R-JMEC chief urges Kiir, Machar to forgive each other ahead of papal visit

JUBA, JANUARY 25^th 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission or RJMEC has called on South Sudanese to forgive one another ahead papal visit.

Speaking during RJMEC monthly meeting in Juba on Thursday, Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, head of the peace monitoring body, urged the country’s political leaders to build trust in order to renew public confidence in them.

“With such focus, I am expecting a busy start to the year 2023, particularly in February, when South Sudan is expected to receive important visitors, including the Ecumenical peace pilgrimage of the three religious leaders led by His Holiness Pope Francis,” Gen. Gituai said during RJMEC monthly meeting held in Juba on Thursday.

General Gituai said the solidarity visits of Pope Francis and IGAD ministers will enhance peace efforts in the African youngest nations.

“These solidarity visits are timely and they enhance our peace efforts, as they coincide with the third anniversary of the establishment of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity,” he said.

He stressed the need for political leaders to demonstrate genuine political will through actions and dissemination of messages.

“I hope the R-TGONU and the people of South Sudan will find inspiration and a spirit of forgiveness in these visits,” he said.

“In order to renew public confidence in the peace process by rebuilding trust and showing the unity of purpose, and demonstrate genuine political will through joint actions and messaging peace.”

Pope Francis will be visiting first the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on February 1st and then proceed to Juba on February 3rd.

The pontiff was supposed to visit Juba last year but the visit was postponed due to ill health.