May 17th, 2018(Nyamilepedia) — Speaking during the opening of the continuation of the Second Phase of the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, H.E. Festus Mogae, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) calls on the South Sudanese leaders to use the opportunity to end the suffering of their people.
“You are at a critical juncture. This forum (HLRF) provides the best and timely opportunity for you all, to collectively decide and bring the catastrophe that has befallen your people to an end.” Said Festus Mogae, the former President of Botswana and the current chairman of JMEC.
“There comes a time in life, where nothing else should matter more, than to do what is right. I believe the time is now, for all patriots of South Sudan, to rise to the occasion.” H.E. Mogae continued.
The Ex-Botswana President begs the battle-hardened former rebels-turned-politicians to forgive one another and forge a spirit of brotherhood in order to restore and rebuild their young nation.
“Enough is enough. Let us all find in our hearts a place to forgive each other, accommodate one another and rekindle the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and take another historic step to rebuild South Sudan.” Mogae pleads.
Mogae reminds the South Sudanese stakeholders that about 4.2 million of their people remain displaced in camps and more than 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries as refugees – a plea that means very little to many South Sudanese politicians.
According to the president of the young nation, Mr. Salva Kiir Mayar, whose term in office has expired, majority of the internally displaced persons and refugees are displaced by “social media”.
In his recent address, Kiir said he has “no incentive to bring peace” if a peace agreement cannot guarantee his position to lead the Transitional Government – a statement that attracted a lot of criticisms from intellectuals and general public.
Mogae went on to explain how South Sudan economy and security are deteriorating because of the ongoing civil war.
“The resumption of the conflict (in South Sudan) has left immeasurable human costs, which continue to rise. The economy is devastated and there is a deepening sense of anxiety and insecurity among large parts of your society. Your people are fast losing hope.” Mogae said.
Mogae is concerns that over 7 millions South Sudanese are in need of humanitarian assistance with at least 6.3 million severely food insecure, however, the warring parties continue to violate all the cessation of hostilities agreements they have signed.
“This is regretable and only serves to undermine our confidence on how seriously some parties are taking this noble process.” The Botswana politician said.
Despite its inability to impose any measures on peace violators to hold the wrong doers to account, JMEC’s doors have remained opened in Juba-South Sudan.
JMEC has been monitoring and reporting human rights violations and violations to the peace agreement, which collapsed two years ago, but the organization has very little power to impose permanent peace, justice and accountability in South Sudan.
