Parting message of JMEC Chairperson H.E. Festus Mogae, at his farewell reception in Juba, October 02, 2018.
Chairperson of JMEC H.E Festus Mogae's interview with Radio Miraya, September 29, 2018
MOGAE: My parting message: Unite, pursue peace, embrace spirit of equality and justice
BY FESTUS G. MOGAE
After almost three years, I leave South Sudan following one of the most challenging yet fulfilling periods of my career. I was honoured to accept the post of Chairman of the IGAD’s Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (JMEC), because I saw an opportunity to make a contribution, however modest, to help South Sudan to end a senseless conflict and begin on the road to peace.
Buy textbooks, not guns; departing JMEC Chairperson asks South Sudanese political leaders, calls for full implementation of the revitalized Agreement
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Wednesday, October 3, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
Buy textbooks, not guns; departing JMEC Chairperson asks South Sudanese political leaders, calls for full implementation of the revitalized Agreement
“Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.” This was the parting shot of former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E Festus Mogae to the Political leaders in the Republic of South Sudan.
Speaking during a farewell reception held in his honour in Juba on Tuesday evening, H.E Mogae said,
“I appeal to you (South Sudanese) to build bridges. Come together and build this youngest and beautiful African nation. Many things may have gone wrong but it is time to concentrate on the future and implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (A-ARCSS), which we all painstakingly brought to fruition,” he said.
Although the objective of a peaceful South Sudan is yet to be realized, the President said, he remains “hopeful that tragedy that befell this country, will one day come to an end” and that South Sudan leaders “many of whom are religious, will ultimately see the necessity of turning swords into ploughshares.”
“I am more optimistic because South Sudan political leaders must be tired of fighting, instead of destroying the country, they could use the natural resources to build social and physical infrastructure,” he said.
President Mogae, who stepped down as the Chairperson of JMEC at the end of last month, appealed to the regional and international community to fully support the more inclusive Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) “for the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS”.
He thanked IGAD leadership for giving him “the opportunity to be part of the pursuit to stabilize the Africa’s youngest nation.”
“That was a big honour and it is a pity that I am leaving when peace has not been completely achieved. But together much has been achieved as well, including the constitution of key institutions and mechanisms which remain critical to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement,” he said.
The President reflected on the missed opportunities and challenges he encountered while at the helm of the Commission, whose mandate is to monitor, evaluate and report the implementation of the Agreement.
“At one time, I pushed for the one voice message among IGAD member states. I think they listened but I don’t think they spoke with one voice, as I would have wanted them to do,” he said.
“However, my appeal to launch a process for the revitalization of the 2015 Agreement was however accepted,” he said.
“I depart with hope and best wishes to the people of South Sudan. Much remains to be done. I pray for the peace and tranquility that this country deserves,” he said
ENDS
Buy textbooks, not guns; departing JMEC Chairperson asks South Sudanese political leaders, calls for full implementation of the revitalized Agreement
“Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.” This was the parting shot of former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E Festus Mogae to the Political leaders in the Republic of South Sudan.
JMEC welcomes President’s Order to Release of PoWs, Political Detainees
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Monday welcomed the Order by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit issued on September 27, 2018 for the immediate release of all Prisoners of War (PoWs) and Political Detainees.
JMEC welcomes President’s Order for the Release of PoWs and Detainees
Communication Office
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Monday October 1, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC welcomes President’s Order for the Release of PoWs and Detainees
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) welcomes the Order by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit issued on September 27, 2018 for the immediate release of all Prisoners of War (PoWs) and Political Detainees.
“This is a requirement under the revitalized Agreement and an important confidence building measure,” says JMEC Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge.
Under Article 2.1.6 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), Prisoners of War and Detainees shall be released immediately under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
JMEC urges all Parties to emulate and honour their commitment to the R-ARCSS, cooperate with the ICRC and release all PoWs and Detainees without further delay and that the list of all such released persons, be made public.
The Commission further reminds the Parties to the R-ARCSS to abide fully by the provisions of the permanent ceasefire and facilitate the operationalization of the Transitional Security Arrangements and the voluntary repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons.
Lastly, JMEC reminds all Parties and Stakeholders who have not yet submitted a complete list of their nominees to the various Agreement Institutions and Mechanisms to do so immediately in order enable the expeditious convening of their activities.
ENDS
JMEC issues status update of the revitalized peace pact
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday issued a status update on the implementation of the recently signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for D-Day + 15, noting that some deadlines have been met while others have been missed.
JMEC issues an Interim Implementation Status Update of the Revitalized Peace Agreement
PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Publication)
Friday 28 September, 2018, Juba, South Sudan
JMEC issues an Interim Implementation Status Update of the Revitalized Peace Agreement
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday issued a status update on the implementation of the recently signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for D-Day + 15, noting that some deadlines have been met while others have been missed.
The Commission, mandated to oversee the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, has also highlighted pending tasks and upcoming timelines for the next 15 days (D-Day +30) as envisaged by the Agreement signed on 12 September 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Activities implemented include nominations and appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), which was constituted by the President of the Republic of South Sudan on Tuesday, September 26, the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) workshop, and several declarations of commitment to the R-ARCSS by the Parties.
The Commission notes that the ongoing Pre-Transitional activities include ratification of the Agreement by the leadership of the various Parties, the dissemination of the signed R-ARCSS by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), preparation for the urgent actions required from the Mediation to kick-start the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and reconstitution of the various Boards and Commissions of the Agreement.
The Commission observes further that progress has been made in the area of confidence building, through declarations by the Parties, celebration to mark the signing of the R-ARCSS, dialogue between the Party leaders and invitations extended to all opposition leaders to visit Juba.
However, the Commission also notes that while the deadlines for the appointment of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) and the convening of the PCTSA workshop, and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) Board have been adhered to, others have been missed.
Deadlines missed include the ratification of R-ARCSS by the Transitional National Legislature (TNL), the reconstitution of the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC), reconstitution of JMEC, the formation of the Joint Defense Board, and the release of all prisoners of war and political detainees.
As the Parties and Stakeholders continue to nominate their representation to the various Agreement institutions and mechanisms, the Commission urges the Parties to give due consideration to gender and age representation in selecting their nominees, and to expedite the process of reconstituting and establishing them.
“The Parties should adhere to the provisions of the permanent ceasefire, and hold violators accountable. The R-ARCSS should also be widely disseminated by the Parties and all stakeholders, and the R-ARCSS should be ratified by the TNL,” the Commission added.
Read the full status update here: https://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/arcss-evaluation-reports/109-interim-implementation-status-update-d-day-15-of-the-r-arcss-september-28-2018/file
ENDS
STATEMENT BY DR THOMSON FONTAINE- Ag. DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF-STRATEGY- 21 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan—James Wani Igga ; The UN Deputy SRSG- Mr Moustapha Soumare
The Chairperson of the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission- Chuol Rambang Luoth; Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning! I bring you greetings on behalf of our Chairman His Excellency Festus Mogae.
1. It is an honor to address you all gathered here today as we celebrate the International Day of Peace.
2. Indeed, this day is very timely as we have in recent weeks witnessed the beginning of a new chapter, a renewed opportunity for building lasting peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan.
3. It has been more than 15 months since the start of the revitalization process, which brought together parties to the Peace Agreement and other estranged groups in pursuing dialogue to end the ongoing conflict.
4. The Process has come a long way, starting from our internal deliberations within JMEC, which resulted in the Chairman recommending to the IGAD Council of Ministers the revitalization of the ARCSS. It is our hope that we can finally see an end to the conflict; one which has undoubtedly divided and destroyed the country.
5. We are confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things.
6. We in JMEC are optimistic at this opportunity that has been presented to the People of South Sudan to find lasting peace and emerge from years of conflict to a liberated future.
7. Let’s be clear, there is still a lot of hard work to be done both during the pre-transition and transition periods to make the dream of Peace a lasting reality. This includes but is not limited to the setting up of key Agreement Institutions, the freeing of prisoners of war, cantonment of forces, and the building of a new national army.
8. Now is the time for all the parties to recommit themselves with the same vigor and energy shown during the negotiations to the difficult implementation tasks that lie ahead. The long suffering people of South Sudan deserves no less of a commitment from their leaders.
9. The people long weary of the conflict appear to have thrown their support behind the revitalized agreement. They therefore should not be dissapointed.
10. It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict.
11. This must necessarily involve taking swift punitive action against any and all spoilers and violators of the Peace Agreement.
12. The Parties should know that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment this time around.
13. The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!
14. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict.
15. When the country suffers, we are all affected. When the economy struggles to support an already stretched population, we are all affected.
16. When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us.
17. We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity.
18. So let me encourage all of you to take up the responsibility of being an ambassador of peace to everyone that you meet. Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us.
19. JMEC for its part reiterate its commitment to fully discharge our mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate implementation of the Reviltalised Agreement.
20. To that end we seek the support of all the stakeholders to work together in pursuing our common goals of having a country unburdened by war and conflict, and contributing to the advancement of a proud and prosperous South Sudan.
God bless you all, God bless the people of South Sudan,
Thank you very much
JMEC: “There are no beneficiaries to the conflict”.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has appealed to the people of South Sudan to embrace working together for the good of the country and further stated that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict in South Sudan.
While addressing dignitaries and attendees at the celebrations for UN International Day of Peace at the Nyakuron Cultural center in Juba on Friday 21st September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of Staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine added that when the country suffers, everyone is affected.
“As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, may we all embrace the spirit of togetherness and agree that there are no beneficiaries to the conflict”.
In his remarks, which preceded remarks made by H.E the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan; Dr Wani Igga, Dr Fontaine urged everyone present to be an ambassador of peace to everyone they meet. “Let us all be agents of peace for the benefit of all of us”, he said.
“When millions of people are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, we are all affected. Conflict benefits none and erodes the good and hope in all of us”.
While speaking about the just concluded Peace talks, He stated that JMEC was confident that the compromises taken were in good faith and that the Parties will work together moving forward. “Full compliance to the agreement is very critical to build confidence and provide an enabling environment for the much needed focus on the growth of the economy among other things”, he added.
Dr Fontaine further reminded the parties that the world is watching with eagerness as to whether they will honor their commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement this time around. “The People of South Sudan are watching, the mothers and children who are tired of the suffering are watching, the young people without jobs and struggling to make a living are watching, everyone is watching!” he said.
“We must not let the gains of the last 15 months go to waste. We must ensure that we allow the children and youth in the country to enjoy the benefits of peace and prosper in the country, celebrating unity in diversity”, he added.
He further stated that JMEC for its part reiterates its commitment to fully discharge its mandate to vigorously monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
“It is our view that this is the last best chance for a comprehensive peace and the IGAD Council of Ministers should stand ready to deal conclusively with those who would attempt to once again derail the peace and drag the country back into conflict”, he concluded.
Women urged to unite and push for representation
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has urged women in the country to put aside their differences, unite and push for their representation in the various levels of government and provisions in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS)
Speaking during a women peace march held in Juba on Wednesday 19th September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine said “You must devise ways of remaining engaged in ensuring that the Revitalized Agreement is implemented. The time to set aside differences that divide us and move forward together as one is now”.
The women peace march was organized by the Women Monthly Forum, the South Sudan Peace Commission, UNMISS and JMEC and brought together about 300 women from various women organizations in Juba. The special Advisor for gender in the office of the president Honorable Rachel Nyabak was the guest of honor.
In his remarks, Dr. Fontaine further commended the efforts by the Parties who in spite of their differences, have agreed to work together for the benefit of the country. “We urge the Parties to be true to their commitment and to heed the cries of the people who are in desperate need of peace and rebuilding their lives”, he added.
Furthermore, He also noted that the just-concluded High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) process had been inclusive and that it had particularly ensured women were consulted in the pre-forum stages as well as given more opportunities for representation among the delegates to the talks.
“It is now time for all the women in the country, to unite and together push for their representation, participation and inclusion in the various levels of government, and in the decision making processes to ensure that not only are their voices heard, but also their contribution in the search for peace is being felt”, Dr. Fontaine said.
He reiterated that JMEC remains committed in not only discharging its mandate of monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, but also in promoting women participation in the peace process.
“We in JMEC know that encouraging women to be part of the peace process will significantly increase the chance of success in implementation and reduce the likelihood of returning to war”, he added.
“Let us then work together to realize this Peace dividend, which can ultimately translate to growth and development in the country”, he concluded.