The Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan—James Wani Igga ; The UN Deputy SRSG- Mr Moustapha Soumare

The Chairperson of the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission-  Chuol Rambang Luoth; Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning! I bring you greetings on behalf of our Chairman His Excellency Festus Mogae.

1. It is an honor to address you all gathered here today as we celebrate the International Day of Peace. 

2. Indeed, this day is very timely as we have in recent weeks witnessed the beginning of a new chapter, a renewed opportunity for building lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.

3. It has been more than 15 months since the start of the revitalization process, which brought together parties to the Peace Agreement and other estranged groups in pursuing dialogue to end the ongoing conflict. 

4. The Process has come a long way, starting from our internal deliberations within JMEC, which resulted in the Chairman recommending to the IGAD Council of Ministers the revitalization of the ARCSS. It is our hope that we can finally see an end to the conflict; one which has undoubtedly divided and destroyed the country. 

5. We are confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things. 

6.  We in JMEC are optimistic at this opportunity that has been presented to the People of South Sudan to find lasting peace and emerge from years of conflict to a liberated future.

7. Let’s be clear, there is still a lot of hard work to be done both during the pre-transition and transition periods to make the dream of Peace a lasting reality. This includes but is not limited to the setting up of key Agreement Institutions, the freeing of prisoners of war, cantonment of forces, and the building of a new national army.

8. Now is the time for all the parties to recommit themselves with the same vigor and energy shown during the negotiations to the difficult implementation tasks that lie ahead. The long suffering people of South Sudan deserves no less of a commitment from their leaders.

9. The people long weary of the conflict appear to have thrown their support behind the revitalized agreement. They therefore should not be dissapointed.

10. It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict. 

11. This must necessarily involve taking swift punitive action against any and all spoilers and violators of the Peace Agreement. 

12. The Parties should know that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment this time around. 

13. The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!

14. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict. 

15. When the country suffers, we are all affected. When the economy struggles to support an already stretched population, we are all affected. 

16. When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us. 

17. We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity.  

18. So let me encourage all of you to take up the responsibility of being an ambassador of peace to everyone that you meet. Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us. 

19. JMEC for its part reiterate its commitment to fully discharge our mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate implementation of the Reviltalised Agreement.    

20. To that end we seek the support of all the stakeholders to work together in pursuing our common goals of having a country unburdened by war and conflict, and contributing to the advancement of a proud and prosperous South Sudan.

God bless you all, God bless the people of South Sudan, 

Thank you very much

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has appealed to the people of South Sudan to embrace working together for the good of the country and further stated that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict in South Sudan. 

While addressing dignitaries and attendees at the celebrations for UN International Day of Peace at the Nyakuron Cultural center in Juba on Friday 21st September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of Staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine added that when the country suffers, everyone is affected.

“As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict”. 

In his remarks, which preceded remarks made by H.E the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan; Dr Wani Igga, Dr Fontaine urged everyone present to be an ambassador of peace to everyone they meet. “Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us”, he said.  

“When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us”. 

While speaking about the just concluded Peace talks, He stated that JMEC was confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. “Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things”, he added.  

Dr Fontaine further reminded the parties that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement this time around. “The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!” he said. 

“We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity”, he added. 

He further stated that JMEC for its part reiterates its commitment to fully discharge its mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.    

“It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict”, he concluded.  

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has urged women in the country to put aside their differences, unite and push for their representation in the various levels of government and provisions in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS)

Speaking during a women peace march held in Juba on Wednesday 19th September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine said “You must devise ways of remaining engaged in ensuring that the Revitalized Agreement is implemented. The time to set aside differences that divide us and move forward together as one is now”. 

The women peace march was organized by the Women Monthly Forum, the South Sudan Peace Commission, UNMISS and JMEC and brought together about 300 women from various women organizations in Juba. The special Advisor for gender in the office of the president Honorable Rachel Nyabak was the guest of honor. 

In his remarks, Dr. Fontaine further commended the efforts by the Parties who in spite of their differences, have agreed to work together for the benefit of the country. “We urge the Parties to be true to their commitment and to heed the cries of the people who are in desperate need of peace and rebuilding their lives”, he added. 

Furthermore, He also noted that the just-concluded High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) process had been inclusive and that it had particularly ensured women were consulted in the pre-forum stages as well as given more opportunities for representation among the delegates to the talks. 

 “It is now time for all the women in the country, to unite and together push for their representation, participation and inclusion in the various levels of government, and in the decision making processes to ensure that not only are their voices heard, but also their contribution in the search for peace is being felt”, Dr. Fontaine said. 

He reiterated that JMEC remains committed in not only discharging its mandate of monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, but also in promoting women participation in the peace process. 

“We in JMEC know that encouraging women to be part of the peace process will significantly increase the chance of success in implementation and reduce the likelihood of returning to war”, he added. 

“Let us then work together to realize this Peace dividend, which can ultimately translate to growth and development in the country”, he concluded. 

Your Excellency, Dr Abiy Ahmed, Chairperson of IGAD and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; 

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of IGAD;

Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the AU Commission;

Your Excellency, the Executive Secretary of IGAD; 

Honorable Ministers;

Excellencies; 

Ladies and Gentlemen; 

1. It is my singular honor to address this august body today. This Summit, is particularly important for me, personally, for three main reasons. 

a. Firstly, today we are coming to the conclusion of the High-Level Revitalization Forum;

b. Secondly, today will be my last address to your excellencies as the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC);

c. Third, and most importantly, today we hope to begin a new chapter, a renewed opportunity for building lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

2. As we come to the conclusion of the High-Level Revitalization Forum, allow me to start by congratulating the South Sudanese Parties and Stakeholders, who have been involved in this process for the last fifteen (15) months. 

3. Allow me also, to commend the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the High-Level Facilitators, and the Mediators of the Khartoum phase of the HLRF, for their role and contribution that has made this process a success.

4. In particular, I want to acknowledge the contribution of my staff, the JMEC members of the HLRF taskforce, without whom this progress may not have been achieved as timeously as has been the case. 

5. The HLRF process has come a long way, starting from our internal deliberations within JMEC culminating in my recommendation and the historic decision taken, by this Assembly during its 31st Extra-Ordinary Summit on 12th June 2017 to convene the Forum. 

6. This process has taken us to different capitals of the region and beyond, and has endured many challenges, but most importantly it has registered remarkable successes, notably;

a. the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (CoHA) signed in December 2017 here in Addis Ababa;

b. the various agreed texts, initialed by the Parties here in Addis Ababa;

c. the different bridging proposals developed by the Facilitators, that helped the parties to narrow areas of disagreement;

d. the face-to-face meetings between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar held here in Addis Ababa, at Khartoum and at Entebbe;  

e. the Khartoum Declaration of Permanent Ceasefire, of June 27, 2018;

f. the agreements on the outstanding governance and security arrangements signed in Khartoum; and

g. finally, the revitalized ARCSS initialed in Khartoum on August 28, 2018.

7. It important to underline that the HLRF process has afforded all the parties and stakeholders every opportunity, to make their case and reach compromises.  The outcome we are witnessing today is therefore a reflection of a thorough and inclusive process.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. On a personal note, I believe that by now, your Excellencies have received my letter of intention to step down as the Chairperson of JMEC at the end of this month. I do so with a sense of gratitude and indebtedness to you, but also of pride.

9. I am proud of the many challenges we collectively overcame as JMEC members in discharging our mandate over the last two years and eight months. 

10. When I was appointed Chairperson of JMEC in November 2015, I was excited because I saw it as an opportunity to make a contribution, however modest, to help this youngest African nation to end what is clearly a senseless conflict, and to work with them to build a lasting peace. 

11. My understanding was that, having signed the Agreement the parties were committed to peace, and were willing to implement the agreement. 

12. My role, as I understood then, would be to monitor, evaluate, report on progress or lack thereof to IGAD, AU and UN Security Council, and recommend remedial measures to the implementer - the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). But I was wrong.

13. From day one, I found myself having to mediate between the Parties and persuade and cajole them to implement every single provision of the Agreement, sometimes involving fresh negotiations. There was also a mistaken impression on the part of some, that I was to enforce the implementation of the Agreement. 

14. Nonetheless, some progress was made, particularly in establishing institutions which will form a foundation for the implementation of the revitalized Agreement.

15. I am also proud, that we recommended the revitalization of the ARCSS 2015 and today we conclude with a more inclusive peace agreement. This revitalized agreement, if fully implemented, promises sustainable peace and prosperity in the Republic of South Sudan.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

16. I owe much gratitude to your Excellencies, the leaders of IGAD for entrusting me with this noble responsibility, and for the trust and confidence reposed on me and support extended during my time as JMEC Chairperson.

17. I am also very grateful to all JMEC members, the regional and international partners and friends of JMEC, for their support and cooperation.

18. In addition, I thank the JMEC staff and secretariat, including the partners supporting JMECs operations and logistics, for making my work possible. 

19. I leave behind a viable JMEC Secretariat, well-equipped and poised, to effectively discharge its responsibility. This has been demonstrated by their role as the core of the Special Envoy’s Task Force for the High Level Revitalization Forum.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

20. As I conclude, it is my earnest hope that the signing of the revitalized peace agreement will herald a new chapter for the Republic of South Sudan. 

21. With a bent knee and cap-in-hand, I appeal to my South Sudanese brothers and sisters, especially the leadership of the Parties, not to squander this opportunity again.

I Thank you.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) outgoing Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae, on Wednesday appealed to the South Sudan parties not to squander the opportunity to bring lasting peace in South Sudan.

The former President of Botswana was speaking at the 33rd Extra Ordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa. The main agenda of the meeting, was the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) by all Parties.

In his last speech to the Heads of State as the Chairperson of JMEC, President Mogae said, “It is my earnest hope that the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement will herald a new chapter for the Republic of South Sudan”.

“It is important to underline that the HLRF process has afforded all the parties and stakeholders every opportunity, to make their case and reach compromises.  The outcome we are witnessing today is therefore a reflection of a thorough and inclusive process”, he added. 

In addition, the President also noted the immense contribution and involvement from various stakeholders that had made the Revitalization Forum a success. In particular, he applauded the South Sudanese parties and Stakeholders, the IGAD Council of Ministers, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, the High-Level Facilitators, the Mediators of the Khartoum phase of the HLRF as well as the International Partners.

“In particular, I want to also acknowledge the contribution of my staff, the JMEC members of the HLRF taskforce, without whom this progress may not have been achieved as timeously as has been the case”, he stated.

While making the remarks, the outgoing Chairperson also used the opportunity, to thank the IGAD Heads of State for his appointment as the Chairperson of JMEC in 2015 as well as the support extended to him during his tenure. He noted how proud he was of the many challenges that the JMEC members had collectively overcome in discharging the mandate of monitoring and evaluating the progress of the implementation of the 2015 Peace Agreement, over the last two years and eight months.  

“I am also proud, that through my leadership, we recommended the revitalization of the ARCSS 2015 and today we conclude with a more inclusive peace agreement. This revitalized agreement, if fully implemented, promises sustainable peace and prosperity in the Republic of South Sudan”, he added.

President Mogae steps down as the JMEC Chairperson at the end of September.