IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD TO IMPROVE WITH AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, 17 December, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRE-TRANSITIONAL PERIOD TO IMPROVE WITH AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
With the release of funds to the R-ARCSS mechanisms, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has expressed confidence that significant progress will now be made in implementing Pre-Transitional period critical tasks within the remaining 65 days.
Speaking during the 12th RJMEC monthly meeting in Juba on Tuesday, the Interim Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“It is my expectation that the government will continue to release funds in a timely manner to the NPTC throughout the extension period. Furthermore, I also expect that the issues of accountability and transparency will be addressed.”
He said timely implementation (of pending tasks) requires political will, leadership and predictable release of the necessary funding.
The Interim Chairperson said that it is “deeply regrettable” that the implementation of the critical tasks of the Pre-Transitional period has ”failed to live up to expectation” in 2019.
Ambassador Njoroge said two key pending issues critical to the successful implementation of the Pre-Transitional activities and the establishment of the RTGoNU on a solid foundation remain outstanding. These are the unification of necessary forces and the resolution of the number of States and their boundaries.
“To be specific, no screening, no selection and no training has taken place. This is of course, is very disappointing,” he said.
The Interim Chairperson also welcomed the face-to-face meetings between Dr. Riek Machar and H.E. President Salva Kiir, and other stakeholders, saying these meetings contribute in the resolution of outstanding issues and build further confidence amongst the Parties.
“I call upon the key principals to the Agreement to continue their engagement to ensure that progress is made,” he said.
ENDS
Compromise for the sake of the country, RJMEC tell Parties on states, boundaries
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has reiterated the criticality of resolving the number of states and their boundaries before the end of the expended Pre-Transitional Period of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
RJMEC stresses on transparent utilization of R-ARCSS implementation funds
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has called for prudent management and utilization of funds meant for the implementation of the remaining critical pre-transitional tasks of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE UTILISATION OF R-ARCSS IMPLEMENTATION FUNDS CRITICAL
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STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC TO THE 11th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER 2019 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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I welcome all of you to the 11th RJMEC meeting. I would like to convey my apologies for the cancellation of the previously scheduled meetings, which were set for the 5th and 7th of November. At that time, events were moving fast with parallel initiatives taking place and were all demanding our attention.
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As you may recall, on the 7th of November, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda convened a Tripartite meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, which was attended by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan, and Dr Riek Machar Teny, the Chairperson of SPLM/A-IO. Also in attendance was H.E. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Kenya’s Envoy to South Sudan.
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I am sure you are aware that the Tripartite meeting, among other things, agreed on an extension of the Pre-Transitional Period by 100 days to allow for the completion of the critical pending tasks, and agreed to establish a mechanism from the Guarantors and the Parties to supervise the implementation of the critical tasks.
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On the 9th and 10th of November, two key meetings took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that is the IGAD Ministerial Consultation with the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and the IGAD Council of Ministers’ meeting respectively. Both meetings endorsed the resolution reached in Entebbe.
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In my statements at these meetings, and also to the African Union Peace and Security Council on the 14th of November, I emphasized the importance of the full implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks to lay a firm foundation for the establishment of the RTGoNU, to avoid the repeat of past mistakes, and to demonstrate the commitment of the Parties to the implementation of the Agreement in letter and spirit.
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As you are all aware, there are critical tasks still outstanding, such as the enactment of the requisite laws, unification of necessary forces, resolution of key issues like the number and boundaries of States and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States. I therefore appealed that our focus should be placed on ensuring the completion of these critical pending tasks.
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I further underlined the importance of consolidating the gains that have already been made in the peace process. We must all take steps to ensure that the RTGoNU, once formed, is inclusive, effective, and will focus solely on full implementation of the Transitional Tasks of the Agreement, rather than be distracted by unaccomplished tasks of the Pre-Transitional period. Additionally, I strongly emphasized the lack of funding, which is a fundamental impediment to the implementation process.
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That said, I was pleased to note that the Parties’ agreement on endorsing the 100 days extension was reached without objection and that the spirit of compromise was demonstrated by the Parties in Addis Ababa, and by the leaders at the Tripartite meeting in Entebbe. As we move forward, I urge that all political leaders in South Sudan follow this exemplary show of flexibility and compromise, both of which are critical to the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. As you may recall the IGAD Council of Ministers instructed “the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan in collaboration with R-JMEC, CTSAMVM and the African Union Commission to urgently organize a workshop for security mechanisms in Juba, to agree on a roadmap with clear timeline for the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements within the one hundred (100) days extension.”
10. I am pleased to report that this workshop was convened on the 18th and 19th of November in Juba. The main outcome was that each mechanism finalized its action plan and a budget for the 100 days extension. The mechanisms are now fully seized of their priorities and will present to you shortly.
11. Additionally, the workshop agreed on a weekly coordination meeting of the heads of the mechanisms, chaired by the NPTC, to assess implementation progress. It was also agreed that the JDB will convene weekly meetings with the mechanisms. These meetings will be attended by representatives of the RJMEC Secretariat and CTSAMVM.
12. The mechanisms have now streamlined and harmonized their workplans and should be able to effectively coordinate their activities. Going forward, I expect that their reports to the RJMEC will strictly highlight the progress being made in line with their action plans, and that any challenges will be addressed in a timely manner.
13. With these arrangements in place and with disbursement of funds to the mechanisms, I expect to see renewed impetus in the delivery of the critical pending Pre-Transitional tasks.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. Let me remind this meeting of the critical pending tasks, which are - Chapter 1: the resolution of the number of States and boundaries, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States; enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill; enactment of the amended security and governance laws; agreement on the allocation of ministerial and deputy ministerial portfolios; and nomination ofparties’ representatives to the Transitional National LegislativeAssembly.
15. In Chapter 2, the outstanding issues relate to demilitarization of all civilian centres; cantonment of all forces; registration, screening, selection, training and redeployment of the Necessary Unified Forces.
16. I am pleased to note that the IGAD Special Envoy has been directed to facilitate a meeting of the Parties to resolve the issue of the number of states and their boundaries, and any other outstanding issues pertaining to the establishment of the R-TGoNU. I am also pleased to say that the IGAD Special Envoy is seized of this matter and has made plans to hold these meetings. I appeal to the Parties to compromise and resolve all the outstanding issues.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. I welcome reports of the deposit of an additional USD 40 million to the NPTC account and I want to thank His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit and his government for honouring the commitment to make available the remaining balance of the US $100 million pledged in May. I hope that these funds will be availed immediately to the mechanisms to enable them to expedite implementation of their action plans. I must also emphasize that the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of the availed funds is of paramount importance.
18. As a priority, I urge that some funds be used to immediately purchase and deliver food and supplies to cantonment sites to address the unfortunate situation of troops without basic supplies leaving the sites. Likewise, any in-kind donations that are held up in Juba should be delivered to their intended cantonment sites without any further delay.
19. Lastly, with the 100 days already ticking, I urge the region and the international community to present a unified voice in support of the full and timely implementation of the Peace Agreement as we move forward.
20. Now as much as ever, regional and international support is needed, and I continue to urge that financial and in-kind support be considered and extended without delay. In this regard, I would like to thank and appreciate all those who have already provided support to the implementation of the Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
21. In view of the above, my recommendations are as follows:
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a) The NPTC to immediately release the requisite funds to the implementing mechanisms and set up a follow up mechanism to ensure accountability and transparency;
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b) The Tri-partite mechanism agreed on in Entebbe should immediately commence its work;
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c) The IGAD Special Envoy should urgently convene meetings of the Parties to resolve all the outstanding issues;
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d) All security mechanisms should adhere to their action plans;
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e) Tasks that do not cost money should be completed without further
delay;
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f) Encourageregularface-to-facemeetingsofthetopleadershipofthe
Parties to the Agreement during the 100 days extended period;
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g) Appeal to the IGAD Heads of States and Government and the
Council of Ministers to remain closely engaged;
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h) The IGAD Special Envoy to expedite his engagement with the hold
out groups; and
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i) TheConstitutionalAmendmentBillandotherrelevantlawstobe enacted without any further delay.
22. In closing, I expect the meeting today to consider the action plans developed by the different mechanisms for the 100 days, and provide guidance on steps that should be taken to ensure that all the outstanding critical tasks are completed in a timely manner.
23. Finally, I look forward to attending the Ordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa this Friday 29th November 2019.
24. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
The clock is ticking, says RJMEC as joint security mechanism workshop comes to a close in Juba
A two-day jointworkshop convened together by RJMEC, IGAD, AU Commission and CTSAMVM for the Revitalized Peace Agreement security mechanisms came to a close on Tuesday.
Public Finance Management critical to the effective use of resources in Transitional Period
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commision (RJMEC) has highlighted that the review of the Public Finance Management (PFM) laws will facilitate the effective implementation of the reforms that the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTOGNU) will undertake during the Transitional Period.
THE CLOCK IS TICKING, SAYS RJMEC AS JOINT SECURITY MECHANISM WORKSHOP COMES TO A CLOSE IN JUBA
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
THE CLOCK IS TICKING, SAYS RJMEC AS JOINT SECURITY MECHANISM WORKSHOP COMES TO A CLOSE IN JUBA
A two-day jointworkshop convened together by RJMEC, IGAD, AU Commission and CTSAMVM for the Revitalized Peace Agreement security mechanisms came to a close on Tuesday.
The workshop was aimed at agreeing on a roadmap with clear timelines for the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements within the one hundred (100) days extension" of the Pre-transitional period.
Speaking during the closing ceremony n Juba, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino said:
“All of us know that time is against us, and this should keep us focused on achieving the tasks that have unfortunately held up the formation of the RTGoNU (Reconstituted Government of National Unity), on a solid foundation.”
He added, “Similarly, I would like to remind all of you of the need to fine-tune your budgets and keep them realistic, and to implement activities according to principles of transparency and accountability. I also urge the Mechanisms at the same time to focus on the implementation of tasks that do not cost money.”
“The clock is ticking, and your work and commitment to the people of South Sudan is clear and much needed,” he said.
Ambassador Njoroge reiterated on the importance of funding for the tasks identified by the Mechanisms.
“I continue to urge the Government to release the necessary funding so that the plans deliberated at this workshop can be put into action without any delay,” he said.
“One day without funding is one day wasted, and surely the release of funds is a strong indicator of political will,” he concluded.
ENDS
PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT CRITICAL TO THE EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCE IN TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
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CLOSING REMARKS BY H.E. AMB. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE RJMEC INTERIM CHAIRPERSON IGAD / RJMEC / CTSAMVM / AU COMMISSION JOINT SECURITY MECHANISMS WORKSHOP Tuesday, 19 November 2019 Juba, South Sudan
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon.
1. It is my pleasure to offer some closing remarks to this workshop. When the workshop began yesterday, we were under no illusions about its importance, and what it was supposed to achieve. I am pleased to say that we are satisfied that the objectives of the workshop have broadly been met, and that the Mechanisms have worked well to contribute to the workshop’s outcomes.
2. Now that each mechanism has its own updated plan of action setting out priorities, critical tasks, key milestonesandcost estimatesfor the duration of the extension, I cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to them. All of us know that time is against us, and this should keep us focused on achieving the tasks that have unfortunately held up the formation of the RTGoNU, on a solid foundation. Similarly, I would like to remind all of you of the need to fine tune your budgets and keep them realistic, and to implement activities according to principles of transparency and accountability as I urged yesterday in my opening address to the workshop. I also urge the Mechanisms at the same time to focus on the implementation of tasks that do not cost money.
3. I once again reiterate the importance of funding for the tasks identified by the Mechanisms. I continue to urge the Government to release the necessary funding so that the plans deliberated at this workshop can be put into action without any delay. Again I said yesterday, one day without funding is one day wasted, and surely the release of funds is a strong indicator of political will.
4. That said, I must welcome the outcomes of this workshop. The Coordination Mechanism you have developed sounds equal to the task. A weekly meeting of the Mechanisms, involving the senior leadership together with the NPTC, is very important. Also of importance is the weekly working coordination meetings planned jointly with the JDB. I also welcome the invitation that a member of RJMEC Secretariat and CTSAMVM attend these meetings. By the same token, I urge that the JDB plays a full role at its highest levels throughout the extension period. However, I must point out that coordination mechanisms such as these, are only as good as the effort you put into them to function and achieve what they are supposed to.
5. In closing, I urge all of you not to relent in your pursuit of achieving what is needed to form the RTGoNU on a solid foundation. The clock is ticking, and your work and commitment to the people of South Sudan is clear and much needed. I wish you luck as you proceed.
6. Finally, let me express my thanks and appreciation to the IGAD Special Envoy, the Co-Convenors of this workshop, the facilitators, the Mechanisms, and all who in one way or another participated.
Thank you.
Lack of resources hampering remaining critical tasks, says RJMEC
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) has decried lack of requisite funds that hinder the implementation of critical tasks of the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan.
RJMEC: LACK OF FUNDS IMPEDING REMAINING CRTITICAL TASKS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday, 18thNovember, 2019 , Juba, South Sudan
RJMEC: LACK OF FUNDS IMPEDING REMAINING CRTITICAL TASKS
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) in collaboration with IGAD, CTSAMVM and the African Union Commission have on Monday 18thNovember, 2019, convened a two-day workshop for the Revitalized Peace Agreement security mechanisms in Juba.
This follows the IGAD Council of Ministers communiqué on 10thNovember, 2019, which among other things, "...instructed the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan in collaboration with R-JMEC, CTSAMVM and the African Union Commission to urgently organize a workshop for security mechanisms in Juba to agree on a roadmap with clear timeline for the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements within the one hundred (100) days extension" of the Pre-transitional period.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, RJMEC Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“We all understand that without funds, not much can be implemented. The timely and predictable flow of funds is paramount.”
He added: “RJMEC has consistently called for the release of funds and continue to urge the ITGoNU (Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity) to immediately release the requisite funding, in the understanding that one day without funding is a day lost.”
The Interim Chairperson gave the following recommendations for the NPTC and the Security Mechanisms during the 100 days extension:
a) Each mechanism should adhere strictly to the activities and timeframe as set out in the respective work plans;
b) Each mechanism should have the highest regard for cost effectiveness and transparency;
c) The NPTC should establish dedicated budget lines for each mechanism, and set up an account for each, which would promote accountability and transparency according to the letter and spirit of Article 1.4.8;
d) Each mechanism should account for the funds it has received to date;
e) Each mechanism should establish and commit to an effective and realistic system of coordination between all the various mechanisms to avoid duplication of effort and ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resources; and
f) Each mechanism should develop a standardised and regular reporting system so that progress can be clearly evaluated against benchmarks.
The workshop is expected to identify, prioritize, sequence and cost critical tasks to be accomplished by each mechanism during the 100 days extension, and determine specific timelines for the accomplishment of outstanding tasks.
ENDS