Nov 24, 2018(Nyamilepedia) —- The media in South Sudan must ensure that they not only seek to report factually but also promote cohesion and unity among citizens, the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has said.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop in Juba on Thursday in collaboration with UNESCO and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), the reconstituted JMEC Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge said:
“As the media, you have an important role to play in helping the people of South Sudan to understand the Agreement through your reporting. Your being here today is a demonstration that you, members of media, are also ready to be part of this journey to lasting peace.”
“It is your responsibility to keep the citizens informed which in turn will enable them to unite and together push for the implementation of the Agreement,” Ambassador Njoroge added.
Further, Ambassador Njoroge expressed optimism that the Parties, stakeholders and the people of South Sudan will implement the revitalized peace agreement.
“I am greatly encouraged by the demonstrable political will of the Parties to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement both in letter and spirit. So far, the signs are good, and there is momentum – but we must keep our efforts up,” he said.
The workshop was themed “Towards Effective and Constructive Reporting of the R-ARCSS” and was organized in collaboration with UNESCO and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), and brought together 50 journalists in South Sudan.
The JMEC Interim Chairman noted that some commendable progress has been made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, within the prescribed timeline including:
- Ratification of the Revitalized Agreement by the Parties;
- Nominations by the Parties and stakeholders of their representatives to various institutions and mechanisms;
- Establishment and reconstitution of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
“These are just a few building blocks of peace in South Sudan. But peace is a much broader concept requiring a constructive approach that reaches right across the country, and this is where you can help,” he said.
“I urge you to support all the Parties to the R-ARCSS and stakeholders and work alongside them in pursuing the common goal of having a peaceful country where its people live in safety and dignity.”
