World Press Freedom Day 2019: RJMEC roots for free media in S. Sudan
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2019 OBSERVED IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, 3 May 2019, Juba, South Sudan
World Press Freedom Day 2019 observed in Juba
As the world marks this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has emphasized on the importance of a free and credible media in the dissemination of information on the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
Speaking in Juba on Friday, during the commemoration of this year’s event, RJMEC Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy) Dr. Thomson Fontaine said,
“We cannot stress enough the critical role of a free and credible press in South Sudan’s peace process and particularly in regards to efforts to keep the focus on the implementation (of the revitalized Agreement).”
“While our role is to monitor the implementation of the Agreement, it is equally important that the message gets out to the people of South Sudan and you are the best placed to do so in a language, manner and form that your people best understand ,” he added.
The event themed “Enhancing Democracy and Freedom of Expression in the South Sudan Peace Process”also honoured South Sudan veteran journalist Alfred Taban who died on April 27, whom Dr. Fontaine described as a “resolute defender of freedom of the press.”
“Just like Alfred, I encourage you to stay true to your crafts, stay true to what you believe in, report the news unfiltered and report truthfully,” he said.
Further, Dr. Fontaine highlighted progress made in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, noting that some critical tasks remain pending.
“Indeed, we have seen some progress made so far, but I also understand there is a lot of anxiety around the peace process specially as the Pre-Transitional period comes to an end,” he said.
“Critical tasks such as the unification of forces and the determination on the number of states remain to be undertaken. That’s why the Parties to the Agreement are now meeting in Addis Ababa to arrive at the best way forward,” he said.
The event organised by RJMEC in collaboration with UNMISS, UNESCO and CTSAMVM brought together at least 115 participants from the Media, Civil Society and representatives from the diplomatic missions in South Sudan.
ENDS
MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Thursday, 2 May 2019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE R-ARCSS HELD IN ADDIS
The first day of a meeting of the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) took place on Thursday 2 May 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addressing the participants, the Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge took stock of the progress made during the Pre-Transitional period, concluding that “unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.”
“My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational,” he continued.
The Interim Chairperson told the participants: “The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.”
During the meeting, the Parties to the Agreement set out their positions on how to manage the pending tasks given the short time remaining of the Pre-Transitional period. The tone was calm and respectful throughout the day. The meeting continues tomorrow, 3 May.
ENDS
RJMEC concerned about “delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites”
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has expressed “greatest” concerns of the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites in South Sudan.
Opening Statement of H.E. Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd) Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, at the Meeting of the Parties to the R-ARCSS in the Republic of South Sudan, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 2, 2019
- Your Excellency, Hirut Zemene, State Minister, Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- Your Excellencies, IGAD Member State Representatives
- Your Excellency, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan
- Heads of Delegation of the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement
- Hon. Ministers
- Your Excellencies
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. I have the honour to address all of you today.
2. As you know, we are left with only 10 days to the end of the Pre-Transitional Period as provided for in the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
3. I thank His Excellency Dr. Ismail Wais for convening this meeting of the Parties on the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement and the way forward. We at RJMEC have conducted our evaluation and made the findings public.
4. Our assessment is that in spite of the progress made in the establishment of key Agreement institutions and mechanisms, overall the implementation of the Pre-transitional tasks has fallen short of expectations. Critical tasks remain pending.
5. Accordingly, I recommended to the leadership of the Parties to take an honest review of our assessment and to agree on the best course of action going forward. I also recommended to the IGAD leadership to be seized of this matter.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Permit me to highlight the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period which have been implemented, those which are ongoing and the most critical tasks pending.
7. In RJMEC’s assessment, 59 key tasks were required to be implemented prior to the commencement of the Transitional Period. To-date, 27 out of the 59 have been completed, 17 are ongoing and 15 are pending. Unfortunately, the pending tasks are the most critical and consequential to the implementation of the Agreement.
8. For the purpose of this meeting, allow me to focus more on the ongoing and pending tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period.
9. Under Chapter I, implementation of the following key activities is either ongoing or incomplete:
a. determination of the number and boundaries of states and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States by the Independent Boundaries Commission;
b. ratification of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2019) by the TNLA and its promulgation into the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan;
c. review and amendment of relevant security and governance related laws. The NCAC completed the reviews and handed over the Amendment Bills to the line Ministry to table before the Cabinet and forward to the TNLA; and
d. the Parties to the Agreement are yet to agree on the allocation of ministerial portfolios.
10. Under Chapter II, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, tasks yet to be conclusively implemented are as follows:
a. refraining from acts of sexual and gender-based violence by the Parties;
b. cantonment, disarmament, screening, demobilization, selection, unification and training of forces;
c. demilitarization of civilian centers;
d. reconstitution of sub-structures of the JMCC, namely; the Area Joint Military Ceasefire Committees and the Joint Military Ceasefire Teams;
e. reconstitution of the DDR Commission; and
f. the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) process.
11. Similarly, under Chapter III on humanitarian affairs and reconstruction, the mechanism for the registration and documentation of refugees and IDPs is still in the process of development.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. In spite of the moderate progress made in the implementation of the Pre-Transitional tasks, several challenges have continued to undermine the functionality of Agreement institutions and mechanisms. Namely, delayed establishment of some institutions and mechanisms, financial constraints, capacity gaps and lack of coordination.
13. My greatest concern is the delayed operationalization of the cantonment sites, despite my repeated appeal to the Parties to expedite this process. To my knowledge, as I speak, there is not a single cantonment site that is operational.
14. Your deliberations today and tomorrow must arrive at concrete steps to address the identified challenges.
15. The outcomes of this meeting will be critical in informing my recommendation to the IGAD leadership, galvanizing public trust in the peace process and will demonstrate your commitment to implement the Peace Agreement. I appeal to all of you to maintain the spirit of trust and confidence that you have nurtured together over the past months.
16. I wish you fruitful deliberations.
I thank you.
RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, during the RJMEC 5th Plenary in Juba, on Friday April 12, 2019
Key tasks remain undone in the implementation of revitalized Agreement, says RJMEC
As the end of the pre-transitional period draws near on May 12, 2019, critical tasks in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement remain pending, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the 5th RJMEC plenary in Juba on Friday, Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“Critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.”
He said “it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.”
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge expressed concern over continued denial of access faced by CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in the country.
RJMEC said, “During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the MVTs encountered totaled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem.”
“I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access,” he said.
He noted “with dismay” that findings of investigations into the November 2018 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation and action on the Luri incident.
On the humanitarian front Ambassador Njoroge said “A critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances.”
“These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future,” he said.
CRITICAL TASKS REMAIN UNDONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT, SAYS RJMEC
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday, April 11, 2019, Juba, South Sudan
Critical tasks remain undone in the implementation of revitalized Agreement, says RJMEC
As the end of the pre-transitional period draws near on May 12, 2019, critical tasks in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement remain pending, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the 5th RJMEC plenary in Juba on Friday, Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said,
“Critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.”
He said “it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.”
Additionally, Ambassador Njoroge expressed concern over continued denial of access faced by CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in the country.
RJMEC said, “During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the MVTs encountered totaled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem.”
“I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access,” he said.
He noted “with dismay” that findings of investigations into the November 2018 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation and action on the Luri incident.
On the humanitarian front Ambassador Njoroge said “A critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances.”
“These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future,” he said.
ENDS
STATEMENT BY H.E. LT. GEN. AUGOSTINO S.K. NJOROGE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON OF THE RECONSTITUTED JOINT MONITORING & EVALUATION COMMISSION TO THE 5th RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING Friday, 12 April 2019 Juba, South Sudan
Honourable Ministers, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
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Welcome to the fifth RJMEC monthly meeting.
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Before we proceed, Excellencies, permit me to pay tribute to the passengers and crew who lost their dear lives in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash on 10 March 2019. We have all been affected by this tragedy in one way or the other. Our hearts, therefore, go to all the families and nations affected by this disaster. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. Amen.
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I will divide my statement into three sections. The first section will address some issues that arose from the last Plenary, while the second will reflect more broadly on progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and challenges facing it. The statement will then close with my expectations to the Plenary for the coming period.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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At the last meeting, we resolved to take specific action to bring non- signatories to the R-ARCSS into the peace process. Accordingly, I, with my delegation from the RJMEC Secretariat, joined with H.E. Ismail Wais, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, and met with General Thomas Cirillo in Addis Ababa and General Paul Malong in Nairobi. To-date talks with General Cirillo have not yielded much result, while those with General Malong have generally been more fruitful. These are diplomatic efforts that we continue to be seized of.
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I have been informed that the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) has received the US $10 million, pledged by the Government. I expect that these funds will be channelled to the appropriate mechanisms to expedite the start of the cantonment process.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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There has been progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS to report. The Technical Boundaries Committee (TBC) completed its work and submitted its report to the IGAD Mediation on 26thMarch. The TBC’s work pertained to addressing the tribalboundaries violated as a consequence of the establishment of the 32 states.
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The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) has finally begun its work. The IBC held its inaugural meeting on 18th and 19thMarch 2019 in Juba, and then a second meeting on 26th and 27thMarch in Addis Ababa. During these meetings, the IBC reviewed and adopted its Rules of Procedure as well as Terms of Reference. Its third meeting is currently underway here in Juba.
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In terms of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC), its progress continues well. It has been reviewing the Political Parties Act (2012) to ensure that it complies with international best practices for free and democratic registration of Political Parties in South Sudan. To facilitate this work, the NCAC received submissions from the Political Parties, Civil Society and women. The NCAC Chairperson will provide more details shortly in his report.
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What I have just described is laudable progress. However, there are recurring challenges that must be addressed in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
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The issue of denial of access to CTSAMVM continues. During the first quarter of this year, the number of access denials the Monitoring and Verification Teams encountered totalled to 31. Despite the resolutions of the RJMEC, it is disappointing to note that this is a persistent problem. I call on the commanders in Juba to hold their field commanders to account and allow free and unfettered access.
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Furthermore, contrary to my requests, I note with dismay that the details of the reported incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Bentiu have not been made public, nor has RJMEC been given the full report of the government’s investigation andaction on the Luri incident.
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Likewise, CTSAMVM has investigated and confirmed the rape of two females (a woman and a minor) in Karpeto, Central Equatoria in January 2019 by SSPDF forces. I appreciate that suspects have been arrested and will face the full force of the law. I note also that CTSAMVM has resorted to centralized operations as a result of financial constraints, and I hope that this situation is addressed as soon as possible. CTSAMVM’s work is fundamental to the entire implementation of the Peace Agreement, and any reduction in its operational capacity must be a concern to all of us.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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The security situation, as confirmed by CTSAMVM, remains stable, except tension in the Yei River area. However, I note with increasing concern the reported incidences of deaths resulting from recurring cattle rustling, particularly in Western Bahr el Ghazal. It is a situation which must be addressed urgently. Of concern also is that a Member of Parliament and one of his security details lost their lives as a result of an attack on 26th March. This is indeed regrettable.
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The JDB, the SDSR Board, the JMCC, the JTSC and the CTSAMVM Board have all been meeting and we shall hear reports of their progress shortly. That said, I must report that the reconstitution of the DDR Commission, vital to the cantonment process, is still pending. I urge the Incumbent TGoNU and the NPTC to expedite the reconstitution of this Commission.
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Since the last Plenary, the Consumer Price Index for February has been published. It shows an increase of 12 per cent over January 2019. The recorded price increases were to a large extent concentrated to a few basic food commodities reflecting supply shortages in parts of the country. In addition, recent gradual strengthening in the oil price has supported the exchange rate, thus reducing inflationary pressures.
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Since 2015, part of the net oil revenue has been allocated to pay transfer payments arrears to Sudan. The arrears were incurred when world oil prices fell below US $40 per barrel beginning late 2015. These arrears have now been cleared, contributing to an increased cash flow from oil available for financing the budget.
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Oil revenue is expected to remain the dominant source of income for many years to come. In that regard, the development in the oil price and production will largely determine the resources available to be allocated to implement the Peace Agreement.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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We are now at a critical stage of implementation of the Peace Agreement. As we all know, the Transitional Period is due to begin in May, so it is essential to take stock of what has transpired to date.
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In our analysis on the status of implementation of the Pre- Transitional Period tasks, we identified 59 key activities which were to be completed by the end of the period. Of these, 27 have been completed, 20 are ongoing, and 12 are yet to begin. Unfortunately, those found to be ‘pending’ or ‘ongoing’ are themost critical and consequential.
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While we note with satisfaction that, with the exception of the DDR Commission, all the Agreement institutions and mechanisms have been set up and are functioning, the question really is, what have they achieved in terms of delivering their mandates and implementing the Peace Agreement?
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In the case of the NCAC and the TBC, there has been regular commendable progress in accordance with their mandates. However, as concerns the implementation of the transitional security arrangements, much more remains to be done.
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For example, those critical pending tasks include activities towards the unification of forces, which involve the process of cantonment and training, and the determination on the number and boundaries of States, and the composition and restructuring of the Council of States.
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The ongoing tasks include the work of the IBC, delivery of humanitarian assistance, the return of refugees and IDPs, release of all political prisoners and detainees, disengagement of forces, demilitarization of civilian centres, and the national healing and reconciliation process.
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From what I have just highlighted, it is clear that achievements have fallen way short of what was intended for the Pre-Transitional Period.
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Consequently, a critical issue to be addressed by the Political leaders of South Sudan is the living conditions of the almost 4 million refugees and internally displaced who are living in very difficult circumstances. These South Sudanese citizens are eagerly waiting for the security conditions to improve so as to return to their homes. Their confidence and trust will be enhanced by the commitment of political leaders to significantly improve the security environment for their voluntary and dignified return, hopefully for a better future.
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The Transitional Period is expected to commence at the end of the eight months of the Pre-Transitional Period. Therefore, the decision to be taken in the next couple of weeks should determine as to what extent, these critical pending tasks can be expedited. If we are unable to cover the lost ground during the remaining four weeks, we have to ask ourselves what should be the alternative course of action to ensure full implementation of the Agreement.
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In view of the fact that the Pre-Transitional Period is coming to an end as per the Peace Agreement, I convened consultative meetings with the Parties, South Sudanese stakeholders, regional guarantors and the international community and we agreed on critical pending tasks, which I highlighted above, that have consequential impact on the Transitional Period. I expect us to discuss this further during the discussion session. In addition, I hope that the reports from the NPTC and the security mechanisms will directly address the critical pending issues that we have collectively identified.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
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In conclusion, my expectations going forward are as follows:
• One – review the implementation status report of the tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period and make recommendations on the way forward;
• Two – urge the leadership of the Parties to the Agreement to urgently meet and agree on a roadmap on the way forward;
• Three–recommendthatIGADurgentlyconvenestheCouncil of Ministers meeting and Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government meeting to take stock of the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement; and
• Four–encouragethePartiestotheAgreementtocontinuetrust and confidence-building measures and undertake at the highest political level joint peace dissemination and outreach activities.
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I wish you fruitful deliberations today. Thank you.
RJMEC Interim Chairperson Amb. Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge, during the closing ceremony of a one-day NCAC Stakeholders' meeting April 10, 2019
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