The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 5 October, 2023, convened its 32nd monthly meeting in Juba.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 5 October, 2023, Juba, South Sudan

LACK OF SUFFICIENT PROGRESS, CLARITY ON ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IS CREATING UNCERTAINTY

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 5 October, 2023, convened its 32nd monthly meeting in Juba.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Maj. Gen. Amb. Charles Tai Gituai said that in the five years since the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in 2018, “the Parties to the R-ARCSS have stayed the course of peace.”

However, with 14 months until the elections, Amb. Gituai said, “a lot of work still remains to be done to complete the critical pending tasks necessary to effect South Sudan’s democratic transition”, and continued,“it is imperative for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide to the people of South Sudan clarity on election preparedness.” 

The RJMEC Chairperson underlined that, “The lack of sufficient progress and clarity on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces, each of which is a critical pre-condition for smooth and successful elections, is creating uncertainty.”

Furthermore, the Interim Chairperson emphasised the need to conduct civic education, fast-track the permanent constitution-making process and promote political and civic space to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. As such, Amb. Gituai said, “it is incumbent on the country’s leadership to consolidate the peace dividends to all its diverse communities through a democratic transition.” 

Amb. Gituai noted the passage of National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), and its subsequent assent by the President, calling it a “an important step in realising the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan.”

In his recommendations to the meeting, he called on the Parties to the Agreement to dialogue among themselves and agree on the practical steps to fast-track the implementation of the Roadmap to ensure the timely conduct of elections, and ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains the minimum 35% threshold, including in the Constitution-making bodies and the other institutions and commissions being reconstituted.

He also called for completion of the unification and redeployment of forces and further urged the RTGoNU to provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms.

While updating the participants on his recent diplomatic engagements with the international community, Amb. Gituai said, it is “evident that there is much goodwill to support South Sudan in the pursuit of sustainable peace and development.”

“Therefore, expectations are that the Parties will adhere to the Agreement, increase the pace of implementation and demonstrate tangible progress in the completion of the critical pending tasks.”

ENDS

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

1.   I welcome you to the 32nd meeting of the RJMEC. On 12 September 2023, South Sudan marked exactly five years since the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed. The relative peace brought about by the R-ARCSS is a commendable achievement for which the people of South Sudan and the Parties to the Agreement are to be congratulated. The resulting stability has provided a more attractive enabling environment for investment, and increased infrastructural development, among others.

2.   Despite numerous challenges along the way, the Parties to the R-ARCSS have stayed the course of peace. However, a lot of work still remains to be done to complete the critical pending tasks necessary to effect South Sudan’s democratic transition. With 14 months left before elections, it is imperative for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to provide to the people of South Sudan clarity on election preparedness. 

3.   My statement this morning will provide updates on the most recent progress made in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement since our last meeting, RJMEC efforts to rally support for the South Sudan peace process, and I will conclude with recommendations.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

4.   First, governance. Overall, there has been some progress related to legislative reforms. The NCAC resumed its work at the beginning of September following its second six-month extension to enable the review and amendment of six pending laws.

Since the resumption of its work, the Committee has completed drafting amendments to the NGO Act 2016 and the Relief and Rehabilitation Act 2016 and has begun work on the Investment Promotion Act 2009. The NCAC will provide further details in its report.

5.   On 18 September 2023, the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) passed the National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was then assented to by H.E. the President. The enactment of this law is an important step in realising the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan. RJMEC urges the Parties to expedite the reconstitution of the National Elections Commission (NEC), and the RTGoNU to resource it adequately, to enable it undertake its tasks accordingly.

6.   On 25 September 2023, the reconstituted TNLA also passed the Bank of South Sudan Act 2011, (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Banking Act, 2011 (Amendment) Bill 2023. On 4 October 2023 the reconstituted TNLA also passed the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, (Amendment) Bill 2023. The recently passed bills are now awaiting Presidential assent into law.

7.      In terms of the judicial reforms process, the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) has unfortunately not been able to continue its planned public consultations in the States and Administrative Areas due to funding challenges. The JRC will provide us with more update in this regard. I appeal to the RTGoNU and all partners to consider supporting the JRC to continue its work and conclude its important mandate.

8.      Regarding security, on the unification of forces, despite food and other supplies having been procured and distributed to the Training Centres, as well as the deployment of regional assessment teams by the JTSC, there is no new progress to report regarding the redeployment of Phase I Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), nor the commencement of Phase II NUF training.

9.      Furthermore, the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process has not progressed due to the lack of funding, and the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) Board has not yet finalised the policy documents needed to guide the transformation of the security sector. I would like to hear an update from the RTGoNU and the SDSR Board on these pending tasks.

10.  Concerning ceasefire violations, there are skirmishes allegedly between the SSPDF and armed youth in Pochalla, Pibor Administrative Area, and further reports of National Salvation Front (NAS) attacks in Central Equatoria. I therefore request an update on the security situation from the Joint Defence Board (JDB).

11.  Despite CTSAMVM’s operational and administrative challenges, as reported at the last Plenary, its Monitoring and Verification Teams and Senior Liaison Officers have been operating effectively and have produced seven violation reports since April 2023. However, these reports have not been published because the CTSAMVM Technical Committee (CTC) and the Board have not met since then. These outstanding reports include one on the Wunkur incident, concerning armed clashes between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO along the common border between Panyikang County, Upper Nile State and Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA).

12.  In regard to resolving CTSAMVM’s operational and administrative challenges, IGAD has issued revised Terms of Reference for the CTSAMVM Chair and Board, and draft Terms of Reference for the CTC. RJMEC forwarded them to the Principals of the Parties, and the Chair of NTC, in the month of July, to effect the changes accordingly. I therefore appeal to the Principals to expedite the changes in the Terms of Reference and solve the matter of the CTC, as this would allow CTSAMVM to fully discharge its mandate of monitoring and verifying compliance of the Parties to the Permanent Ceasefire.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

13.  Regarding humanitarian affairs, and securing humanitarian access and establishing safe humanitarian corridors, it is concerning to hear of the loss of life of two drivers working for UNICEF in Yei, Central Equatoria State, on 23 September 2023. This brings the total to 24 humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty this year, according to UNOCHA. It is incumbent upon the RTGoNU to provide a safe and secure environment in which humanitarian assistance can be delivered. 

14.  In terms of guaranteeing the rights of refugees and returnees to return in safety and dignity, the increasing scale of humanitarian need, which has been deepened by the sudden influx of those fleeing the Sudan conflict, has resulted in an increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the border states. I therefore appeal to the RTGoNU and partners to provide further humanitarian assistance.    

15.  In terms of reforming the NGO Act 2016 to ensure that it complies with international best practice in regulating the activities of NGOs in South Sudan, it is welcome that the NGO Act Amendment Bill has been submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

16.  Regarding economic, resource and financial management reforms, the RTGoNU recently presented data on oil revenue and expenditure for FY 2022/23 to the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee, which is a welcome development. Additionally, operationalisation of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, 2011 will make further improvements to overall transparency and accountability in the financial sector. 

17.  Further, I would like to commend the RTGoNU for organising the National Economic Conference in September that provided direction for the country towards achieving a diversified, inclusive stable and sustainable economy. 

It is therefore important that the outcome document of this conference informs the nation’s economic development strategy going forward.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

18.  Regarding transitional justice, the bills for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) have been drafted and submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. I look forward to hearing an update on the next stages of processing of these bills from the RTGoNU.

19.  In terms of the Permanent Constitution Making Process, the Parties and Stakeholders have all submitted the lists of their representatives to the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and the Preparatory Sub-Committee of the National Constitutional Conference. This move is expected to pave the way for the reconstitution of the NCRC, which continues to be way behind schedule. I appeal to the President to expeditiously appoint the nominated NCRC members and reconstitute the Commission to commence its critical mandate.

Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

20.       Pursuant to RJMEC’s mandate, since our last meeting, I briefed the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on the status of implementation of the Agreement and encouraged them to fast-track the pending bills before the House. Further, I have had several engagements within the region, and internationally. I briefed H.E. Omar Ismail Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, and Chairperson of the Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government, on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, and stressed the need for IGAD to remain engaged on the South Sudan peace process, especially as the Parties prepare for elections. I also briefed Hon. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Foreign Minister of Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers.

21.       In addition, I briefed the visiting Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. Paul Mashatile, and I appealed to the Republic of South Africa, as the Chair of the AU C5, to rally its members to enhance their support to the peace process. At the international level, I briefed the Political and Security Council of the European Union in Brussels on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and appealed for their continued engagement in the South Sudan peace process. Similarly, I also briefed Mr. Andreas Kravik, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway in Oslo and provided an update on the status of implementation. I would like to thank EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen and Norwegian Ambassador Linken Berryman for their commitment and effort in ensuring the success of these visits.

22.       Throughout all my engagements, it was evident that there is much goodwill to support South Sudan in the pursuit of sustainable peace and development. Therefore, expectations are that the Parties will adhere to the Agreement, increase the pace of implementation and demonstrate tangible progress in the completion of the critical pending tasks. 

23.       With this in mind, I would like to make the following recommendations to the RTGoNU and the Parties to the Agreement:

a)    expedite the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission, and the National Constitutional Review Commission, all key institutions in the holding of free and fair elections;

b)    ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains the minimum 35% threshold, including in the Constitution-making bodies and the other institutions and commissions being reconstituted;

c)     complete the unification and redeployment of forces and provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms; 

d)    present the CTRH and CRA Bills before the TNLA for consideration and enactment without delay;

e)    the Parties to the Agreement to dialogue among themselves and agree on the practical steps to fast-track the implementation of the Roadmap to ensure the timely conduct of elections; and

f)     as elections approach, conduct civic education, fast-track the permanent constitution-making process and promote political and civic space to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. 

24.  In conclusion, the lack of sufficient progress and clarity on elections-preparedness, constitution-making, or unification of forces, each of which is a critical pre-condition for smooth and successful elections, is creating uncertainty. Given the achievement of having reached five years of relative peace, it is incumbent on the country’s leadership to consolidate the peace dividends to all its diverse communities through a democratic transition.

25.  I wish you fruitful deliberations. 

I Thank You!

RJMEC, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika and the EU are gravely concerned about the escalating ongoing violence, loss of life and reports of alleged use of heavy weaponry in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, by armed youth from Jonglei state. 

They urge involved parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise restraint and respect human rights. 

UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC call on South Sudanese leaders to urgently intervene to stop the fighting and ensure the safety and security of civilians as well as unimpeded humanitarian access to people affected by the fighting. They also emphasize the need to investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of the conflict, including those who are instigating and inciting violence and those responsible for the abduction of women and children.   

UNMISS and international partners strongly encourage national politicians and traditional leaders to persuade youth to immediately stop the violence and pursue a dialogue-based approach that focuses on restoring calm and peacefully resolving the root causes of the conflict. 

While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Transitional Government of South Sudan, UNMISS and international partners stand ready to provide all necessary support to protect civilians in affected areas. UNMISS is intensifying patrols in conflict hotspots and closely monitoring the situation, noting that such fighting has in the past led to significant loss of life and large-scale civilian displacement. 

UNMISS, AUMISS, IGAD, the Troika, EU and R-JMEC reiterate the call for an immediate cessation of this uncalled-for violence that poses a serious risk to the peace and stability of the South Sudanese people. They further request CTSAMVM to investigate the violence and urge the parties to the conflict to facilitate access.

The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai had successful diplomatic engagements with international partners in the Belgian and Norwegian capitals, Brussels and Oslo, respectively. 

The Chairperson of RJMEC Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai has on Monday 11 September 2023, held a fruitful meeting with President of the Republic of Djibouti and the Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti. 

By Amb. Maj Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, CBS

Today, 12 September 2023, we mark five years since the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed, ending years of internal armed conflict between the warring parties.

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 05 September, 2023, South Sudan

RJMEC BRIEFS PARLIAMENT, AND WITH A WEEK TO THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE R-ARCSS, NOTES SEVERAL CRITICAL BENCHMARKS REMAIN UNACCOMPLISHED

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has today Tuesday September 5, 2023, addressed the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (RTNLA) in Juba. 

In his briefing delivered pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitilised Peace Agreement, which mandates RJMEC to report quarterly to the Parliament and provide detailed update on the status of implementation of the Agreement, Amb. Gituai observed that: “Several critical benchmarks remain unaccomplished as outlined in the Roadmap, including the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, enactment and operationalization of legal frameworks and electoral processes in preparation for elections scheduled for December 2024.” 

The Chairperson further noted that “following the Phase I graduation of 55,000 troops between August 2022 and January 2023, there has been no further progress on the unification of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). The graduated forces are still in the Training Centres, yet to be redeployed and in dire need of logistical support.” 

“Additionally, there is no progress in Phase II of the unification of forces and the DDR process remains unfunded,” Amb. Gituai added. The Chairperson further provided Chapter-by-Chapter update on the Agreement, observing for instance, that on the humanitarian front, the disruption of trade routes between Sudan and South Sudan linked to the recent conflict has also negatively affected the supply of food and other essential goods into South Sudan, resulting in scarcity and increase in prices. 

Furthermore, he said, the long overdue establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) Board, remains a concern especially in view of increasing needs and dwindling funding for humanitarian support, recovery as well as the implementation of Chapter III of the Agreement.

The Interim Chairperson also reminded the lawmakers of their critical role in ensuring that relevant key legislations are prioritised for enactment in order to hasten implementation of the Agreement. These legislations include the National Elections Bill, the National Security Service Bill, Land Policy and Public Finance Management (PFM) legislation.

In his conclusion, Amb. Gituai noted that this month, September 2023 marks one year since the endorsement of the Roadmap and  five years since the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed.  “It is therefore, important to reflect on the road which we have traveled thus far in the implementation of the R-ARCSS.”

“It is critical to underscore the need for sufficient political will, commitment of resources by the RTGoNU and for the Parties to the Agreement to build trust and confidence.”   

ENDS

The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles tai Gituai has on Tuesday September 5, 2023, addressed the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (RTNLA) in Juba.

- Rt Honourable Speaker,

-                Rt Honourable Deputy Speakers,

-                Honourable Members,

-                Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning

1.    I am honoured, as the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), to brief the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). This briefing is pursuant to Article 7.9 of the Revitalised Peace Agreement which mandates RJMEC to report quarterly to and brief this august House. It therefore covers the second quarter of this year, from April 1 to  June 30, 2023. 

2.    During this period, I had the opportunity to brief H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, Presidentof the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr Riek Machar, First Vice President, H.E. Dr William S. Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and the United Nations Security Council on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS. 

3.    In addition, I attended the 14th Ordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government in Djibouti, and held substantive discussions with H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD and H.E. Dr Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan. The focus of the RJMEC’s engagements highlighted above was to provide a detailed assessment on the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, raise concerns over the slow pace of implementation and highlight risks associated with the parties’ inability to complete implementation of the critical benchmarks required for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in 2024. I also appealed for more support to the South Sudan peace process.  

4.    In light of the aforementioned, my briefing to this august House is a summary of the RJMEC Quarterly Report which was earlier forwarded to you. I will provide a chapter-by-chapter update on the status of implementation for the reporting period, highlight critical pending tasks in the Roadmap, particularly those critical for the conduct of elections, reflect on the recurring challenges and conclude with recommendations. 

Rt Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members.

5.    In terms of governance, some progress has been made by the ad hoc Judicial Reform Committee (JRC)  pursuant to its mandate of studying and making recommendations to the RTGoNU for consideration on appropriate judicial reforms in the Republic of South Sudan. To that end, the JRC held regional public consultations in three States in the country in June 2023 so as to incorporate stakeholders’ perspectives to enrich its report. 

6.    The mandate of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) tasked by the R-ARCSS to draft, amend and review legislation which lapsed in May 2023 was extended by the RTGoNU for an additional six months to enable the Committee to complete its tasks. The following are the pending legislation to be reviewed and amended by the NCAC: the Non-Governmental Organisation Act, the Investment Promotion Act, the Mining Act, the Transport Act, the Pension Fund Act, and the Telecommunication Act.

7.    On national elections, the Roadmap of the R-ARCSS provides that elections are to be held in December 2024. For this to happen, legal, security and institutional frameworks for holding credible elections should be in place by now. These benchmarks include, among others, enactment of the National Elections Bill, and reconstitution and full operationalization of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Political Parties Council (PPC). The National Elections Amendment Bill is before this august House for consideration to pave the way for reconstitution of the National Elections Commission. 

8.    Progress towards operationalisation of the Political Parties Council has been slow despite the enactment of the Political Parties (Amendment) Act in June 2022. The Political Parties Council is a crucial institution for the registration of political parties and will, among others,  help to protect political and civic space for citizens' participation in all spheres of governance. 

9.    Regarding the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, RJMEC observes that the Permanent Ceasefire has continued to hold. However, CTSAMVM reported two violations to RJMEC and IGAD regarding detention of an SPLA-IO officer and National Salvation Front (NAS) attack on SSPDF in Central Equatoria State. Clashes between civilians were also reported in the Malakal Protection of Civilians site. 

10.   Following the Phase I graduation of 55,000 troops between August 2022 and January 2023, there has been no further progress on the unification of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). The graduated forces are still in the Training Centres, yet to be redeployed and in dire need of logistical support. Additionally, there is no progress in Phase II of the unification of forces and the DDR process remains unfunded.  

11.   Despite the aforementioned setbacks, there has been some progress in the enforcement of accountability among the SSPDF who commit crimes against civilians. For example, the SSPDF conducted a General Court Martial (GCM) in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, which heard 29 cases. These accountability efforts culminated in convictions for murder, rape, sexual harassment, and loss of weapons and ammunitions. 

12.   The National Police Service (NPS) and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA) in collaboration with the University of Juba are implementing police reform initiatives. Furthermore, the National Police Service Directorate of Community Policing, launched the Voluntary Civilian Disarmament Strategy, which aims at voluntary disarmament of communities and enhancement of their protection.

13.   On humanitarian assistance, the onset of rains and the influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan have exacerbated the already severe humanitarian needs in the country. This is compounded by the cumulative effects of prolonged intercommunal conflicts, long-term flooding and high levels of food insecurity. The disruption of trade routes between Sudan and South Sudan has also negatively affected the supply of food and other essential goods into South Sudan, resulting in scarcity and increase in prices. The overall humanitarian situation is worsened by shortage of basic services and limited funding to cover over nine million people already in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in South Sudan.

14.   The long overdue establishment of the Special Reconstruction Fund (SRF) Board remains a concern especially in view of increasing needs and dwindling funding for humanitarian support, recovery as well as the implementation of chapter III of the Agreement. The purpose of the Special Reconstruction Fund is to avail funding to support, among others, reconstruction as well as relocation, resettlement and reintegration of the IDPs and returnees. 

Rt Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,

15.   On the management of economic and financial resources, progress has been slow in implementing the provisions aimed at improving the systems geared to the efficient management of public funds. These systems must be put in place in a timely manner to ensure that the resources, financial or natural, are beneficial to the people of South Sudan.

16.   South Sudan is experiencing challenges in land administration in defining the roles of the existing institutions at national, state and local government levels. Currently the country relies on the pre-independence 2009 Land Act, while each state has its own land policies, laws and regulations. The RTNLA is required to adopt the reviewed Land Policy which will go a long way in addressing challenges in the land sector, including land grabbing, boundary disputes, conflicts over access to pasture. Consequently, RTNLA should prioritise land related legislation to support these reform efforts. 

Rt Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,

17.   There has been slow progress in implementing Public Financial Management reforms. It is critical that this august House expedites the enactment of the bills to support these reforms. As a result, a considerable number of provisions in this area have missed their benchmark dates as indicated in the Roadmap. There is need for transparency and accountability in order to attract international support for the execution of South Sudan’s sustainable peace and development agenda.

18.   Regarding transitional justice, the RTGoNU convened a conference under the theme Building a Sustainable Transitional Justice System for South Sudan in May 2023 in Juba. The Bills for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority have been drafted and submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval before presentation to this august House for enactment.

19.   In terms of the permanent constitution-making process, a critical requirement for the conduct of elections and post-transition governance arrangements, very little progress has been made in the operationalization of the Constitution Making Process Act 2022. This august House passed this Bill and was assented to by His Excellency the President, in December 2022. The institutions required to drive the process forward, such as the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) is still not reconstituted and the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) and the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) are not yet established.

Rt Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members,

20.   In conclusion, during the period under review, very little was accomplished with regard to improving the overall pace of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement. Overall, tasks related to the permanent constitution-making and electoral processes have stalled, and critical benchmarks outlined in the Roadmap are yet to be implemented.   

21.   In light of the aforementioned, the report makes the following recommendations:  

21.1.    To the Parties to the Agreement and Relevant Stakeholders, submit lists of their nominees to the various Constitution-making mechanisms; 

21.2.    To the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity:

a.    expeditiously reconstitute the NCRC and establish the Preparatory Sub-Committee and other relevant mechanisms for the constitution-making process to proceed;

b.    urgently expedite the establishment and operationalization of the relevant constitution-making institutions and mechanisms;

c.     complete the review of the CTRH and CRA Bills and forward them to the RTNLA for enactment;

d.    provide basic services to citizens to promote the relocation, resettlement and reintegration of IDPs and returnees; and

e.    expeditiously establish the Special Reconstruction Fund Board to pave way for the convening of the South Sudan Pledging Conference. 

21.3.    To this august House, expedite the deliberation and enactment of all the outstanding bills before you, including the National Elections, the National Security Service (NSS) and the Public Finance Management (PFM) Bills. 

22.   In conclusion, I would like to note that this month of September marks exactly one year since the endorsement of the Roadmap. More importantly, in a week’s time, on 12 September, South Sudan will be marking exactly five years from the day the Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed. It is therefore important to reflect on the road which we have traveled thus far in the implementation of the R-ARCSS. Despite this journey, several critical benchmarks remain unacomplished, including the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution, enactment and operationalization of legal frameworks and electoral processes in preparation for elections scheduled for December 2024. 

23.   In this regard, it is critical to underscore the need for sufficient political will, commitment of resources by the RTGoNU and for the Parties to the Agreement to build trust and confidence.  

24.   On RJMEC’s part as the oversight institution of the R-ARCSS, it shall continue to monitor, evaluate and report on the status of implementation of the R-ARCSS pursuant to its mandate, as envisaged under Chapter 7.  

I Thank You!

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 10 August, 2023, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC HOLDS MONTHLY MEETING ONE YEAR AFTER ROADMAP ENDORSED; MANY MILESTONES STILL TO BE ACHIEVED

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday 10 August, 2023, convened its 31st monthly meeting in Juba.

Speaking during the opening of meeting, the RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Major General Charles Tai Gituai, said that this meeting marks the first anniversary of the endorsement of the Roadmap by the Parties, and therefore “we should take stock on what has been achieved, what is pending, and what needs to be done in the remaining time of the extended Transitional Period.”

Noting that elections are due in December 2024 according to the Roadmap, the RJMEC Chair then gave a chapter by chapter assessment of the critical pending tasks, reaching the conclusion that “it is evident that many milestones are still to be achieved, and yet it is barely 16 months away from elections.”

Amb. Gituai informed the meeting: “Regarding preparations for elections, in addition to the amendment of the national election law and reconstitution of the National Elections Commission,  all the other tasks, including the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council, and establishment of election management structures at the sub-national levels, are still pending.” Furthermore, regarding the unification of forces, the RJMEC Chair added, phase one of the Necessary Unified Forces has graduated but not yet been redeployed, and phase 2 is yet to commence.

With this in mind, Amb. Gituai invited the RJMEC members present to reflect on whether the implementation of the critical pending tasks is on track, and at the appropriate pace? Further, the RJMEC Chair asked, “will the pre-requisites for free and fair elections be implemented within timelines? And how?”

In closing, the RJMEC Chair gave his recommendations regarding key elections-related tasks, given the time remaining.

a)    expedite the reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and the National Constitutional Review Commission;

b)    expedite the enactment by the Transitional National Legislature of the National Elections Act, paving the way for the reconstitution of a credible and impartial National Elections Commission;

c)    expedite the completion of the unification of forces, and provide adequate resources to the Security Mechanisms;

d)    provide timely and sufficient resources for the implementation of all the critical pending tasks of the Revitalised Agreement;

e)    encourage the expansion of political and civic space for all South Sudanese to take part in the conversations surrounding their participation in the political process; and

f)    ensure that women’s representation in the political process attains minimum 35%, including in the Constitution-making bodies.