PRESS RELEASE


(For Immediate Publication)

25th January 2018, Juba, South Sudan

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to define clear consequences “to be faced by those who wilfully violate, spoil or derail the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.”

Addressing the UNSC on Thursday, JMEC Chairperson, H.E. Festus Mogae said, “For the revitalisation process (of the ARCSS) to be successful and for it to have the value and meaning that we would all wish it to have, there must be a clear understanding among all South Sudanese leaders of the consequences of non-compliance and the determination of the world to ensure that the Agreements they sign are enforced.”

“We cannot stand by as South Sudanese leaders sign an agreement one day and authorise or allow its violation with impunity the next,” the Chairperson said.
 
He was addressing the Council via video tele-conference from the capital, Juba.
 
The Chairperson said “it is now time to revisit the range of practical measures that can be applied in earnest to those who refuse to take this process seriously and make clear to all concerned that the world will not tolerate any further disruption to our efforts to deliver peace.”
 
The Chairperson cited the 28th Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, communique issued on November 7, 2014, which listed enactment of asset freezes, regional travel bans, and the denial of the supply of arms and ammunition as consequences against violators of the then signed cessation of hostilities Agreement.
 
“Together, with one voice, we can challenge those who peddle violence and self-interest and we urge the TGoNU (Transitional Government of National Unity) and all parties to continue to engage in this inclusive, political process.”
 
The Chairperson said he was  “disappointed” that within days the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities in Addis, fighting and troop movements had been reported in Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile States and Central Equatoria, causing further displacement and disturbance of civilians.
 
“I condemn these acts of violence and call upon all signatories to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to disseminate the terms of the agreement to their subordinate commanders and ensure immediate and consistent compliance,” he said.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Wednesday briefed members of the United Nation Panel of Experts on South Sudan.

The two members Andrews Atta-Asamoah and Andrei Kolmakov were briefed by the JMEC Chairperson H.E. Festus Mogae.

Following an inclusive and participatory process involving Government, civil society, experts and security sector stakeholders, the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) will now present the five amendment Bills to the security laws to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on Thursday 25th January 2018.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairperson H.E. Festus Mogae will on Wednesday address the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The address to be delivered via video tele-conference live from the South Sudan Capital, Juba, is expected to focus on enforcement of the IGAD-led Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH) signed on December last year.

PRESS RELEASE


(For Immediate Publication)

22nd January 2018, Juba, South Sudan

JMEC DEMANDS FULL SUPPORT FOR CTSAMM

JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, demands that all parties fully respect and comply with the terms of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access, signed on 21st December 2017, and calls upon all sides to fulfil their obligations to the international ceasefire monitoring body, CTSAMM.

“CTSAMM teams are the direct representatives of IGAD and the wider international community on the ground in South Sudan and as such they must command our full respect and total cooperation.

“CTSAMM has and will continue to monitor the Permanent Ceasefire and the most recent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to the best of its ability and with total impartiality. CTSAMM has and will continue to report any verified violations of the ceasefire, either in terms of specific acts of violence, military movement or any other actions that contravene the terms of the Agreement. Where necessary and where proven, CTSAMM apportions blame and responsibility as appropriate.

“CTSAMM is actively monitoring and investigating a number of incidents and movements around the country. It remains the responsibility of all Parties signatory to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to uphold their obligations to ensure unrestricted access to CTSAMM ceasefire monitors so that they can accurately and speedily report on the situation around the country.

“Article 4, paragraph 3 of the ACOH says, “the parties shall not carry out unwarranted verbal or physical attacks against CTSAMM, JMEC, IGAD, AU, UN or any other entity associated with implementation of this agreement.”

“It is therefore regrettable that public statements continue to be made which have the effect of undermining public acceptance of and confidence in regional and international peacekeeping efforts. It is the parties’ responsibility to ensure cooperation with CTSAMM and UNMISS to guarantee safe, open access to monitoring efforts and investigation teams, and CTSAMM’s work should not be impeded or interfered with in any way.”

ENDS

The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), H.E. Festus Mogae has on Monday held discussions with envoys in South Sudan. 

H.E. Mogae briefed the envoys from IGAD, African Union, Troika (the UK, US and Norway), UNMISS and the European Union (EU) on the IGAD-led recently signed Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities (ACoH) in South Sudan.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation (JMEC) and the IGAD special envoy to South Sudan have on Thursday held a consultative meeting on the latest happening as pertains to the Peace Agreement and High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF).

Strong national political party laws will help in the democratic processes of the Republic of South Sudan, the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC) has said.

Speaking when he received submissions from representative of 12 South Sudan National Political Parties on Thursday, the NCAC Chairperson, Mr. Gichira Kibara said political parties are a key component in the democratic process of any nation and “South Sudan is not an exception.”