With just 12 months left before the end of the Transitional Period, critical tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 10 February, 2022, Juba, South SudaN

WITH JUST 12 MONTHS LEFT OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, KEY TASKS REMAIN OUTSTANDING

With just 12 months left before the end of the Transitional Period, critical tasks of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented.

Speaking during the 21st plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 February 2022 in Juba, Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said:

“There is now just 12 months left of the Transitional Period, and elections are due to take place 60 days before it ends, and yet key unimplemented tasks are outstanding.”

These tasks, the Interim Chairperson outlined in his opening remarks, include: 

i)               Several important pieces of legislation are not ratified and state governments are not fully functioning;

ii)             the forces are not unified;

iii)            the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;

iv)            public financial management reforms remain largely undone;

v)             the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and

vi)            beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.  

“At this crucial stage of implementation, and with such a comparatively short time left in the Transitional Period, your insights on the challenges facing South Sudan are vital,” Maj. Gen. Gituai told the meeting.

In his recommendations, Maj. Gen. Gituai urged the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties and constitution making bills. He further urged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes.

On the humanitarian situation in the country, the Interim Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund, in line also with the recent African Union Peace and Security Council, meeting resolutions. This is especially important, he said, considering the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing the country, including the continued need for aid for flood-affected communities.

“The living conditions of flood-affected people in displacement sites remain dire and are likely to further deteriorate with the onset of seasonal rains. There are many hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people requiring humanitarian assistance,” the Interim Chairperson added.

FULL STATEMENT: https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/jmec-statements/item/599-statement-by-h-e-maj-gen-charles-tai-gituai-rtd-interim-chairperson-rjmec-to-the-21st-rjmec-monthly-meeting-thursday-10-february-2022-juba-south-sudan 

ENDS

STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ GEN CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 21ST RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING 

THURSDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2022

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   This being our first meeting for the new year 2022, allow me to wish you all a belated Happy New Year. This Plenary meeting falls just under two weeks before we reach the point marking two years since the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) was formed. There is now just 12 months left of the Transitional Period, and elections are due to take place 60 days before it ends, and yet key unimplemented tasks are outstanding, including:

i)          Several important pieces of legislation are not ratified and state governments are not fully functioning;

ii)          the forces are not unified;

iii)         the Special Reconstruction Fund is not established, and millions of South Sudanese remain in refugee camps outside the country or in IDP camps;

iv)          public financial management reforms remain largely undone;

v)            the transitional justice mechanisms are not established; and

vi)          beyond the drafting of its legislation, the constitution-making process is not progressing as expected.   

2.   With much to be done in a short timeframe, it is important that the RTGoNU briefs this meeting on the practical remedial measures with which it intends to implement these, and other key tasks required by the R-ARCSS within the remaining timeframe. Today therefore, I will highlight some of the most recent progress 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,

3.   Regarding governance, since our last meeting, the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has enacted the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 8, which therefore aligns the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011, (as amended) to the R-ARCSS. Also enacted is the Amendment Bill No. 9 which covers amendments made to some of the security bills. These bills have since been signed into law by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan.

4.   I am informed that the State Legislative Assemblies have been reconstituted in all the ten states, and it is encouraging that the Lakes State and Central Equatoria have sworn-in their members. I urge that the inauguration of the remaining State Legislative Assemblies be expedited so that they can discharge their oversight and legislative functions.   

5.   There are other outstanding tasks in governance, including the restructuring and reconstitution of the Commissions and Institutions at the national level in line with article 1.19 of the R-ARCSS, and the establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC). On the JRC, I have been informed that IGAD has completed the process of selection of its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and is awaiting its operationalisation. 

6.   In regard to the Transitional Security Arrangements (TSA), and in particular, the screening, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces for Phase One, it is disappointing that progress remains very slow.  Since my last report, I have been informed that the three JDB Implementation Committees have undertaken their screening and selection tasks in the Training Centres. I look forward to receiving an update from the JDB at this meeting.

7.   I wish to restate my concern that DDR remains without the necessary support and funds from the RTGoNU. The DDR process is integral to the successful implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, and I urge the RTGoNU to ensure that the DDR Commission, an essential component of the TSAs, receives all the support it needs as a matter of urgency. That said, I welcome the Joint RTGoNU and ‘Friends of South Sudan’ Community Violence Reduction/DDR pilot initiative which is currently underway to complement the DDR Commission Strategy. I look forward to hearing more from the DDR Commission today.

8.   I received four verified violation reports from CTSAMVM this month which include:  i) the attack, rape and abduction of civilians in August 2021 attributed to NAS; ii) the killing and detention of civilians during clashes between SSPDF and NAS forces in September 2021; iii) forced recruitment of civilians by the SPLA/IO between October and December 2021; and iv) an attack on an SSPDF Barracks by NAS forces in November 2021. Consequently, I have since written to the Chiefs of Defence Forces of SSPDF, the SPLA-IO, and NAS to remind them of their responsibilities and to urge them to take action against perpetrators.   

9.   Turning now to the recent Kit Gwang issue, we urge parties to such conflicts to observe and work within the parameters of the R-ARCSS in achieving peace. Any defections or accepting defections by armed groups is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agreement. Delays in the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements is a major contributing factor in the occurrence of defections. I therefore urge the RTGoNU parties to expedite the implementation of all the Transitional Security Arrangements, especially the graduation and unification of the forces, which will serve to lessen the likelihood of defections. I would like to hear the opinions of the RJMEC members on this issue. 

10.  I am concerned about continuing community-based violence, as exemplified by the recent attacks and loss of lives in Baidit Payam, outside of Bor, Jonglei State. The resulting displacement of civilians in incidences of such violence, and the added need for and strain on the delivery of humanitarian services, is worrying. I urge the RTGoNU to undertake measures to address the cycles of violence across the country and build durable peace. Fully functioning governments at the states’ level can have a positive impact.  

11.  Similarly, I continue to receive reports of clashes in the Equatorias between NAS forces and those of the SSPDF. I urge the Parties to the Rome peace process to adhere to their commitments to the Rome Resolution and Declaration, and the resumption of talks under the auspices of the Community of Sant’Egidio should provide an inclusive opportunity to address the insecurity in the Equatorias.

12.  On Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), while I note the efforts of the SSPDF and JDB to combat SGBV, I am concerned that there are still SGBV cases committed by some elements of the various forces being reported by CTSAMVM. I call upon the JDB to ensure accountability for violations committed by the forces. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

13.  On the humanitarian situation, there are many outstanding challenges. The living conditions of flood-affected people in displacement sites remain dire and are likely to further deteriorate with the onset of seasonal rains. There are many hundreds of thousands of flood-affected people requiring humanitarian assistance. In terms of food security, reports from the FAO / WFP indicate that between February to May 2022, the magnitude and severity of already very high levels of acute food insecurity is likely to worsen. 

14.  Last year, an estimated 270,000 refugees were reported to have voluntarily returned to South Sudan, 28,440 of these having returned in December 2021 alone.  I commend UNHCR and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission for their efforts to enable the movement of voluntary returnees. I urge the RTGoNU to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of mechanisms such as the State and National Level Task Forces on Solutions and local governance structures to enable the smooth management of voluntary returns.

15.  On Resource, Economic and Financial Management, I would like to commend the RTGoNU and its partners for efforts in catalysing the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through the newly lunched Enterprise Development project. In the spirit of the Agreement, South Sudan’s private sector and youth economic empowerment can only be achieved through improved capacity in entrepreneurship and access to finance

16.  Equally important, there is need to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources to ensure sustainable peace and development in South Sudan. In particular, there is great need for more emphasis on the management of the natural resources. In this regard, I urge the RTGoNU to finalise the review of the National Land Policy and legislate the reviewed 2008 Land Act. Considering the influx of returnees into the country and increased economic activity in the agriculture sector, it is important to address the challenges posed by land grabbing and other malpractices involving land. 

17.  Furthermore, there is need for the RTGoNU to develop a comprehensive policy for the use and management of Nile and other water resources, as per article 4.8.3 of the R-ARCSS, in order to attract increased investment in this sector. 

18.  On transitional justice, the Technical Committee on the CTRH establishment has completed its plans towards undertaking public consultations. The RTGoNU has committed SSP 25 million (approximately $60,000) to support this process, and the Ministry has indicated that additional support from partners for this process could be forthcoming. I urge the Ministry to now proceed quickly and commence the public consultations process.

19.   On the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS), no progress has been observed here since our last meeting. On the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA), I am informed that the Minister of Justice is working with partners to obtain technical assistance in the area of compensation and reparation. Such support will go a long way in informing its understanding on how to draft appropriate CRA legislation.

20.  I wish to commend the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and partners for the recent conference convened between the 13 and 15 of December 2021 to enable stakeholders to work towards a shared vision for a holistic approach to transitional justice in South Sudan.

21. Lastly, on the permanent constitution-making process, there is no significant progress to report. The Constitution Making Process Bill 2021 is pending ratification by the Reconstituted TNLA. I urge the leadership of the Reconstituted TNLA to immediately present this bill for consideration and enactment, alongside the budget.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

22.   As we move towards the final 12 months of the Transitional Period, I would like to help focus minds and close my statement with the following recommendations:

a)   urge the reconstituted TNLA to expedite the enactment of the pending security, political parties and constitution making bills;

b)   urge the operationalisation of all the State Legislatures;

c)    urge the RTGoNU to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes;

d)   urge the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund without further delay, in line also with the recent AU PSC meeting resolutions. This is especially important considering the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing the country, including the continued need for aid for flood-affected communities;

e)   urge the RTGoNU and the African Union Commission to push forward with establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and urge the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to commence the public consultations on the CTRH; and

f)     urge the parties and stakeholders to commence preparations for their nominations of representatives to the different constitution-making institutions and mechanisms. 

23.        At this crucial stage of implementation, and with such a comparatively short time left in the Transitional Period, your insights on the challenges facing South Sudan are vital. I encourage you all to consider carefully this status of implementation report, and suggest practical remedial measures that can unlock progress. It is my expectation that RTGoNU will present to this meeting a clear roadmap on the way forward in regard to the implementation of the remaining tasks in the Agreement. Equally your proposals in this meeting will help guide the discussions and decisions of the RTGoNU.

24.        I wish you fruitful deliberations. 

I thank You.  

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has released its fourth quarterly report on the status of implementation of the implementation of Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for the period covering 1st October to 31st December 2021 

Full report: https://jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/rjmec-quarterly-reports/199-rjmec-quarterly-report-on-the-status-of-implementation-of-the-r-arcss-from-1st-october-to-31th-december-2021/file 

As the year 2021 draws to a close and the new year approaches, it is natural that as we take rest with our loved ones over the holdiday period, we look back and take stock of what has happened this year. 

The delayed implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements, including the unification of forces and their redeployment, has contributed to growing frustrations amongst the people of South Sudan.

HonourableMinisters, 

Excellencies,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.  I welcome you all to the 20thmeeting of the RJMEC, which is our last Plenary meeting for this year. This time of the year is very critical as it provides a moment of reflection on what we have been able to achieve, collectively, in the pursuit of peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.

2.  We started the year 2021 with great optimism, emerging from the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it was our hope that 2021 would see much better progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). There is no doubt that the RTGoNU had a much better opportunity in 2021 to take forward the implementation of the Peace Agreement than it had in its inaugural year 2020.

3.  Some milestones were achieved this year for which the institutions and mechanisms of the Agreement, Parties and the RTGoNU should be commended. I will highlight only a few, namely:
4.   Under Chapter 1 on Governance Arrangements, the following tasks were completed:

a. Completion of the appointment of State Governors with the appointment of Governor of Upper Nile State;

b. Completion of reconstitution of States’ Governments with appointment of States Executive for all the ten states;

c. State Ministers, Advisors, Independent Commissioners and County Commissionersfor all the ten States have been appointed; 

d. Completion of reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and Council of States; and

e. Appointment of the States Legislature in nine of the ten states.

Under Chapter 2, on the Transitional Security Arrangments

f.  The Permanent Ceasefire has held between the signatories to the Revitalised Peace Agreement since its signing;

g.  CTSAMVM continued delivering its monitoring, verification and reporting mandate; and

h.Some components of the 83,000 Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) are in training centres and are awaiting redeployment.  

Under Chapter 3, on Humanitarian Affairs

i.  Some humanitarian corridors are opened, some IDPs and refugees are gradually returning, access impediments have generally reduced, and

j.  the Disaster Risk Management policy has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for Approval, and the National Strategy on finding Durable solutions for IDPs, Refugees and Returnees has been validated.

Under Chapter 4 on resource, economic and financial managment

k.  An audit of the previous allocation and transfer of the 2% and 3% of total revenues made to oil producing States and communities respectively since 2011 was conducted and its findings (of misappropriation of most of the funds) was discussed by the Council of States and recommendations made to the RTGoNU; and 

l.  The RTGoNU has identified all loans collateralised against oil, current employment in the oil sector has been reviewed, and a new human resources policy has been developed to ensure equity in the sector, thereby improving the process of accountability and management of the extractive industries. 

Under Chapter 5 on Transitional Justice

m.     A roadmap has been developed and endorsed by the RTGoNU Council of Ministers mandating the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to proceed with the full implementation of Chapter 5; a Task Force has been established within the Ministry to coordinate its implementation; and

n.A Technical Committee has been established to undertake nationwide public consultations towards the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation.

Under Chapter 6 on the Permanent Constitution-Making Process

o. the Permanent Constitution-making process has been initiated, and a workshop for the Parties and Stakeholders was successfully convened by RJMEC where details for the constitution-making process were agreed; and 

p. A Constitution Process Bill drafted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs was endorsed by the Council of Ministers and is awaiting enactment by the Reconstituted TNLA.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.  I welcome the progress I have just highlighted,however, the delayed unification of forces and their redeployment has contributed to growing frustrations. Furthermore, defections of senior military officials, mainly from the SPLA-IO to the SSPDF, erode trust amongst the two parties and public confidence in the peace process. Also, progress is impeded by the delayed enactment of the six amended security related legislations, and the lapse of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee mandate before completion of critical tasks, including amendment of the election law.

6.  We are now past the mid-way mark of the timeline of the Transitional Period. The Parties are far behind schedule in implementation of key tasks. As we close the year 2021 therefore, we need clarity from the RTGoNU on its plan for the implementation of the outstanding tasks in the coming 14 months. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

7.  Today therefore, I will only highlight some of the most recent progress on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last monthly meeting, highlight key developments, outstanding tasks, challenges requiring remedial action, and conclude with recommendations.  

8.   Firstly, governance. Since our last meeting, there has been some progress. The State Legislative Assemblies have been reconstituted in nine out of ten states, with the exception of Western Bahr el Ghazal. This is a welcome development and a positive step towards completion of establishment of the structures of governance at the subnational level. I urge that the swearing in of the newly appointed members of the State Legislative Assemblies be conducted to ensure that they embark on their legislative and oversight functions in support of implementation of the R-ARCSS. 

9.   In spite of the recent developments, there are other outstanding tasks in governance, including establishment of the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC), and the restructuring and reconstitution of the Commissions and Institutions at the national level. Regarding the Judicial Reform Committee, however, all the parties have submitted their lists of nominees, and I understand that IGAD has also completed the process of selection of their nominees to chair and deputise the Committee and is in the process of finalising their contracts. I reiterate my appeal for the process of establishment of the JRC to be concluded so as to trigger the necessary judicial reforms process in South Sudan as provided for in the R-ARCSS.

10.  In terms of the bills approved by the Council of Ministers awaiting ratification by the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), I am informed that the Presidency has endorsed the proposed amendment to the National Security Services (NSS) Bill. The reconstituted TNLA is still to ratify all the amended security bills, the Constitutional Amendment Bills No. 8 and 9 and the Constitution Process Bill 2021.

11. I welcome the recently concluded 5thGovernors’ Forum which was convened in Juba in the third week of November 2021 for the Governors and Chief Administrators of the ten States and the three Administrative Areas. I further welcome the resolutions of the Forum, some of which relate to the process of devolving powers and resources to States and Counties as per the R-ARCSS. Additionally, the Forum resolved that each State is to review its State constitution in order to conform to the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 as amended and the R-ARCSS. I encourage all the concerned authorities to implement these resolutions.

12.  In reference to security and the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, it is disappointing to note that the redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) remains stalled. It is now over two months since the Presidency directed the deployment of three assessment teams to Training Centres in preparation for the graduation of Phase 1 of the NUF. I understand that these teams have not yet left Juba due to the lack of funding and logistical support. It is disheartening to see that this directive of the Presidency has not been carried out. I would like to hear from the RTGoNU, the way forward on this issue. 

13.  I am also disappointed to report that the critical issues of Unified Command Structure and Force ratios have not yet been resolved, undermining the whole Transitional Security Arrangements process. The DDR Commission also remains unfunded and neglected despite DDR being essential to the unification process. I would like to request the NTC to provide an update on the funding situation of the Security Mechanisms.  

14.  I continue to receive reports from CTSAMVM that in the Cantonment Sites and Training Centres, living conditions are dire and that the occupants continue to abandon the sites in search of food and other essentials for survival. This situation has undermined the morale of security forces cantoned or in training and risks eroding their trust in the political leadership of the country. I appeal once again to the RTGoNU to provide food, medicines and other essential life support to Cantonment Sites and Training Centres and to expedite redeployment. It is essential to resolve these issues, which will pave the way for completion of the unification process.

15.  I understand there has been some progress in the work of the SDSR Board including the Strategic Security Assessment and the Security Policy Framework in accordance with Article 2.5.4 of the Peace Agreement which will lay the foundation for developing the Strategic Defence and Security Review.  I look forward to hearing more on this matter from the SDSR Board.

16.  Regarding the Rome process under the auspices of Community of Sant’Egidio, I welcome the decision of His Excellency, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for the RTGoNU to resume talks with SSOMA. I call upon the parties to implement the Rome Resolutions, and to come to a durable settlement. 

17.  On a separate note, I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the RTGoNU to put measures in place to combat sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in South Sudan. On 30 November, the JDB launched a Committee for the implementation of an action plan for ‘Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.’ I would like to hear more from the JDB about this matter.  

18.  Further, I would like to report the successful completion last week of a seminar facilitated by UNITAR in collaboration with RJMEC in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme ‘Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, Reconstruction and Stabilization.’ The workshop participants included high-level South Sudanese politicians and military Generals. It is expected that the knowledge gained during the workshop will be applied to expedite the implementation of the Agreement. This is the third collaborative activity this year between UNITAR and RJMEC, and we will continue to design further programmes in support of the R-ARCSS.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

19.  In regard to humanitarian affairs, UNOCHA reports that in November a further 154,000 people across the country have also been affected by flooding, bringing the total number of people facing high levels of food insecurity and poor access to basic services to over 850,000. I commend all those who have extended assistance to help the flooding situation, and I appeal for more resources required to alleviate the suffering of those affected. As I mentioned in my last statement, the scale of humanitarian need in South Sudan should focus our minds on the urgency of establishing the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF), but no progress is reported on this.

20.  On Chapter 4, on resource, economic, and financial management, I would like to commend the Bank of South Sudan for implementing key economic reforms supported by the Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) that have stabilised the exchange rate, contributed to a significant decline in inflation, and unified the exchange rates in the market. I expect that the RTGoNU will continue to pursue prudent public financial management and ensure resources are properly allocated and used for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.

21.  Furthermore, I would like to commend the RTGoNU for progress made in the development of the Code of Ethics and Integrity for Public Officials which is contained in the Public Service Regulation. Additionally, I commend progress made in reviewing and finalising the Public Service Master Curriculum for capacity development with the theme ‘Building Honest efficient and effective Public Service’.  We look forward to the rollout of this curriculum to inculcate the spirit of nationalism and to promote the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for public property (article 4.1.3).

22.  Regarding the access to finance by the South Sudanese people, the R-ARCSS in article 4.15 mandates the establishment of enterprise development funds, microfinance, and other social safety nets such as subsidised credit. It is worth noting that the Women’s Enterprise Development Fund Bill is being drafted and a draft Youth Enterprise Bill has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice. I urge the RTGoNU to continue the process to establish these funds, which are critical to improving the livelihoods of many vulnerable South Sudanese. 

23.  On Chapter 5, transitional justice, I am aware of the efforts to secure funding for the Technical Committee for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), including the recent partners’ roundtable forum convened by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. I look forward to positive outcomes to these efforts.

24.  With regards to progress on the permanent constitution making process, I am informed that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has now received the Cabinet resolution which endorsed the Constitution Process Bill 2021. I urge the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to forward the approved Bill to the reconstituted TNLA without delay. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

25.  As with the last monthly meeting, a critical concern remains on the Transitional Security Arrangements, especially the unification of forces, their redeployment and the DDR process. Bearing in mindthe preceding, I would like to make the following recommendations to this meeting:

a)   urge the reconstituted TNLA to fast-track its handling of all bills due to be ratified, including the Constitution-Making Process Bill 2021; 

b)   urge the RTGoNU to make financial resources available for the completion of the Transitional Security Arrangements, including redeployment of unified forces, as well as for DDR programmes;

c)    appeal to the leadership of the Parties to urgently resolve the issue of the ratio of the unified forces and the unified command structure of the Necessary Unified Forces;

d)  urge the RTGoNU to work closely with international partners to establish the Board of the Special Reconstruction Fund without further delay;

e)   urge the RTGoNU to fast-track the establishment of the the Youth and Women Enterprise Development fundsas listed in article 4.15 of the R-ARCSS; and

f)    appeal to the RTGoNU and international community to support the work of the Technical Committee on the establishment of the CTRH.

26.  In conclusion, therefore, I would like to remind us that this is the last meeting before we break for Christmas and the New Year. I hope that you will use the holidays as a period of reflection on what has been achieved in implementation of the R-ARCSS this year, and what remains to be done within the remaining period of the Agreement. I hope that we will return in the New Year with concrete plans and renewed vigour and determination to bring durable peace, stability and prosperity to the people and country of South Sudan. I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

27.  I wish you fruitful deliberations.  

Thank you.