Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 17 November, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONVENES MONTHLY MEETING, CALLS FOR HEIGHTENED SENSE OF URGENCY AND FOR RTGONU TO AVAIL PREDICTABLE, TIMELY AND ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR ALL ROADMAP TASKS

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) on Thursday, 17 November, 2022 convened its first monthly meeting of the RJMEC members since the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Public of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was extended.

The extension to the Transitional Period was agreed at an Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC held on 1 September 2022, in which the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) presented its Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end of the Transitional Period of the R-ARCSS.

In his statement to the RJMEC members, Ambassador Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai (rtd), the Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, told the meeting participants that several steps forward have been made since the last ordinary meeting of RJMEC, which was held in July. Those steps include the commencement of the graduation of forces, with around 80% of phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces graduated. Additionally, the Constitution-making Process Bill has been passed by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature.

However, despite the progress noted, the RJMEC Chair urged the RTGoNU, among other things, to “Prioritise implementation of the Roadmap tasks within the given timelines, and avail predictable, timely and adequate funding for all Roadmap tasks.”

The Chair stressed the need for heightened urgency: “The people of South Sudan, who are the primary beneficiaries of this Peace Agreement, have waited a long time to reap the benefits of peace. It is therefore of utmost importance to implement the Roadmap in letter and spirit.”

In concluding his statement, he told the meeting that “the RTGoNU must demonstrate the urgency, the unity of purpose, the commitment, the extra effort and political will required to implement the tasks outlined in the Roadmap as scheduled.”

Furthermore, he appealed to the RJMEC members, saying: “you as RJMEC members, individually and collectively, need to enhance your approaches in engaging the RTGoNU and the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms with a strong focus on facilitating progress.”

Amb. Maj Gen Gituai closed his statement by saying “Finally, there is need for us to consolidate our efforts, speak with one voice, and bring all our collective pressure to bear and push for the timely implementation of the Roadmap, thereby creating the conditions for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.”

[END]

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. MAJ GEN (rtd) CHARLES TAI GITUAI CBS INTERIM CHAIRPERSON - RJMEC TO THE 24th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING 

Thursday, 17 November 2022, Juba, South Sudan 

Honourable Ministers, 

Excellencies, 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Good morning. 

1. I welcome you all to the 24th meeting of the RJMEC. Since the last regular meeting of the Plenary, which was in July, we have seen a number of notable things. Key among them include: 

a. phase 1 of the graduation of forces has begun and continues in earnest with approximately 42,500 out of 53,000 graduated; 

b. the Constitution-making Process Bill, among others, was passed by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature and is awaiting assent of the President; 

c. implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has entered its fifth year with sustained efforts towards peace, despite the many challenges; 

d. the Parties have all agreed on a 24-month extension of the Transitional Period with a clear Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic Elections at the end; 

e. the RJMEC pronounced itself on the Roadmap with clear recommendations on steps to be taken in order to ensure that critical tasks outlined in the Roadmap are implemented as scheduled. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

2. As you may all be aware, the Roadmap contains tasks which are already being implemented, and there are others which should have been completed by now. RJMEC has therefore been keenly monitoring the progress or lack thereof in the implementation of the Agreement since our last meeting, and I hope that you all received a copy of our most recent quarterly report covering this period. 

3. My statement this morning will therefore focus on the most recent developments in the implementation of the Roadmap since our last plenary, highlight progress made, challenges faced, upcoming tasks and deadlines for the RTGoNU and conclude with RJMEC efforts and recommendations. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen 

4. First, governance. In the recent period, we have seen the passing of numerous pieces of legislation by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature, including the SSPDF Bill, the Wildlife Service Bill, the National Police Service Bill, the Political Parties Bill, the Constitution-making Process Bill, and the ratification of the Roadmap. This is welcome progress. I urge that the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature now shifts its focus to other outstanding pieces of legislation. 

5. Since its reconstitution in May 2022, the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC) has made significant progress drafting amendment bills, four of which have already been submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and it has made progress in the review of the National Elections Act, 2012. The Chairperson of the NCAC will give us more details this morning. 

6. With respect to judicial reforms under Article 1.17 of the R-ARCSS, the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) continues to work independently in sub-committees, as well as in plenary meetings. They have begun consultations with the judiciary, and other rule of law institutions on areas of judicial reforms. Some progress is therefore being made in this regard, albeit with many challenges, including lack of resources. 

7. The restructuring and reconstitution of the Institutions and Commissions at the national level, as per article 1.19, is pending. As this process gets underway, it is important to pay particular attention to the mandate and appointments to ensure their independence and accountability. Further, it is imperative that these Institutions and Commissions are staffed with personnel with the necessary merit and technical expertise, as well as having an appropriate gender balance. 

8. On the subject of elections, the Roadmap indicates that they are scheduled to take place in December 2024. For smooth and successful elections to take place, it is imperative that the following crucial tasks are fully implemented: 

1. a. provision of an enabling environment for elections, including the opening and preserving of civic and political space for all, to build confidence and participation in the process; 
2. b. the making of the permanent constitution upon whose provision elections will be conducted; 
3. c. completion of the unification and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF); 
4. d. reconstitution of the Political Parties Council and its immediate operationalisation; 
5. e. amendment of the National Elections Act, 2012 to conform to the terms of the Peace Agreement and reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct elections; 
6. f. implementation of programmes for relief, protection reconstruction, repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of refugees, IDPs and returnees; 
7. g. Early preparations for election processes, including voter registration and thereafter publication of the voters register six months prior to elections; and 
8. h. preparation by all security forces for elections-related security tasks at least six months before the end of the Transitional Period. 

Therefore, among the numerous other important tasks that the Roadmap details, I urge particular focus on these tasks outlined above. 

9. Next, security. Since the last ordinary Plenary, as I mentioned at the outset, graduation of the forces has begun in earnest. Despite all the challenges of resources and logistics, it is commendable that around 80% of Phase 1 of the Necessary Unified Forces have graduated. The Parties to the R-ARCSS and the RTGoNU leadership are to be commended for this, and we acknowledge all those friends and partners who provided support in this process. 

10. In line with the Roadmap deadlines, it is noted that redeployment of graduated NUFs was to have taken place by 30 September 2022. However, this is still pending, and I have been informed that they have instead been returned to their training centres, and have not received any salary. Furthermore, commencement of Phase 2 of forces currently in Cantonment Sites and barracks was to have begun by 30 September 2022. I look forward to receiving an update on these matters from the Joint Defence Board. 

11. It is also important to note that there are still some key issues regarding the Transitional Security Arrangements to be completed requiring particular focus, including; 

a. Finalisation of the Strategic Defence and Security Review documents; 

b. Provision of clear and predictable funding for the DDR Commission and its programmes; and 

c. A clear plan for the management of weapons from troops going to training centres. 

12. CTSAMVM continues to monitor and report violations of the Permanent Ceasefire, despite current operational challenges. I have written to the responsible Parties about the violation reports, including for example, Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Koch and Leer Counties of Unity State, and the torture and killing of three civilians in Kiri Boma of Kajo Keji County, Central Equatoria State. These reports were submitted to RJMEC by CTSAMVM, calling for action. RJMEC wrote to the responsible Parties, but until now, despite the seriousness of these violations, no response has been received on the action taken. I would therefore like to remind the Parties of their responsibility to respond to RJMEC in accordance to the Agreement. 

13. On the Rome peace process, some SSOMA groups were to have declared their forces to CTSAMVM, and integrated their monitors into its structures. This has not happened so far, and I would like to hear more on the Rome process from the RTGoNU. 

14. Regarding humanitarian affairs, flooding continues to compound the dire humanitarian situation. According to OCHA, over 1 million people are verified as affected by torrential rains and flooding in 36 counties across South Sudan. Overall, the magnitude and severity of humanitarian needs continues to rise, due to the cumulative effects of prolonged community-based conflicts, widespread flooding, and high levels of food insecurity. Also of concern is the safety and access of humanitarian workers and their assets. This year, it is sad to note that eight humanitarian workers have lost their lives in South Sudan. 

15. According to the Roadmap, the Special Reconstruction Fund programme and a detailed action plan for the reconstruction of conflict affected states and other areas was to have been established by 30 August 2022, and provided with initial funding of not less than USD 100 million per annum. This is important as it paves the way for convening the South Sudan pledging conference. In this regard, I would like to remind you of the 11 July Communique of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which strongly encourages the RTGoNU to “expedite the establishment of the Board for Special Reconstruction Fund (BSRF), so that the AU Commission, the UN and IGAD, working in collaboration with the Government, can expeditiously organize the South Sudan Pledging Conference.” Bearing this in mind, I urge the RTGoNU to expedite the establishment of the SRF without delay. 

16. On Chapter 4 on Resource, Economic and Financial Management, some progress has been registered in the management of petroleum resources, and reforms are ongoing. Furthermore, agricultural policies and strategies and programmes are being developed. Overall, however, public financial reforms have been slow. Audits designed to enhance the transparent management of the petroleum resources (such as the cost recovery audit and environment audit) are yet to be completed. However, the audit of the Government’s Financial Statements has commenced. Furthermore, the Roadmap highlights provisions related to the management of financial resources, due to be completed by 22 November 2022. This includes the review of the banking laws, appointment of the Auditor General, and review of the Fiscal and Financial Allocation Monitoring Commission. I look forward to receiving an update from on the activities of the Public Finance Management Oversight Committee from the Hon. Minister of Finance this morning. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

17. On Chapter 5, transitional justice, public consultations to help guide the legislation establishing the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) are ongoing. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is reviewing an interim report based on the consultations thus far, and has begun drafting the CTRH bill. According to the Roadmap, however, the CTRH legislation was expected to have been promulgated by 30 October, and its activities to have commenced by the end of November. This indicates that the process is behind schedule. 

18. The Ministry of Justice is also undertaking consultations with partners on good practices that will inform the Compensation and Reparation Authority legislative framework that responds to the South Sudanese context. I urge the Ministry to complete these processes and initiate these legislations for public and Parliamentary discussion. In terms of the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, I appeal to the RTGoNU and the African Union to expedite its establishment. 

19. Regarding the Permanent Constitution Making Process, the Constitution Making Process Bill 2022 was passed by the reconstituted Transitional National Legislature last month, and is now awaiting the President’s assent to become law. I appeal to H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to assent to this bill to pave the way for the reconstitution of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and establishment of the Preparatory Sub-Committee for the convening of National Constitutional Conference. Under the Bill, the Parties and other Stakeholders to the Agreement shall nominate and submit a list of their nominees to the taskforce within 30 days after the coming into force of the Bill. 

20. The Reconstituted NCRC will then recruit the members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). I urge the Parties and stakeholders’ groups, who will be represented in the various constitution making bodies, to begin considering their nominees accordingly. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

21. Since the last Plenary, I have held a number of consultations with the leadership of the RTGoNU, including the First Vice President, and all the four Vice Presidents and Cluster Heads to discuss the status and prospects of implementation of the Roadmap. They expressed their commitment to the implementation of the Roadmap. I also consulted with H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, about the South Sudan peace process, and to explore additional ways in which IGAD can marshal support and enhance its visibility in the implementation of the Roadmap. 

22. Even though the implementation is still within the Agreement period, part of which is covered by the Roadmap, progress has been slow and there is need for urgency. According to our evaluation of the Roadmap, of those tasks meant to have been started or completed by November, only 50% have been implemented, or are ongoing. With that in mind, I would like to make the following recommendations to the RTGoNU: 

a. Prioritise implementation of the Roadmap tasks within the given timelines; 

b. Avail predictable, timely and adequate funding for all Roadmap tasks; 

1. c. Expedite the enactment of all outstanding bills; 
2. d. Complete phase 1 graduation and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, and commence with phase 2, which is overdue; 
3. e. Fund DDR programmes as an essential component of unification of forces; and 
4. f. Fast track the establishment and operationalisation of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. 
5. 23. In conclusion, with the adoption of the Roadmap, it is vital to stress the need for heightened urgency. The people of South Sudan, who are the primary beneficiaries of this Peace Agreement, have waited a long time to reap the benefits of peace. It is therefore of utmost importance to implement the Roadmap in letter and spirit. I would also like to reiterate the critical role of this Commission, and our collective responsibility to monitor and evaluate the Agreement implementation. 
6. 24. It is my conviction that peaceful and democratic elections are possible at the end of the 24-month extension period, if we all change our approach and strategy. I would like to close with the following points. 
7. a. First and foremost, the RTGoNU must demonstrate the urgency, the unity of purpose, the commitment, the extra effort and political will required to implement the tasks outlined in the Roadmap as scheduled; 

1. b. Secondly, you as RJMEC members, individually and collectively, need to enhance your approaches in engaging the RTGoNU and the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms with a strong focus on facilitating progress; 
2. c. Thirdly, it is incumbent on you, RJMEC members, to enhance your oversight approach through the RJMEC Working Committees, which includes RTGoNU representatives, to identify and flag key priority tasks that require the RTGoNU’s early attention and action; and 
3. d. Finally, there is need for us to consolidate our efforts, speak with one voice, and bring all our collective pressure to bear and push for the timely implementation of the Roadmap, thereby creating the conditions for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. 

I Thank You. 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has released its latest quarterly report on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The report covers between 1st July to 30th September 2022. 

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3VG7ARn 

Honourable Members, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

1.   As Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, it is my responsibility to communicate the outcome of today’s Extraordinary plenary.

2.   You, the RJMEC members, have deliberated and pronounced yourselves on the Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.’ 

3.   Two questions were asked. The first:

“Do you as RJMEC members wish to make a decision on the extension of the Transitional Period today, or after three (03) months to give the RTGoNU time for consultations with the citizens before any extension? 

35 voted in favour of making the decision today, while 3 voted in favour of extending by three months. 4 members did not vote. 

On the second question:

“Do you as RJMEC Members Consent or Not Consent to the extension of the Transitional Period, effective 23rd February 2023 to 22nd February 2025?” 

4.   The result was as follows: 37 out of 42 members present today voted in favour, 4 did not vote while one was absent. 

5.   Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS requires that at least two-thirds of the voting members consent to an amendment.  Therefore, according to the procedures set out in the Revitalised Agreement, the motion is CARRIED.

6.   The proposed amendment to Article 1.1.2, which extends the Transitional Period and term of RTGoNU until 22nd February 2025, now requires ratification by the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislature, according to the constitutional amendment procedures set out in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan - TCRSS, 2011 (as amended).

7.   As a next step, I will be submitting our decision and the accompanying resolution to the RTGoNU to consider RJMEC’s position and recommendation in this regard. Amongst the key observations made are as follows: 

• The new spirit of cooperation exhibited by the Parties in the agreement on the Roadmap, ending of SPLM/A-IO boycott of the Reconstituted TNLA, graduation of the first batch of the Necessary Unified Forces, as well as recent breakthroughs achieved in the meetings of the Presidency is welcomed. 

8.   I would like to encourage the Parties to continuously dialogue, work together to enhance the rebuilding of trust and confidence in the peace process, by taking concrete steps to address all the key impediments to progress in the implementation of the Agreement.

9.   We identified a number of tasks in the Roadmap, whose deadlines have already passed, and in this regard I wish to urge the RTGoNU to review and update the timelines in the Implementation Matrix contained in the Annex of the Roadmap for tasks whose timelines have already passed prior to its submission to the reconstituted TNLA.

10.        About the concerns expressed over the limited nature of the consultations conducted prior to the development of the Roadmap, I  urge the RTGoNU Parties to implement the Roadmap in an inclusive manner, including by continuously consulting with all relevant stakeholders, and civil society actors, during its implementation. 

11.        Finally, I urge the RTGoNU to demonstrate full and unwavering political will and commitment to implement all the priority tasks set out in the Roadmap, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and to implement additional interim measures, including an economic recovery plan to improve the current business environment.

I Thank You.  

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Sunday, 12 September, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

4TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REVITALIZED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN (R-ARCSS)

Four years ago today, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed. This is a significant milestone marking the momentous journey that South Sudan is on. 

If we recall recent history, armed conflict broke out in July 2016 within one year of the signing of the 2015 Peace Agreement, and barely two months after the first coalition government was formed. By contrast, implementation of the R-ARCSS is now entering its fifth year, and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) is just over two-and-a-half-years old. 

This is an important achievement, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), as the institution responsible for the overall oversight of the implementation of the Peace Agreement, congratulates H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, First Vice President, and the four Vice Presidents and the diverse peoples of South Sudan in general.

In recent weeks, we have seen two notable events in particular. Firstly, the graduation of the first batch of the unified forces. The unification of forces is the backbone of the Agreement, and one of the key building blocks promoting national unity, reconciliation, and community cohesion. The momentum generated should be maintained and Phase II of unification should commence as quickly as possible.

The second notable event is the vote by the RJMEC members to extend of the Transitional Period by two years, so it would expire in February 2025 after the holding of free, fair and credible elections. The extension was part of a Roadmap presented to the RJMEC members by the RTGoNU, known as the “Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.” 

The Roadmap makes it clear that much remains to be implemented across all chapters of the Peace Agreement, and we cannot ignore the fact that the need for this Roadmap arose directly because of the slow pace of implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Therefore, as we mark the four years since the Agreement’s signing, RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to redouble its efforts and implement the Roadmap fully in letter and spirit. As it does so, we urge it to bear in mind that more confidence and trust building across society is needed, and that improved inclusivity and extending and protecting the political and civic space for all South Sudanese to participate in their governance is also needed.  

Furthermore, instability in the states detracts from gains made in peacebuilding. RJMEC reminds the RTGoNU that the preamble of the Revitalised Peace Agreement talks of “laying the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” and this is truly a laudable goal which must apply to each and every citizen of South Sudan equally  

God Bless South Sudan. 

ENDS

BY Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai

On Thursday 1 September 2022, a historic vote took place at an Extraordinary Plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). The vote was on whether or not to extend the Transitional Period and term of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) by two years from 23rd February 2023 until 22nd February 2025. 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) welcomed the graduation of the first batch of the South Sudan Necessary Unified Force (NUF) as historic, and an important milestone as envisaged under Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

The members of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has on Thursday September 1, 2022, voted to extend the Transitional Period and term of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) by two years from 23rd February 2023 until 22nd February 2025.

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. MAJ GEN (RTD) CHARLES TAI GITUAI  INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 2ND EXTRAORDINARY RJMEC MEETING, THURSDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER 2022, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Honourable Members, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

1.   I welcome you all to the 2nd Extraordinary meeting of the RJMEC. As you may recall, the 1stExtraordinary meeting of RJMEC was held about three and a half years ago, on 19th February 2019, during which the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) presented its detailed budget, roadmap, financing needs and status of the implementation of the Pre-Transitional activities, as well as financial and other challenges impeding implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

2.   Pursuant to Article 7.12 of the R-ARCSS, RJMEC is mandated to hold regular meetings, and to convene Extraordinary meetings as may be required. Accordingly, and as per rule 3.2 of the Rules of Procedure of RJMEC, I have convened today’s Extraordinary meeting for members to deliberate and pronounce themselves on the Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.’ Hereafter, the ‘Roadmap’.

3.   At this point, I would like to congratulate the Parties to the R-ARCSS and the RTGoNU leadership upon the significant milestone achieved two days ago with the graduation of the first batch of the National Unified Forces. As I said in my remarks at the ceremony, the graduation of the almost 22,000 unified forces was a remarkable achievement. There is now an urgent need to build on the momentum generated by completing graduation of Phase I in Greater Bahr el Ghazal and Greater Upper Nile, and proceed with Phase II of the unification of forces.   

Honorable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

4.   In the 9 December 2021 RJMEC Plenary meeting, the RJMEC members through Resolution 2 acknowledged the growing concerns over the slow pace of implementation of the R-ARCSS, and recommended to the RTGoNU “to develop a clear roadmap and timeline for the implementation of the critical pending tasks in the remaining period of the Transitional Period.” The need for a roadmap and strategy was further endorsed in the 10 February 2022 RJMEC Plenary meeting, and Resolution number 6 records that the RTGoNU committed to develop and present a clear roadmap towards elections at the end of the Transitional Period in due course. In particular, tasks lagging behind included the unification of forces, the making of the permanent constitution and enactment of crucial bills to facilitate implementation of other provisions of the R-ARCSS which are prerequisites for the conduct of peaceful, credible and democratic elections at the end of the Transitional Period.  

5.   In response to the RJMEC’s request, the RTGoNU developed a roadmap, which was endorsed by its Council of Ministers on 5 August 2022. It was then submitted to RJMEC on 10 August 2022, along with the Council’s Resolutions, both of which have been shared with you all. 

6.   The Roadmap seeks to extend the Transitional Period and term of office of the RTGoNU for twenty-four months, which requires the amendment of Article 1.1.2 of the R-ARCSS. As you are aware, Article 8.4 of the R-ARCSS provides for the procedure for any amendment of the Revitalised Agreement. Specifically, it states that provisions of the R-ARCSS may be amended by the Parties with at least two-thirds of the members of the Council of Ministers of the RTGoNU, and at least two-thirds of the voting members of RJMEC consenting to the amendments, followed by ratification by the reconstituted TNLA in accordance with the procedure for Constitutional amendment under the TCRSS 2011 (as amended).

Honorable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

7.   In my opinion as Chair of RJMEC, the criteria against which the Roadmap can be evaluated should include whether: 

a)   it contains the critical tasks that the RTGoNU will implement to secure lasting peace in South Sudan and for the conduct of a peaceful and democratic end of the extended Transitional Period;

b)   it is consistent with the R-ARCSS, which remains the supreme document; and

c)    the timelines are realistic and clearly benchmarked for the implementation of the critical pending tasks of the Agreement. 

8.   These criteria, and any other issues members may raise, should be the focus of our deliberations today. 

Honorable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

9.   In conclusion, following RJMEC’s request, and having received the Roadmap from the RTGoNU, I invite all members to deliberate and pronounce themselves on the Roadmap, including the requirement for amending article 1.1.2 which would extend the Transitional Period for twenty-four months.  

10.        I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I Thank You.

REMARKS BY H.E. AMB. MAJ GEN (RTD) CHARLES TAI GITUAI INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC AT THE GRADUATION OF THE UNIFIED FORCES

TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST 2022

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

·      H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; 

·      H.E. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairperson of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan and Chair of IGAD;

·      H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda;

·      H.E. Dr Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan;

·      H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President and representative of South Sudan Opposition Alliance;

·      Excellencies Vice Presidents of the Republic of South Sudan;

·      Distinguished representatives of the Governments of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania. 

·      Hon. Tut Gatluak Manime, Chairperson of NTC,

·      Hon. Ministers, 

·      Excellencies Ambassadors

·      Distinguished Guests, 

·      Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good afternoon! Asalamu Aleykum!

1.   It gives me great pleasure to speak at this historic event in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Today’s graduation of the first batch of the Necessary Unified Forces, is an important milestone as envisaged under Chapter II of the Agreement. 

2.   As the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, the institution responsible for the overall oversight of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, I do not take this occasion lightly, given the challenges which the Parties encountered in the unification of forces.  

3.   In this regard, I would like to congratulate H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny, First Vice President and all the Four Vice Presidents, for making this leap forward. I also commend the National Transitional Committee, the Joint Defense Board (JDB), the Joint Transitional Security Committee and the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission for working collectively to achieve this milestone.

4.   I would also like to commend H.E. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fatteh al Burhan, Chairperson of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan and Chairperson of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government and other IGAD Heads of State and Government, for their unwavering efforts and commitment to support the South Sudan peace process. 

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.   This graduation ceremony today symbolizes national unity, the spirit of patriotism, loyalty to the constitution and to the country. The unified forces reflect the national character of the people of South Sudan. 

6.   I would like to congratulate the graduating unified forces for their endurance, commitment and determination to serve the country as members of the security forces. As professional, apolitical security forces, the spirit of comradeship, discipline, espirit de corps and loyalty that you have developed during your training should serve as your guiding values as you get redeployed to your respective units.  

7.   Let this spirit of unification of forces be one of the building blocks in promoting national unity, reconciliation and cohesion which should be emulated across the country. The unified forces will enable the realization of a united, secure, peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

8.   As I have always said, the unification of forces is the backbone of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite the challenges, this graduation is a testament and a clear indication of the determination by the Government of Republic of South Sudan to stay the course of peace. 

9.   However, despite this achievement, we have a long way to go to attain full unification of forces, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ineligible candidates for the unification. We expect this momentum to be maintained and Phase II of unification to commence as quickly as possible.  

10.  I also take this opportunity to commend the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity for positively responding to the RJMEC’s request and prepared a Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. RJMEC has now scheduled an extraordinary meeting for this Thursday for the members to deliberate on the Roadmap.

11.  As I conclude, it is my sincere hope and expectation that this graduation will also provide a timely boost to the overall implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement going forward. Much remains to be done across all the chapters of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, especially in the Permanent Constitution-making process, legislative reforms and the necessary preparations for free, fair and credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period. 

12.  I appeal to you all to build on this momentum that the graduation provides.

I Thank You. 

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Thursday, 01 September, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC CONVENES EXTRAORDINARY PLENARY, VOTES TO EXTEND TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND RTGONU TERM

Today, 1 September 2022, the members of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) voted to extend the Transitional Period and term of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) by two years from 23rd February 2023 until 22nd February 2025.

Article 8.4 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) requires that at least two-thirds of the voting members consent to an amendment of the Agreement, which is 29 of the total 43 members. 37 voted in favour of the extension. 

The extension was part of a Roadmap presented to the members by the RTGoNU, known as the “Agreement on the Roadmap to a Peaceful and Democratic end to the Transitional Period of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”

The RJMEC vote now requires ratification by the Transitional National Legislature, according to the constitutional amendment procedures set out in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic South Sudan, 2011 (as amended).

As the next step, the RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai will submit the decision and the accompanying resolution to the RTGoNU to consider RJMEC’s position and recommendation in this regard. 

In his closing statement, Amb. Maj Gen Gituai said: “I would like to encourage the Parties to continuously dialogue, work together to enhance the rebuilding of trust and confidence in the peace process, by taking concrete steps to address all the key impediments to progress in the implementation of the Agreement.”

“About the concerns expressed over the limited nature of the consultations conducted prior to the development of the Roadmap, I  urge the RTGoNU Parties to implement the Roadmap in an inclusive manner, including by continuously consulting with all relevant stakeholders, and civil society actors, during its implementation,” he added. 

He concluded, “I urge the RTGoNU to demonstrate full and unwavering political will and commitment to implement all the priority tasks set out in the Roadmap, in accordance with letter and spirit of the Revitalised Peace Agreement to implement additional interim measures, including an economic recovery plan to improve the current business environment.”

ENDS

Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Tuesday, 30 August, 2022, Juba, South Sudan

GRADUATION OF UNIFIED FORCES, AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS 

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) welcomed the graduation of the first batch of the South Sudan Necessary Unified Force (NUF) as historic, and an important milestone as envisaged under Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Juba on Tuesday 30 August, 2022, RJMEC Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said: 

“As I have always said, the unification of forces is the backbone of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite the challenges, this graduation is a testament and a clear indication of the determination by the Government of Republic of South Sudan to stay the course of peace.”

“This graduation ceremony today symbolizes national unity, the spirit of patriotism, loyalty to the constitution and to the country. The unified forces reflect the national character of the people of South Sudan.” 

While congratulating the graduating unified forces ”for their endurance, commitment and determination to serve the country as members of the security forces,” Amb. Gituai said: 

“As professional, apolitical security forces, the spirit of comradeship, discipline, espirit de corps and loyalty that you have developed during your training should serve as your guiding values as you get redeployed to your respective units.”

“Let this spirit of unification of forces be one of the building blocks in promoting national unity, reconciliation and cohesion which should be emulated across the country. The unified forces will enable the realization of a united, secure, peaceful and prosperous South Sudan,” he added. 

However, despite this achievement, Amb. Gituai noted, “we have a long way to go to attain full unification of forces, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ineligible candidates for the unification. We expect this momentum to be maintained and Phase II of unification to commence as quickly as possible.”

He concluded, “It is my sincere hope and expectation that this graduation will also provide a timely boost to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement going forward.” 

“Much remains to be done across all the chapters of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, especially in the Permanent Constitution-making process, legislative reforms and the necessary preparations for free, fair and credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period.”

ENDS