that soldiers should leave politics to politicians. I therefore, expect you as soldiers to perform your duties in a professional manner, and uninfluenced by politics,” he noted.
Ambassador Njoroge added, “Key to your demonstration of professionalism is to provide accurate facts and figures. Only the truth will enable you to develop a clear strategy and realistic plans that will enable you to accomplish your mission.”
He was addressing Chairpersons and members of all the security mechanisms responsible for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements of the Revitalized peace Agreement. The two-day orientation and coordination workshop got underway today in Juba, and is convened by the RJMEC.
“It is also vital to your success that you develop trust amongst yourselves, the soldiers you command and the people you serve,” he said.
The mechanisms are the Joint Defence Board (JDB), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) and the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSR-B).
The workshop is aimed at creating a common understanding of the provisions of the Agreement, develop modalities for coordination among all security mechanisms and identify challenges hampering the execution of their mandate.
“I am fully aware that the permanent ceasefire is largely holding, thanks to the efforts of all of you,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 30 Janaury 2019, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC EXPRESSES CONCERN AT REPORTS OF MILITARY BUILD-UP
In response to having received various reports of military build-up in the area of Yei River State, the Reconsituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) urges restraint on all sides.
The progress made so far in terms of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) of December 2017 and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of September 2018 is a worthy achievement and should not in any way be looked on lightly by any Party.
RJMEC wishes to make it clear to all Parties that South Sudan is presently at a critical phase of the implementation of the peace Agreement, which since signing, has been characterized by a spirit of cooperation.
Likewise, that the ceasefire has been largely holding is a great credit to all its signatories, and we urge that this continue. The silencing of guns is a matter of high national importance.
RJMEC therefore urges all Parties to grasp firmly the IGAD-led diplomatic process and allow the full implementation of the peace Agreement.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, January 25, 2019, Juba, South SudAN
Report responsibly and accurately, RJMEC tells S. Sudan media
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has asked the South Sudan media to promote cooperation and peaceful co-existence among citizens for effective implementation of the Revitalised peace Agreement.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a two-day media workshop in Juba on Friday, RJMEC Chief of Staff, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, said:
“As members of the media, your role is not only informing the public about what is happening, but also doing so in a responsible manner. You provide a voice to the voiceless, giving articulation to their needs,”
“A strong healthy country needs a media that promotes peaceful cooperation and co-existence among all South Sudanese, and we need a media that focuses on informing citizens of their rights, and on the progress of the implementation of the Agreement,” Ambassador Kebede said.
“You must therefore understand the full seriousness of this role, and ensure that you promote peace, togetherness and unity,” he added.
The workshop themed “Towards accurate reporting on IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons), Refugees and Returnees” was organized by Community for Progress Organization (CEPO), in collaboration with RJMEC and Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and brought together 65 South Sudan journalists. The workshop was aimed at strengthening the capacity of media to report accurately on IDPs, returnees and refugees.
Broadly speaking, Ambassador Kebede said, “the ceasefire is holding, and the spirit of cooperation and consensus is enduring.”
“Within this overall picture, it is also important to see how the millions of people who have been displaced from their homes can return and rebuild their lives,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, January 23, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Unification of armed forces will be “a decisive milestone” for this Revitalized Agreement, says Interim JMEC Chairperson
As the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement approaches a crucial period, the disengagement, cantonment and unification of armed forces in the Republic of South Sudan will be a “decisive milestone”, the Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has said.
In a statement(READ FULL STATEMENT HERE) delivered during the opening of the 3rdPlenary of the reconstituted JMEC in Juba on Wednesday, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“It is very important that all the armed forces of South Sudan are unified. With the rapid approach of the Transitional period, their unification will be a decisive milestone for this agreement, which is why no effort should be spared in achieving this.”
He added, “I expect that the work of the security institutions and mechanisms will quickly gather momentum, and that practical steps shall be taken to expedite the disengagement, cantonment and unification of forces.”
On mobilization of resources to support an “uninterrupted” implementation of the agreement, Ambassador Njoroge said,
“It is (for) the National Pre-transitional Committee and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU)to take the lead in mobilizing all requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support the other mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks without delay.”
“We continue our outreach to the donor community in the search for funds to support implementation, and we reiterate our heartfelt thanks for those who have already made contributions, be it financially or in–kind,” he said.
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Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 20 December 2018, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC CONDEMNS ASSAULT ON CTSAMVM TEAM IN LURI
RJMEC strongly condemns the assault on the CTSAMVM team in the area of Luri Training Center on 18 December 2018. Three international members of CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Team and their driver were denied access to the Luri Training Centre and they were arbitrarily detained, robbed of their money and valuables, blinded folded , handcuffed and physically assaulted by members of the National Security Service.
The assault on the team incuding a female member is appalling and unacceptable. The anger and disappointment this incident provokes is compounded by the fact it is entirely contrary to the letter and spirit of the hard-won peace agreement upon which so many South Sudanese people are relying.
It goes without saying that the work of CTSAMVM is critical for the success of the peace agreement. It is a mechanism consisting of brave and committed South Sudanese and international staff who monitor and verify that the ceasefire is holding and the transitional security arrangements are proceeding as required. Without CTSAMVM’s vital and constructive service, we would lack the facts needed to be able to talk of peace in South Sudan.
We expect that a full and transparent investigation is conducted immediately by the Government, and that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. We also expect that the Government will take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such kinds of violations as the South Sudan’s peace continues to take root. We honour the ongoing bravery and commitment of CTSAMVM by refusing to allow this incident to shake our commitment to peace in South Sudan.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 12 December 2018, Juba, South Sudan
RECONSTITUTED JMEC SECOND PLENARY HELD IN JUBA
The second Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Plenary took place on Wednesday 12 December 2018. Following the reconstitution of JMEC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month, it was commendable that Juba was the venue for this Plenary.
Interim Chairperson Lt. Gen Ambassador Njoroge welcomed the Plenary participants, telling them that “ending the suffering of the people of South Sudan is not a soundbite to be repeated endlessly – it is the most legitimate goal we aspire to.”
The general progress and momentum of the implementation of the Peace Agreement was appreciated throughout the day. The role of the National Pre–Transitional Committee (NPTC) was emphasized, with the Interim Chairperson describing it as “an institution from which much is expected and will require our collective support.”
There was also commendable progress reported on the establishment or reconstitution of all the transitional security arrangement mechanisms, which met for the first time in Khartoum at the end of November to take the initial steps of their work.
Interim Chairperson Njoroge added: “I cannot stress enough the importance of these security institutions, especially the Joint Defence Board (JDB). While meeting within the confines of Juba or another regional capital is one thing, the complete silencing of guns throughout the entire country is needed for us to be able to talk of sustainable peace.”
The Interim Chairman closed his statement with his hopes and expectations for the coming period. He said: “The establishment and operationalization of the different agreement institutions and mechanisms should be expedited and completed without delay. I expect that we will commence the New Year at full capacity and use every single day to compensate for lost time.”
It is also the hope of the Interim Chairperson that the cases of alleged rape in Benitu are investigated by the government and CTSAMVM and that the perpetrators are brought to swift justice.
In his final remark in his statement, the Interim Chairperson appealed to the participants. “Christmas is a season for goodwill, and I call upon all Parties to continue reaching out to one another, engage in more confidence building measures, and I also appeal for any prisoners of war and political detainees not yet released to be freed.”
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