STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ GEN CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 22ND RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, 24 March 2022, Juba, South Sudan

Honourable Ministers,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1. I welcome you all to our monthly meeting. Despite the relatively short time left available in the Transitional Period, and RJMEC’s repeated appeals, I note no substantial progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) since our last meeting. However, in all RJMEC’s engagements, both in South Sudan and regionally, we continue to call for the RTGoNU to demonstrate greater political will to increase the pace of implementation at this critical time.

2. In that regard, I have undertaken internal, regional and international consultations and briefings to encourage greater support for the implementation of the R-ARCSS since our last plenary. I held bilateral meetings with H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the other members of the RTGoNU Presidency, and several national ministers. I also met the President of the Republic of Djibouti, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, the Executive Secretary of IGAD and the Chairpersonof the African Union Commission. Similarly, I briefed the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the United Nations

Security Council.

3. During my regional engagements, I appealed to the Regional Guarantors to consider holding an urgent meeting in Juba and engage with the RTGoNU leadership. The focus would be to assess the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, as guarantors, to provide the necessary impetus for implementation of the Agreement and to help overcome the challenges facing progress.

4. At this point I will provide status updates on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last monthly meeting, outstanding tasks, challenges requiring remedial action, and conclude with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. Since our last meeting in February, there has been minimal progress towards implementation of the provisions of the governance chapter of the R-ARCSS. Reportedly, two additional

State Legislative Assemblies have recently been sworn in. I encourage the States which are yet to operationalise their Legislative Assemblies to do so in order to enable them embark on

their functions.

6. I note recent press reports that the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) ratified the budget for the Financial Year 2021 / 2022. As a result, it is my expectation that

they will now give their full attention to the bills that are awaiting enactment – namely the six security bills, the Constitution-Making Bill, and the Political Parties Bill, all of which are essential to the ongoing implementation of the R-ARCSS.

7. On the reconvening of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), I welcome the recent signing of an agreement between the IGAD Office of the Special Envoy for South Sudan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the activities of the NCAC. I therefore urge the resumption of the NCAC’s work with the expectation that they will prioritise the review of the election laws and other relevant legislations specifically assigned to them.

8. On Chapter 2, the Permanent Ceasefire and the Transitional Security Arrangements, 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. 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.

9. As per the Agreement, the Parties are responsible for the command and control of their forces and affiliates. As a result, Party commanders starting from the lowest level, are charged with the

responsibility to hold their troops accountable for any violations, as well as devising corrective and preventive measures where necessary. On 7 February 2022, after receiving violation reports

from the CTSAMVM Chairperson, I wrote letters to the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO Chiefs of Defence Forces, urging them to take action for the violations committed by their respective forces as highlighted in the CTSAMVM reports. I am awaiting responses from them on actions being taken in respect of my request for accountability.

10. In regard to the Transitional Security Arrangements and in particular, the screening, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces for Phase One, this matter, including the unified command and ratio of forces, is being dealt with at the IGAD level with RTGoNU. I continue to raise concerns that the DDR process still remains without the necessary support and funds from the RTGoNU. Proper attention to DDR could form part of the solution to the impasse on the force ratios and the excess of senior ranks.

11. With just one year left of the Transitional Period, it is very concerning to continue receiving reports of increased insecurity among some communities, including revenge attacks and criminality in various parts of the country. I would like to reiterate that 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 and security at the State and local levels. I would like to remind all of us that, it is the responsibility of the RTGoNU, as per article 1.2.2 of the R-ARCSS, to restore permanent and sustainable peace, security, and stability in South Sudan.

12. The SPLM/A-IO earlier this week suspended their participation in R-ARCSS Security Mechanisms, and RJMEC meetings. 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 however like to stress that the Joint Defence Board is a key mechanism composed of the Chiefs of Defence Forces of the three Parties, responsible to their respective forces and as such, its role is imperative in addressing security-related issues. Therefore addressing the specific concerns that the SPLM/A-IO has raised, requires that these Security Mechanisms be fully composed of representatives from all the Parties, which means full participation of the SPLM/A-IO. In this regard, I urge that the SPLM/A-IO reverses the suspension of its participation in the security mechanisms in order to allow redress of the matters raised. I have also invited the concerned Parties to a meeting tomorrow 25 March 2022, to discuss these issues. 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

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

13. Regarding humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate because of subnational conflicts, widespread flooding, deepening food insecurity, high food prices, and lack of access to basic services. I would like to underscore that violence at the subnational level also increases the number of displaced people, strains the already scarce humanitarian support, and further impacts negatively on humanitarian access. I appeal to the RTGoNU to address the roots causes of violence at the subnational level, provide humanitarian support and services, and ensure the protection of civilians.

14. Whereas voluntary returns continue to be reported, especially from Uganda, instability and flooding compound internal and cross border displacement of communities, notably in Eastern and Central Equatoria. At least 90,000 returnees are reportedly displaced within the country, unable to reach their homes. All returnees and IDPs should be enabled to go home in safety and dignity, as per article 3.1.1.5.

15. On resource, economic and financial management, it is commendable that the RToGNU has operationalised the South Sudan Pension Fund (SSPF) that was launched in 2019 in accordance with the South Sudan Pension Fund Act 2012. I would like to encourage the RTGoNU to extend this social protection system to cover a wider cross-section of society, including the organised forces.

16. The reviewed Bank of South Sudan Act 2010 needs to be enacted in order to encourage greater accountability and transparency in the financial sector, and for the Bank of South Sudan to perform other functions conferred upon it by law. I appeal to the RTGoNU to forward this bill to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly for enactment to allow the Bank of South Sudan to implement them outstanding provisions in this chapter.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

17. Regarding transitional justice, I am informed that preparations are well advanced for the national consultations to help shape the legislation that establishes the Commission for Truth,

Reconciliation and Healing, and that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs expects to begin them next week. I would like to underscore that involving the people of South Sudan in the development of transitional justice mechanisms is of great importance.

18. On the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, last week I had the opportunity to meet the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson to discuss the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, including the establishment of the Hybrid Court. My recommendation was for the AUC to engage the RTGoNU with a view to encouraging them to give full attention to transitional justice.

19. With regard to the Permanent Constitution-making process, let me again remind all of us that the ordinary citizens of the Republic of South Sudan stand to benefit greatly from a people-led and people owned permanent constitution-making process. The permanent constitution is essential to guide the way to elections. Furthermore, the Preamble of the Revitalized Peace Agreement is clear that the “Parties are determined to compensate the people of South Sudan by recommitting themselves to peace and constitutionalism.” I  therefore urge the Transitional National Legislature to enact the Constitution-Making Process Bill to kick start this important process without any further delay.

20. Now for a word on the RJMEC Working Committees. These are an important part of RJMEC’s monitoring and evaluation functions, and they work well when attended properly. However, the persistent absence of some members frustrates the work of these committees, and therefore it lowers their effectiveness at a time when the ongoing implementation of the R-ARCSS needs support from all sides. I would like to reiterate my previous calls for their members to make greater efforts to attend these very important meetings.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

21. I would like to conclude with the following recommendations:  a. urge the reconstituted Transitional National Legislature to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties

and constitution-making bills;

b. urge the operationalisation of all the remaining State Legislatures;

c. call upon the RTGoNU to urgently restore peace and security in the regions affected by conflict and violence;

d. urge the armed Signatory Parties to exercise full command and control of their forces, and to hold their troops accountable for any violations, as well as devising corrective and preventive measures where necessary;

e. urge the RTGoNU to complete the Transitional Security Arrangements, including resolving the issues of unified command and force ratios, and redeployment of unified forces, as well as implement DDR programmes as part of the unification process;

f. urge the RTGoNU to extend the South Sudan Pension Fund across a wider cross-section of society, including the organised forces; and g. urge the RTGoNU to ensure that the public consultations surrounding the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing are comprehensive and meaningful and commence without further delay.

22. Lastly, I would like to remind the Parties that there is less than one year before the end of the Transitional Period, which should conclude with the holding of elections. Therefore, the roadmap and strategy to be developed by the RTGoNU 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. In doing so, I remind all Parties once again of their 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.”

I encourage all of you to participate in our debates this morning to the fullest at this critical time. I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You.

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. 

- Your Excellency, Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers

- Excellencies, Members of the Council

- Your Excellency, IGAD Executive Secretary

- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan

- Honourable Ministers,

- Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning

1. It is my honour to address this Council today for the first time as the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

2. It is also my honour to present to the Council the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), including the challenges faced, my overall observations, and recommendations to the Council.

3. This report builds on the briefing that my predecessor, Amb. Lt. Gen Augostino Njoroge, made to the members of the 36th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government on 14 July 2020, and the briefing made previously to the 71st Extraordinary meeting of the IGAD Council of Ministers held on 23 April 2020.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

4. In our last briefing to the IGAD Heads of State and Government on 14 July 2020, RJMEC had highlighted several pending critical tasks that had not yet been implemented, including those carried over from the Pre-Transitional Period. In particular:

a) reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislature, comprising the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States;

b) unification of forces, including their redeployment; and

c) Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process for the former combatants.

5. In that regard, I commend the Summit for taking up these concerns seriously and for pronouncing itself in its Communique of the 36th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

6. I am pleased to report to this Council that on 8 May 2021, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, dissolved the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States and subsequently reconstituted the TNLA on 10 May 2021. This is a welcome development in terms of implementation of the governance aspects of the Agreement under Chapter 1. What now remains, are the swearing in of the Reconstituted TNLA, reconstitution of the Council of States, and the State Legislative Assemblies, and the restructuring and reconstitution of Institutions and Commissions at the national level. It is my hope and expectation that the reconstituted TNLA will soon be sworn in to commence its business and that it will immediately ratify some important legislation that has been held up, such as the amended security bills and the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 8 (2020). Our preliminary gender analysis of the appointments to the reconstituted TNLA suggests that women constitute 33% of the members of the reconstituted TNLA.

7. Also important under Chapter 1 is the requirement for Judicial Reforms under Article 1.17 of the Agreement. Accordingly, I am pleased to report that steps are underway to establish the Ad-hoc Judicial Reforms Committee (JRC) which is mandated to study and recommend appropriate judicial reforms. I commend the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and his taskforce for endorsing the draft Terms of Reference, jointly developed by RJMEC and IGAD advisors. This now paves the way for the IGAD to nominate the Chairperson and Deputy for this Committee and for the parties to nominate their representatives, and I call upon all responsible to expedite this process.

8. Next, Chapter 2 on the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSAs). The successful implementation of the TSAs is critical to sustainable peace in South Sudan. As this Council will recall, this is a task of the Pre-Transitional Period which was carried forward into the Transitional Period. Regrettably, I would like to report to this Council that despite the call at 36th Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government that the RTGoNU was “to provide the necessary funding and logistical support to expedite the implementation of the TSA, particularly the conclusion of training, graduation and redeployment of the NUF,” there has been very minimal progress on the implementation of the TSAs. It is clear that the unification of forces had stalled, and the conditions in the Cantonment Sites and Training Centres have markedly deteriorated.

9. However, on 8 June 2021, a meeting of the RTGoNU Presidency resolved as follows: to accelerate the process of graduating the unified forces, and developing a unified command, and to relocate both government and opposition forces to the cantonment sites for further training. Furthermore, the President directed the mobilisation of the necessary logistics support for the unified forces. Consequently, some resources have since been provided by the National Transitional Committee to the Security Mechanisms.

10. The Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) as an integral part of the unification process and a critical component for successful implementation of the TSAs continues to lag behind. RTGoNU has not given sufficient attention and support to the DDR Commission, hence undermining its capacity to deliver on its mandate. DDR is an important and costly activity, and the RTGoNU should avail the requisite resources to the DDR process. Given the importance and recurring challenges faced in implementing the TSAs to date, this is an area I appeal to the Council to pay sufficient focus to.

11. Though we observe that the Permanent Ceasefire between the signatories to the R-ARCSS is holding, there is nonetheless a worrying trend of increased insecurity in some parts of South Sudan, such as the states of Jonglei, Lakes, and Warrap, related to community-based violence. Further, Central Equatoria has experienced incidents of fighting between the SSPDF and National Salvation Front (NAS), a hold-out group, affiliated to Gen. Thomas Cirillo, that continues to cause considerable civilian harm and displacements.

12. With regard to Chapter 3 on humanitarian affairs, even though, overall, there has been some improvements, including gradual returns by IDPs and refugees, the above-mentioned state of insecurity only serves to undermine progress and reverse some of the gains already made, including the slowing down of voluntary

returns. This year, four aid workers have been killed, including two on 7 June 2021 in Lakes State, highlighting the continued dangers faced by aid workers in some parts of the country. Furthermore, according to UNOCHA, an estimated 7.2 million people continue to be acutely food insecure between April and July and the need for relief remains high.

13. The Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and the Board which is mandated to assess the reconstruction needs and raise the necessary funds are vital aspects of the Peace Agreement. Upon its establishment, a donors’ conference is to be convened to coordinate support to the implementation of the R-ARCSS. I appeal to the Council to urge the RTGoNU to prioritise this matter in establishing the SRF Board and the eventual convening of the donors’ conference.

14. On Chapter 4, economic, finance and resource management, the Ministry of Petroleum is undertaking environmental and cost recovery audits. Similarly, the Ministry of Finance has undertaken an audit of transfers to oil-producing communities and states. After a decline caused by the economic contraction following the drop in the oil price, there has been a good progression in collection of nonoil revenues.

15. The IMF recently provided the country with over $170 million in April 2021, partly for financing the on-going exchange rate reform and also the paying of the salary arrears. That said, the establishment of the Economic and Finance Management Authority (EFMA) is still pending, and I appeal to the Council to prevail on the RTGoNU to set up this inclusive accountability and transparency monitoring body, as provided for in the Agreement.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

16. With regard to Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice, there has been some progress. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) has developed a roadmap for the establishment of the three transitional justice mechanisms, namely the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA). The roadmap has been endorsed by the RTGoNU

Council of Ministers. A Technical Committee has also been established to conduct public consultations pursuant to the establishment of the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. With regards to the HCSS, there is need for the African Union Commission and the RTGoNU to discuss and agree the terms of its establishment.

17. Finally, Chapter 6 on the Permanent Constitution-making process. I am pleased to report that the RJMEC successfully convened a workshop for the Parties to the R-ARCSS to agree on the details of conducting the constitution-making process as mandated under Article 6.7 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement. The workshop, which took place from 25-28 May 2021, was officially opened by, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, and was addressed by H.E. Abdallah Hamdok, Prime Minister of Sudan and Chairperson of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The workshop was facilitated by the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and Rule of Law.

18. Amongst the key resolutions of the Workshop was the establishment of a Constitutional Drafting Committee as a specialised technical body to draft the constitutional text and accompany the process at all stages. Further, the resolutions covered the composition and criteria for nominations of the

reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (RNCRC), the Preparatory Sub-Committee (PSC) for the convening of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), and civic education and public participation at all stages of the constitution making process. RJMEC officially handed over the Resolutions to

the RTGoNU on 10 June 2021. Consequently, RTGoNU will now commence the drafting of the legislation that will govern the constitution-making process. We appeal to the Council to urge the RTGoNU to expedite the enactment of the constitution-making law to govern this process.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

19. The above progress notwithstanding, there are a number of recurring challenges that continue to constrain and delay the implementation of the Agreement. Key among them are: trust deficit amongst the key principals to the Agreement, insufficient political will, lack of necessary resources and funding, community-based violence and insecurity, capacity gaps, activities of hold-out groups and Covid-19 pandemic. I appeal to the Council to explore ways of helping the parties rebuild trust and work together, extend logistical and other types of requisite support to the implementation of the Agreement and prevail on the hold-out groups to join the peace process.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

20. In conclusion, as an oversight body, our assessment is that, even though some progress has been made in some areas, a critical concern remains on the security arrangements, which is fundamental for the sustainability of the peace process. In view of above, I would like to conclude with the following respectful recommendations to the Council, namely:

a) urge the RTGoNU to swear in the members of the Reconstituted TNLA, to complete the reconstitution of the Council of States, the State Legislature, and the restructuring and reconstitution of Institutions and Commissions at the national level, while adhering to the 35% level of women representation and giving due attention to representation of the youth;

b) appeal to IGAD to nominate the Chairperson and Deputy for the Ad-hoc Judicial Reforms Committee and urge the Parties to the R-ARCSS to nominate their representatives;

c) appeal to IGAD to urge the Parties to the Agreement for continued dialogue and trust-building among them on all unresolved issues, with greater show of political will; in this regard, I strongly recommend the convening of the ‘Leadership Retreat’ as proposed by IGAD.

d) urge the RTGoNU to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including graduation and redeployment of unified forces; for the DDR Commission to implement its plans; and commencement of Phase 2 of the unification process;

e) urge the RTGoNU to prioritise the establishment of the Special

Reconstruction Fund and Board to coordinate international

support to the peace process and support the RTGoNU in the

eventual convening of the donors’ conference;

f) appeal to all actors under SSOMA to pursue the Sant’Egidio mediation process, including adherence to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of December 2017, the Rome Declaration of January 2020, and the Declaration of Principles of March 2021;

g) urge the RTGoNU to continue to pursue economic reforms along with increased transparency and accountability, especially in the oil sector, and establish the Economic and Financial Management Authority to enhance oversight and management of the country’s resources;

h) urge the RTGoNU to fast-track broad based public consultation on the establishment of the CTRH, and to further liaise with the African Union Commission regarding the establishment of the HCSS;

 i) urge the RTGoNU to expedite the drafting of the legislation to govern the permanent constitution-making process; and         

j) explore ways of helping the parties rebuild trust and work together, extend logistical and other requisite support to the implementation of the Agreement and prevail on the hold-out groups to join the peace process. 

k) actively engage the international community at the highest political level to mobilise goodwill and support for full implementation of the R-ARCSS.

21. In closing, I would like to thank the Council for its support to RJMEC. I urge the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, and perhaps one of the strongest ways of demonstrating this is by holding the next IGAD Council of Ministers meeting and Summit in Juba. Your close attention to these matters is instrumental in achieving an enduring peace in South Sudan.

Thank you!

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

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.

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

STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 7 MARCH, 2022, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

-       President of the UN Security Council,

-       Distinguished Members of the Council,

-       Excellencies,

-       Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. President

1.   I thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council of the United Nations for my first time as Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). I would like to offer my congratulations to the United Arab Emirates for assuming the Presidency of the UN Security Council this month, March 2022, and I thank them for inviting RJMEC to brief the Council this morning. We wish them the best in their Presidency. 

2.   RJMEC is the official oversight body mandated to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which was mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). RJMEC oversees the mandate and tasks of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), including the adherence by the Parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule.

3.   RJMEC is obligated under Article 7.9 of the R-ARCSS to submit quarterly status reports, followed by detailed briefings to this Council, and the following:

-       the Revitalised Unity Government Council of Ministers;

-       the Transitional National Legislative Assembly; 

-       the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government; 

-       the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers; 

-       the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; 

-       the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; and 

-       the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed in September 2018, RJMEC has submitted 13 status of implementation reports. 

4.   Mr. President, although there has been some progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, the end of the Transitional Period in February 2023 is fast approaching, and yet several critical tasks of the Agreement remain unimplemented.

5.   Therefore, my briefing to this august Council will focus on the key milestones achieved in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement to date, critical pending tasks, and requirements for the conduct of elections at the end of the Transitional Period as per the Agreement. I will also highlight recurring challenges and conclude with recommendations. 

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

6.   As you may recall, in July 2016 armed conflict broke out in South Sudan within one year of signing of the 2015 Peace Agreement, and barely two months after the first coalition government was formed. By contrast, the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement has entered its fourth year and the Revitalised Unity Government marked its second anniversary last month, February 2022, an indication of comparative success. 

7.   Since its signing, the Revitalised Peace Agreement has contributed significantly to the following:

a)            cessation of violence across the country amongst the signatories to the Agreement and continued holding of the permanent ceasefire;

b)            the establishment and reconstitution of all Pre-Transitional institutions and implementation mechanisms of the Agreement;

c)             establishment of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity and state level government;

d)            reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislature and the state assemblies;

e)            incorporation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (TCRSS, 2011), as amended;

f)              the review and amendments of all security related laws by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), which have been submitted to the Revitalised Unity Government, awaiting enactment;

g)            cantonment and screening, selection and training of Phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces, with approximately 50,000 trainees awaiting graduation and redeployment;

h)            opening of humanitarian corridors which has facilitated gradual voluntary return of some refugees and IDPs;

i)              stabilisation of the exchange rate and progress in implementing some economic reforms by the Revitalised Unity Government; and

j)              development of a roadmap for implementing the requirements of Transitional Justice and the making of the Permanent Constitution.

8.   The above progress notwithstanding, some critical tasks of the Agreement remain pending. Most notably, they include the following:  

a.     establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee mandated to study and recommend appropriate judicial reforms to the Revitalised Unity Government; 

b.     ratification of eight bills by the Transitional National Legislature (TNL), namely six security bills, the Constitution Making Bill, and the Political Parties Bill;

c.      reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, and amendment of the National Elections Act, 2012, and reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC);

d.     the unification of forces and their redeployment; 

e.      implementing Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration programmes;

f.       addressing the challenges of reconstruction, repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of IDPs and returnees;

g.     establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) and Board and the convening of a South Sudan Pledging Conference to support its humanitarian and reconstruction efforts;

h.     reforming the Public Financial Management institutions, especially the National Audit Chamber and the Anti-Corruption Commission to enhance transparency and accountability;

i.       establishment of the three Transitional Justice mechanisms, namely the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority; and

j.       Completion of the permanent constitution making process to guide the conduct of elections.

9.   In RJMEC’s assessment, the tasks most critical for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections under the Revitalised 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. 

10.         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. 

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

11.  Overall, progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has generally been very slow from the beginning, and there are several recurring challenges facing it. The challenges include lack of sufficient resources (both financial and material) needed for the implementation of the Agreement; 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. 

12.  Given the challenges facing implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry, RJMEC has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to review the status of the implementation of the Agreement and 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.

Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

13.  I therefore conclude with the following recommendations to this 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.

14.  Finally, Mr President, I would like to appeal to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, to encourage you to consider visiting the country again, and to continue supporting RJMEC in its mandate, including providing regular briefings to the Council on the status of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. 

I Thank You.

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

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). 

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

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.