R-JMEC chief urges parliament to support peace implementation

JUBA – The Interim Chairperson of South Sudan’s Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluating Commission (R-JMEC) Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai is calling on the country’s legislative body to support the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed by the parties in September 2018.

General Gittuai made the call during a workshop for members of the Council of States organized by R-JMEC in Juba on Thursday.

General Gituai underscored to the Council members importance of a people-led and people-owned Permanent Constitution, which he said will be the cornerstone of the state of South Sudan, paving the way for a smooth transition through free, fair and credible elections.

“As the legislative arm of Government, I take this opportunity to remind you of the critical role you play in ensuring that the necessary legislation is enacted to enable this process to commence expeditiously,” he said.

Gen. Gituai reminded the members of the Council that the implementation of the 2018 R-ARCSS “is now at a critical juncture” with less than a year to end of the Transitional Period.

“The slow progress in the implementation of the Agreement, compounded by the recurring challenges, is beginning to create anxiety amongst the Parties to the R-ARCSS, the region and international peace partners,” Gen. Gituai said.

“One key question I have asked repeatedly relates to what strategy the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) has in place to complete implementation of the R-ARCSS within the remainder of the Transitional Period.”

The RJMEC chief called on the Parties to the Agreement “to build on the peace dividends made so far, adhere to their commitments to peace, and take steps to improve relationships and trust, and inculcate the necessary political will which will move the country forward towards enduring peace.”

He noted that implementation of the 2018 peace deal has faced various challenges, ranging from lack of sufficient resources, insufficient political will and lack commitment of some actors, trust deficit amongst the Parties.

He tasked members of the Council to individually and collectively support the full implementation of the Agreement.