Nov 17, 2016(Nyamilepedia) —– In attempts to revise South Sudan Compromised Peace Agreement, JMEC Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Lieutenant General Augostino Njoroge, has opened a two-day workshop with the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) on the issue of the cantonment of security forces in South Sudan.
Opening the workshop alongside JMCC Chairman, Lieutenant General James Ajongo (SPLA) and senior SLPA/IO representative, Lieutenant General Gathoth Gatkuoth, in Juba today, Ambassador Njoroge, said:
“JMCC is constituted by Chapter II, Article 3.3 of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), and is responsible for oversight and coordination of the cantonment process, as well as the return to barracks by the SPLA-IG.” He said.
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The Kenyan General, who is still considering President Uhuru’s order for Kenyans to immediately disengage from South Sudan Peace Process, believes that cantonment of South Sudan’s fractured army and tribal militias will not be an easy task.
“Cantonment within the context of the ARCSS in the current security environment will not be an easy task, and will require a tremendous amount of planning, coordination and cooperation within the parties.” he said.
Njoroge promises that JMEC will committed and will support JMCC in all its planning including a possible DDR and integration of forces as per the new First Vice President Taban Gai.
“JMEC stands firmly behind the JMCC’s effort to begin cantonment operations and develop the future link to final security arrangements that include DDR and the integration of forces.” Gen. Njoroge said.
The JMEC and JMCC acknowledge that South Sudan peace process will not hold with inclusivity and catering for the needs of all South Sudanese as opposed to one party and allies in the capital, Juba.
“The only way forward for Cantonment and final security arrangements in South Sudan is through an inclusive ARCSS implementation process that caters to the needs and interests of all parties and stakeholders in South Sudan.” Njoroge said.
JMEC calls on all parties to lay down their weapons and join the government to participate in the compromised peace process that collapsed in July after another heavy fighting.
“We strongly call on all parties to lay down their weapons and engage in peaceful and inclusive implementation process that will enable a safe and effective cantonment process.” Njoroge continued.
while the workshop goes on in Juba, war continues in parts of Equatoria states as well as in Unity and Upper Nile states.
South Sudan peace agreement , dubbed as Agreemen of resolutions on the conflict in South Sudan(ARCISS), was signed more than one year ago with a mandate of approximately three years that should comes to an end after 30 months, however, very little other than continued fighting has been achieved so far.
With 15 months remaining, it is yet to be seen if the agreement will lead to a credible election and a new government at the end of the transitional period.
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