RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR TELLS MEETING OF RJMEC MEMBERS: URGENTLY RESOLVE THE IMPASSE IN UPPER NILE STATE; AND FURTHER UNIFICATION OF FORCES
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 30 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR TELLS MEETING OF RJMEC MEMBERS: URGENTLY RESOLVE THE IMPASSE IN UPPER NILE STATE; AND FURTHER UNIFICATION OF FORCES
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) held its 14thmonthly meeting in Juba on Wednesday 30 September, 2020.
Speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said: “To date, nine out of the ten State governors have been appointed, but the position of the governor of the state of Upper Nile is still outstanding.”
He continued: “There, an SPLM/A-IO nominee is to be appointed the Governor. However, their candidate was rejected by the President, and unfortunately, both sides have not changed their respective positions.”
As such, the Interim Chairperson called for an urgent resolution of the impasse by the political leadership. Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson has called for the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) as per Article 1.14.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“I urge that the Parliament be expanded and reconstituted without any further delay,” he added.
In his address, Maj. General Gituai also raised concerns that the unification of forces and reorganisation into the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) is behind schedule.
He said: “Although tens of thousands of troops reported to the cantonment sites and training centres, the conditions in which they exist are austere, with numerous reports of troops leaving them in search of food.”
In his recommendations, the Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to expedite and complete the unification of forces, and produce the plans for the redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF).
He also emphasised that the “overall implementation of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions in Chapter 4 of the Revitalised Agreement has been slow.” Furthermore, he added, there is need to expedite Public Financial Management reforms to ensure the accountable and transparent management of resources.
In concluding his address, Maj. Gen Gituai said: “The path to sustainable peace is never easy,” while calling on the RTGoNU “to ensure full implementation of the Agreement provisions and bring South Sudan further and faster down the road to enduring and sustainable peace.”
FULL STATEMENT IS ATTACHED
ENDS
STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. (RTD) CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 14th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING
STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. (RTD) CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 14th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday, 30 September 2020
Juba, South Sudan
HonourableMinisters,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
1. It is my pleasure to deliver this statement to you this morning. We all meet once again after a long pause. This year has been challenging and unpredictable in many ways, but the one constant has been the commitment of all those present here to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). I believe that our presence here today is testament to that, and that we have latelypassed the two-year anniversary since the Agreement was signed on 12 September 2018 is likewise an important milestone to note.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
2. I am also honoured for this opportunity to lead the RJMEC. I firmly believe that with your support and continued commitment and guidance, we can make our contribution to the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and to the building of sustainable peace in the Republic of South Sudan. I commend my predecessor H.E. Lt. General (rtd) Augostino S.K. Njoroge for his work in this regard, and I look forward to building on his efforts and continuing from where he left off. Since my arrival, I have been fortunate to meet with a wide range of personalities and institutions including the President, the Presidency, several Ministers of the RTGoNU, the diplomatic community, and numerous civil society organisations, all of whom have made me aware of the issues, in addition to my staff at the Secretariat.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. As I said in my briefing to the African Union Peace and Security Council two weeks ago, the path to sustainable peace is never easy, and the Parties to the Peace Agreement should be commended for staying the course of peace in the past two years since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement, challenges notwithstanding. I want to again congratulate H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, and the Parties to the Agreement for providing the environment in which progress in its implementation has been made so far. Equally, I would like to seize this opportunity to congratulate H.E. President Salva Kiir for successfully steering the Sudan peace process. This success bodes well for the continued implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan.
4. Furthermore, all the other Parties and stakeholders to the Peace Agreement should be commended for playing their crucial roles towards its implementation. More broadly, we applaud the people of South Sudan who have played their part in encouraging the Parties to reach this point, and it is for the benefit of the nation as a whole that all of us endeavour to achieve enduring peace in South Sudan.
5. In my statement today, I will highlight the key issues in the status of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last monthly meeting, including some recurring issues, and I will then conclude with my recommendations on the way forward. Considering that we have had such a long pause since the last meeting, I expect to hear detailed reports from each of the presenters this morning, particularly the RTGoNU.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. In terms of governance, some key issues stand out. As we know, the issue of the number of States and their boundaries was resolved on 15 February 2020, with a decision by H.E. President Salva Kiir, to revert the country to ten states. This welcome compromise paved the way for the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on 22 February and the establishment of the Council of Ministers on 17 March 2020. To date, nine out of the ten State governors have been appointed, but the position of the governor of the state of Upper Nile is still outstanding. There, an SPLM/A-IO nominee is to be appointed the Governor. However, their candidate was rejected by the President, and unfortunately, both sides have not changed their respective positions.
7. More broadly, a cross-party agreement on responsibility-sharing was reached on 10 August 2020, with particular regards to the allocation of state and local governmental positions to the various Parties to the R-ARCSS. Although I understand that some progress has been made with regards to sharing positions among the Parties, generally it seems that progress in completing this has been slow, and I am keen to hear about efforts to conclude this matter this morning.
8. Furthermore, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has still not been expanded and reconstituted as perArticle 1.14.2 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, despite an appeal by the IGAD Heads of State and Government during their 36thExtraordinary meeting held on 14 July 2020 for this to be done by 26 July 2020. The Former Detainees (FD) are the only Party to have submitted their nominees to the NCAC. In line with the IGAD Heads of State and Government appeal, I urge that the Parliament be expanded and reconstituted without any further delay, and I am keen to hear any updates on this matter.
9. It is notable that the RTGoNU Cabinet of Ministers met on Friday 11 September for the first time since their swearing-in in March 2020 at a meeting chaired by H.E. President Salva Kiir. This is a welcome development. More and regular Cabinet meetings as part of the norms and usual practices of government will no doubt send positive signals to the people of South Sudan, and will build trust and confidence in and among the Parties to the R-ARCSS.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. In terms of security, there are three important points I would like to make. Firstly, the unification of forces and their reorganisation into the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) is behind schedule. As you all know, this is a Pre-Transitional task which was carried forward into the Transitional Period. Although tens of thousands of troops reported to the cantonment sites and training centres, the conditions in which they exist are austere, with numerous reports of troops leaving them in search of food. That said, I have witnessed for myself on my recent visit to a training centre that morale was commendable, and there was evidence of the spirit of unification, comradeship, a sense of esprit de corps that should be capitalised upon, and should not be left to fade.
11. Also connected to the unification of forces are redeployment and graduation plans for the NUF, and preparations for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for ex-combatants. Unfortunately, these do not seem to have advanced in recent months, despite our continued urging for progress on the matter. Also pending is the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board’s (SDSRB) White Paper on defence policy, which when complete will help the overall security architecture in South Sudan. I look forward to hearing more from the National Transitional Committee on these matters shortly, and I hope that the NTC-DDR Commission coordination meeting recently facilitated by the RJMEC Secretariat will help in this matter.
12. The second point related to security is that community-based violence has become the main cause of insecurity in the states. In July, H.E. President Salva Kiir formed a High-Level Committee to address the issue of community-based violence in Jonglei State and Pibor Administrative Area, under the leadership of H.E. Dr James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. This is a valuable initiative, and it is important that further grassroots dialogue initiatives be developed country-wide at the local level to help identify the drivers of community-based conflicts to inform their resolution and transformation.
13. The third point on security relates to the activities of non-signatories to the Agreement. Since July 2020, there has been an increase in activities of National Salvation Front (NAS) lead by General Thomas Cirillo in Central Equatoria, consisting of direct attacks on SSPDF and SPLA-IO, road ambushes targeting civilian and military vehicles, and abduction and displacement of civilians. In late August, RJMEC issued a statement reminding all the signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of December 2017, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020, that these documents affirm the signatories’ commitment to pursue dialogue and the protection of civilians. We continue to push for the diplomatic path along with IGAD and the Community of Sant’Egidio.I am aware that a meeting on this matter is due to take place in early October, and I urge all participants to prepare for a constructive engagement.
14. Wherever such subnational conflict takes place, including in states such as Central and Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Warrap, and Lakes, humanitarian access and safety are usually impaired. According to UNOCHA, over 19,000 people have been displaced in Central Equatoria alone recently. At present, this situation is exacerbated by country-wide flooding, with at least 625,000 people affected, according to the same source. The need for civilian protection and food security in such contexts only increases. I would like to appreciate the humanitarian assistance already given by the international community, and I would also like to appeal to all concerned, primarily the Government, to enhance their efforts in instituting programmes for relief, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in South Sudan.
15. Recently, the SSPDF District Court Martial set up in Yei County, Central Equatoria, convicted 26 soldiers for offences against civilians and violations of the SSPDF military code of conduct. According to the CTSAMVM report of the 7 September 2020, seventeen of these were cases of rape or sexual assault. The soldiers found guilty of rape or sexual assault were sentenced to a period ranging from 6 to 14 years in prison and dismissal from the SSPDF. The action of the SSPDF District Court Martial is a commendable milestone for the fight against impunity for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and violations of human rights, and the message it sends is positive.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. Now for an update on the work of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC). The Committee reviewed all the five security-related laws and submitted the bills to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs during the Pre-Transitional Period. In addition, the NCAC has drafted the Political Parties Bill 2020 and submitted it. Unfortunately, all these bills are still pending Cabinet endorsement and ratification by the Parliament. Similarly, the NCAC worked with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to rectify the alterations detected in the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 6, 2020. In this regard, it resubmitted the revised Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 8, 2020 to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on 10 September for the same to be presented to Parliament for ratification in due course.
17. In terms of the economy. The overall implementation of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions in Chapter 4 of the Revitalised Agreement has been slow. I note that the Ministry of Finance has commenced work on implementing Public Financial Management reforms, and has prioritised some activities intended to ensure the accountable and transparent management of resources. Accordingly, an accountable and transparent budget is central to achieving this. In this context, although I understand some progress has been made recently, it is of concern that the budget for the present fiscal year has not yet been passed, and I would be interested to hear any updates on this matter.
18. The RTGoNU is also required to expedite the review and implementation of the Petroleum Act 2012 and Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2012 as per article 4.7.1 and 4.8.1.1 of the Peace Agreement. These laws mandate the closure of any petroleum revenue accounts other than those approved by the law, and the identification, checking and recording of all loans and contracts collateralised or guaranteed against oil. Furthermore, the required reforms of the oversight institutions have lagged, notably the Anti-Corruption Commission and National Audit Chamber. Also behind schedule is the establishment of the Economic and Financial Management Authority, which is a central institution to ensure the transparent and accountable management of South Sudan’s resources. I would be interested to hear of any relevant progress in these tasks I mentioned, which is due.
19. In terms of transitional justice. There are three main mechanisms provided for by the Revitalised Peace Agreement. These are, the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), the Hybrid Court of South Sudan (HCSS), the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA). I am pleased to note that the African Union has undertaken a number of interventions that contribute to the establishment of HCSS and we expect them to engage closely and cooperate with the RTGoNU to ensure a comprehensive and multifaceted process going forward. We also expect the RTGoNU to initiate necessary legislations for stakeholder engagement and establishment of these transitional justice mechanisms.
20. With regards to the Permanent Constitution-making process envisaged in Chapter 6 of the Agreement, the RJMEC has made significant progress in its preparation for the convening of the workshop of the Parties to agree on its modalities. This is in line Article 6.7 and 6.8 of the Agreement. The workshop which was initially scheduled for June 2020 has now been rescheduled for November 2020 due to the COVID-19 disruptions. The Max Planck Foundation has been identified to facilitate the workshop. Separately, a comparative study on post-conflict constitution-making processes was commissioned by the RJMEC Secretariat, and is now under dissemination to inform this process. I am informed that RJMEC Members have all been availed a copy of this important report and I hope that the Parties will soon embark on the crucial constitution-making process without any delay.
21. Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that RJMEC is reconstituting its thematic Working Committees with immediate effect. These Working Committees are RJMEC’s inclusive and participatory mechanism for monitoring and evaluating progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement as we move forward. We have received nominations for the membership and observer positions to the various Committees. The Secretariat has circulated the RJMEC Working Committees' Rules of Procedure and list of the members for you to confirm where your institutions/organisations or Parties belong. I would like to announce that the Chairperson of each Working Committee, with their agreement, is as follows:
i. Governance: Academia Representative;
ii. Security: South African Representative;
iii. Humanitarian Affairs: Sudan Representative;
iv. Economic Affairs: Troika Representative;
v. Transitional Justice: African Union Representative; and
vi. Constitutional Affairs: European Union Representative.
22. I call on the Parties the Agreement to nominate their members by 7 October, and each Working Committee should then hold its first meeting by 14 October. Should you require any clarification, kindly liaise with the RJMEC Chief of Staff before the inaugural meetings of the Working Committees. Each RJMEC thematic adviser will be in touch with you to determine the particulars of the first meeting.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
23. In view of the above, I would like to conclude with some recommendations:
a) Urge the Parties to urgently resolve the impasse in Upper Nile state and appoint a Governor;
b) Prevail on the Parties to immediately reconstitute the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States;
c) Urge the RTGoNU to expedite and complete the unification of forces, produce the plans for the redeployment of the NUF, conduct comprehensive DDR, and to finalise the SDSR Board’s White Paper on defence policy;
d) Prevail upon the non-signatory groups to join the peace process and adhere to the terms of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (2017) and the Rome Declaration and Resolution (2020);
e) Encourage the RTGoNU and State authorities to initiate dialogue at the grassroots level across the country to better understand the drivers of community-based conflict, thereby taking steps to improve humanitarian access and civilian protection;
f) Urge the implementation of the Resource, Economic and Financial Management provisions envisaged in Chapter 4, including the Economic and Financial Management Authority, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Audit Chamber;
g) Support efforts to fast track the establishment of the Hybrid Court of South Sudanand engagement with RTGoNU on complementary transitional justice mechanisms, particularly in light of their ability to deal with human rights violations, including women’s rights violations; and
h) Urge that the RTGoNU embark on all aspects of the crucial constitution-making process without any delay.
24. As we move in to the third year of implementation, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the two years since the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement. Though not without challenges, progress has been made. Looking forward, we see that the timeline of Transitional Period is very busy and it is clear that much remains to be done in a short time. Therefore, the challenge to the RTGoNU is to ensure full implementation of the Agreement provisions and bring South Sudan further and faster down the road to enduring and sustainable peace.
RJMEC Chairperson: DDR process requires a holistic, comprehensive approach to succeed
The South Sudanese ownership of the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) is crucial and requires a holistic and comprehensive approach if it is to succeed, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has said.
SOUTH SUDANESE OWNERSHIP OF DDR PROCESS IS CRUCIAL SAYS RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON; ADDS “REQUIRES A HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUCCEED”.
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 17 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
SOUTH SUDANESE OWNERSHIP OF DDR PROCESS IS CRUCIAL SAYS RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON; ADDS “REQUIRES A HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUCCEED”.
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened a joint National Transitional Committee (NTC) and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration) coordination meetingon Thursday 17 September 2020 in Juba.
While speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said, “Without doubt, it is important that the DDR Commission catches up meaningfully because DDR process is a complex, lengthy, and costly undertaking. Consequently, it must be effectively managed, funded, and supported.”
Furthermore, he added, “South Sudanese ownership of the DDR process is crucial and requires a holistic and comprehensive approach if it is to succeed.”
The meeting brought together the Transitional Security Mechanisms, representatives from the AU, UN, Civil Society among other stakeholders. The meeting was intended, among other things, to recognise and address the importance of DDR as a National RTGoNU responsibility, to review the current status of the Republic of South Sudan DDR process, to identify priorities, methods of improving coordination between all stakeholders, and to identify and address the challenges in implementation of the DDR process.
Gen. Gituai said responsibility (of ensuring that the DDR process succeeds) lies with the RTGoNU (Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity), noting that “a well-coordinated DDR process, of which the relevant levels of government are clearly committed to, is potentially able to attract international funding to support activities.”
“But for that to happen, clear signals must be sent that the DDR process is functioning as it should, and that most importantly, that it provides real opportunities for ex-combatants as they return peacefully to civilian life,” he said.
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POST-CONFLICT CONSTITUTION- MAKING PROCESSES: LESSONS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOUTH SUDAN
POST-CONFLICT CONSTITUTION- MAKING PROCESSES: LESSONS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOUTH SUDAN
TWO YEARS ON: A LOT AT STAKE FOR THE R-ARCSS
The writer is Major General Charles Tai Gituai, the Interim Chair of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.
I would like to start by offering my congratulations to the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the people of South Sudan for Saturday 12 September, the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
REMARKS BY H.E. AMB. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL 905TH MEETING MONDAY, 27 JANUARY 2020 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council; Commissioner of Peace and Security;
Your Excellencies Permanent Representatives; Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen. Your Excellency,
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Let me start by wishing this Council a happy New Year.
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It is my honour, as the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), to address this Council today.
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My briefing to this Council today builds on the one I delivered on the 14th of November 2019 and will focus on the status of implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, highlighting challenges, my observations, and then I will conclude with recommendations.
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Your Excellency, you will recall that during my last briefing to this Council, I stated that while some progress had been made in the implementation of the pre-transitional tasks of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, a lot of work still remained to be done in order to achieve its full implementation. Indeed, that had been my message when I addressed this Council in October 2019, and unfortunately, this is
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still my message today despite mobilization of troops to cantonment sites and training centres.
Your Excellency,
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There are two critical pending tasks whose implementation is necessary for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on a solid foundation. They are the unification of forces and the resolution of the outstanding issue of the number of states and their boundaries. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on these two issues.
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Firstly, the unification of forces. I am encouraged that thousands of troops have reported to designated training centres, having been transported from cantonment sites. The joint training necessary to harmonise the combatants with the other organized troops as per the curriculum agreed on, is yet to begin. There are however preliminary training activities ongoing in some training centres while awaiting screening of all the forces, to enable the formal joint training of unified forces.
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Secondly, the issue of the number of states and their boundaries remains outstanding despite several efforts to resolve it. As per the directive of the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan convened two rounds of meetings in December 2019 and January this year. H.E. David Mabuza, the Deputy PresidenT of the Republic of South Africa, and the Regional Special Envoys facilitated these meetings. The second meeting adjourned on the 16thof January this year with a proposal to the Parties to consider the establishment of an Arbitration Committee to settle the matter. All the Parties were given a week to deliberate on the proposal.
Your Excellency,
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There are some other concerns worthy of mention. Firstly, although it is encouraging to note that the Permanent Ceasefire continues to hold, there have been violations of this Ceasefire in the area of Maiwut, in the Upper Nile area of South Sudan, caused by defection and change of loyalty by a commander of the SPLM/A-IO forces. The acceptance of this defection by the Government caused troops loyal to the defecting commander to clash with SPLM/A-IO forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar. These clashes resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of civilian population, hence a violation of the Permanent Ceasefire. I understand that the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO leadership have taken steps to address the situation in Maiwut.
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The second area of concern is the slow pace of implementation of the pre-transitional tasks due to delayed funding and the lack of effective coordination between the Agreement implementing Mechanisms.
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Funds were not availed to the implementing mechanisms until the 17th of December 2019, 35 days into the 100 days extension.
Furthermore, despite being jointly facilitated with an implementation workshop by the IGAD, AU and RJMEC, the implementing Agreement Mechanisms have not performed as expected.
Your Excellency,
11. In closing, and in view of the above, I would like to offer the following recommendations:
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a) that the Council appeals to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to continue providing the funds necessary for the implementation of the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks;
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b) that the Council urges the leaders of the Parties to the Agreement to ensure that implementation of the outstanding Pre-Transitional tasks is expedited to enable the RTGoNU to be formed in a timely manner;
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c) that the Council appeals to the Government and the Parties to the Agreement to compromise in order to resolve the outstanding issue of the number of states and their boundaries to enable the formation of the RTGoNU on a solid foundation;
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d) that the Council further appeals to the international community, Partners and Friends of South Sudan to continue supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement; and
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e) lastly, the Council remains seized with the matter.
I thank you.
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES TROOPS IN MAPEL TRAINING CENTRE, WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL: “LET US SEE YOU DEVELOPING THAT SPIRIT OF HONOUR, THE SPIRIT OF DUTY, THE SPIRIT OF COUNTRY.”
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 8 September 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC INTERIM CHAIR ADDRESSES TROOPS IN MAPEL TRAINING CENTRE, WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL: “LET US SEE YOU DEVELOPING THAT SPIRIT OF HONOUR, THE SPIRIT OF DUTY, THE SPIRIT OF COUNTRY.”
On 7 September 2020, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Major General Charles Tai Gituai, accompanied the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, H.E. Angelina Teny, and the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, H.E. Sarah Cleto Rial, on a visit to Mapel training centre in the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal. The high-level delegation paid the visit to the centre and gathered dignitaries to gain a clearer picture of progress in the unification of forces.
Addressing some 2000 gathered troops, General Gituai said: “I have been wearing that uniform for 41 years… and when I came here I saw you, I’m reminded of the old days when I was a young person like yourselves. And, it is a great honour for me to be able to address you.”
He explained: “One of the requirements for the implementation of the Agreement is the unification of the necessary forces… It is critical to have a unified force because a unified force signifies unification of a defence force which will be like any other military in the world.
Drawing on his long military career, General Gituai continued: “The most critical issue of training in my view for unification is character development… character development goes with the way you conduct yourself, (…) the issues of human rights, understanding issues of discipline and respect, and that spirit I am seeing here of camaraderie."
He explained: “A unified force is a guarantor of security of the country… a unified force is a guarantor of security of the people of South Sudan, and all over the world, even where I come from, militaries are the unifying factors in everything because it’s only the military where you find your brother does not necessarily come from your village… your brother soldier, the soldier next to you, is your brother, he is the one who will save you."
General Gituai closed his remarks in urging the troops: “Let us see that coming up. Let us see you developing that spirit of honour, the spirit of duty, the spirit of country.”
[ENDS]
Develop spirit of honour, duty and of the country, RJMEC Chair tells troops
The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Major General Charles Tai Gituai has on Monday (September 7th) accompanied the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, H.E. Angelina Teny, and the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, H.E. Sarah Cleto Rial, on a visit to Mapel training centre in the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal.
RJMEC EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR LOSS OF LIFE; APPEALS FOR RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, 26 August 2020, Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR LOSS OF LIFE; APPEALS FOR RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Following the recent security situation in the Equatoria region, RJMEC expresses regret and sympathy for the loss of lives and displacement of civilians, and calls on all sides to exercise restraint.
RJMEC further urges all signatories to fully implement the four key documents, namely, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) of December 2017, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of September 2018, the Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020. These documents provide the framework of the protection of civilians and sustainable peace and prosperity in South Sudan.
The Rome Declaration of January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of February 2020 in particular, contain affirmation from the Government Delegation and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), including NAS / General Thomas Cirillo, of their commitment to pursue dialogue.
It should be noted that the recent ambush in Lobonok is contrary to the letter and spirit of all these four documents, and any loss of life perpetrated by the signatories and non-signatories is in direct contravention and should be avoided at all costs.
RJMEC wishes to highlight in particular the following key provisions of the Rome Declaration of January 2020. That the signatories (inter alia):
- “Mindful of the unprecedented suffering of the people of South Sudan caused by the devastating civil war and the urgent need to cease hostilities”;
- “Reaffirm their will to foster political dialogue”; and
- “Commit/recommit and adhere to the CoHA of December 2017 to avoid any further armed confrontation across the country by signatories and non-signatories.”
Furthermore, the Rome Resolution makes clear that, by signing it, the following was agreed (inter alia):
- SSOMA becomes a member of CTSAMVM upon signing of the Resolution;
- SSOMA be represented in all CTSAMVM structures in equal numbers as the other warring parties; and
- SSOMA shall fully cooperate with CTSAMVM by allowing unconditional access for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation as well as humanitarian access.
Failure to respect and operationalise the provisions of the CoHA, the Rome Declaration and the Rome Resolution, risks further harm to the lives of citizens of South Sudan at a time when there are many challenges which require protection of civilians to be of paramount importance.
RJMEC appeals to all Parties to exercise caution, restraint and engage in dialogue in the spirit of respecting the agreements in order to achieve durable peace in South Sudan.
ENDS
CHANGE OF GUARD: H.E Maj. Gen. Gituai takes over RJMEC Chairmanship as H.E Amb Njoroge exits
At a ceremony held in Juba on 16 August 2020, an exchange of Instruments of Office took place between Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge, Outgoing Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, and Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, Incoming Interim Chairperson of RJMEC. This follows the recent appointment of Maj. Gen. Tai Gituai to RJMEC by the IGAD Heads of State and Government.
INAUGURAL SPEECH By H.E. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, the incoming RJMEC Interim Chairperson on the occasion of The Handover Ceremony for the Incoming Interim Chairperson of RJMEC 16 August 2020 Juba, South Sudan
Your Excellency Honourable Deng Dau Deng - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan
Your Excellency Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu – IGAD Executive Secretary
Your Excellency Gamal Goraish – Representative of the Chairperson of IGAD Your Excellency Dr. Ismail Wais – IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
Your Excellency Guang Cong – UNMISS DSRSG
Excellencies Ambassadors
Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge
Excellencies Representatives of the Parties
Stakeholders of the Peace Agreement
Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Adere – CTSAMVM Chairperson Distinguished Guests
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to start by offering my thanks to H.E. the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Government of South Sudan for the very warm welcome and reception I have so far received in this country. I also wish to take this very early opportunity to thank H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta for bestowing special trust and confidence in me by nominating me for this appointment. My gratitude and thanks also, to the IGAD Heads of State and Government for endorsing me as the Interim Chair of RJMEC.
I am honoured to be taking over from an accomplished General and diplomat and I would like to sincerely thank HE Amb Gen Njoroge for the detailed briefing and guidance that I received from him, as well as the RJMEC Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Advisers, and all staff of RJMEC in their various capacities.
I am taking over the responsibilities of the Interim Chair at a time when significant milestones have been achieved in the South Sudan peace process over the last four years due to your concerted efforts and sacrifice. It is my conviction that we have the resilience and zeal to build on this achievement and reinvigorate the implementation of the Agreement. I would like to assure you that RJMEC will continue to undertake its mandate and mission in the spirit of conviviality and a collegial atmosphere and; in this regard, I would wish to plead with all of you to provide me with the same level of support that you have been providing my predecessor.
I am coming from a military background and during my career, I was privileged to have served in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and Somalia (AMISOM). Both countries have undergone serious political and security challenges and share some similarities with South Sudan, since they are emerging from the devastating consequences of protracted conflict. It took IGAD mediation many years to achieve its first Somalia Transitional Charter. Comparatively, it took South Sudan a few years to agree on a Transitional Government of National Unity, which is a strong testament to the traditional dialogue and reconciliation spirit of the South Sudanese people, and particularly the contributions and sacrifices of women and the youth of South Sudan during these trying moments when South Sudan was undergoing these challenges.
History is replete with instances in which nations have drawn a curtain on a dark past of cyclical conflicts and civil strife despite formidable challenges; through a spirit of consensus, cooperation and collegiality. I believe that the framework of the Revitalised Agreement, provides a credible and fair basis and platform that lays the foundations of a sustainable peace to benefit the current and succeeding generations. The successful implementation of this agreement calls for our collective sacrifice and a consensus on the best options and approaches to make this nation peaceful and prosperous.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the very outset, I wish to recognize the outstanding contribution of the representatives of governments, international organizations, diplomatic community and the wider stakeholders who have been unwaveringly committed and continue to engage in the challenging undertaking of bringing about a genuinely inclusive and mutually negotiated political settlement to the crisis in South Sudan.
I also wish to pay special tribute to the representatives of governments and organizations whose support predates the current Agreement and whose critical contribution marked a turning point in the history of this country from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 which culminated in the independence of South Sudan and their subsequent support in 2015 and 2018 Agreements. Their immense contribution to the Revitalized Agreement and to RJMEC in particular, is indeed, remarkable.
I would like to point out the important roles played by our valued partners, the Troika, China, Japan, Canada, Sweden the EU, UNMSS, IGAD, AU and others. Recognizing that each of our organizations and institutions have unique expertise, instruments, and capacities, we therefore need to further integrate and harness our collective resources and potential, in order to leverage the situation in South Sudan.
As we may be aware, the peace process is undergoing a defining and testing phase, especially in light of the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic medical emergency, the recent locust invasion, and the current raging floods which compel us to galvanize continued and sustained support.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to once again convey my gratitude to H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit for creating an enabling environment for the Peace Process and for the significant progress registered so far. The recent positive and encouraging developments such as the appointment of state level governors, the continued holding of the Permanent Ceasefire between the Parties to the Agreement and the continued welcome compromises being made, which greatly impacts public trust and confidence; are indeed welcome as a way forward. However, more is needed as so much is to be accomplished in the Transitional Period.
On my part as the new Chair, I will endeavour to focus on giving strategic direction to the monitoring and evaluation mechanism, in overseeing the implementation of the Agreement within the procedural guidelines and mandate of RJMEC.
I commit myself to closely work with all of you and seek your guidance and support. RJMEC is committed to reach out to all stakeholders without exception and especially the wider constituency of the people of South Sudan as we jointly seek to oversee a successful implementation of the Revitalised Agreement as stipulated.
To my predecessor and mentor, I thank you for a job well done! As you walked through the sands of South Sudanese Peace Process, you have left a permanent and an indelible mark. You have earned your place in the pages of the history of this Country. I wish you every success in your future endeavours. May God Bless You, May God bless South Sudan.
I Thank You.