RJMEC Press Release,
Juba, South Sudan.
Thursday, May 20, 2021 — The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) convened its 17th monthly meeting on Thursday 20 May, 2021, in Juba, South Sudan.
Speaking during the opening session of the meeting, RJMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai regretted the delay in the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements (TSAs), and in particular, the unification of forces which remains stalled.
“No graduation and redeployment for Phase One of the Necessary Unified Forces has taken place. Cantonment sites and training centres continue to be abandoned due to a chronic lack of food, medicines, shelter facilities and hygiene items for women,” he said.
“The conditions in both cantonment sites and training centres continue to deteriorate and can only get worse with the onset of the rainy season,” he added.
As such, the Interim Chairperson urged the RTGoNU to adequately fund the TSAs, to expedite and complete the unification of forces, and ensure well-coordinated DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) in conjunction with the required government ministries and agencies.
Further, Maj. Gen. Gituai described the killing of an aid worker on 12 May 2021 as “very saddening”, adding that the safety and security of humanitarian workers continues to be threatened by ongoing violence.
“Concerns on road security, notably in Lakes, Jonglei, and the Equatorias, continue to impede the delivery of aid to those who most need it,” the Interim Chairperson said, urging the RTGoNU to provide “a secure and enabling environment for humanitarian workers, IDPs and returnees.”
Additionally, Maj. Gen. Gituai commended the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), noting that this creates “the momentum which can accelerate progress in the implementation of the revitalised Peace Agreement.”
“This is a welcome development, as it has long been seen as a vital step in implementing Chapter 1 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. There now remains the reconstitution of the Council of States, and the state legislative assemblies, and the restructuring and reconstitution of institutions and commissions at the national level,” he said.
