JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, opened the November JMEC Plenary, in Juba, with an appeal to the President of South Sudan saying,”I appeal to the President of the Republic of South Sudan and the TGoNU to assume a higher profile and a more visible stance in propagating peace among all communities and citizens of South Sudan.

“The only offensive South Sudan needs right now is a Peace Offensive. A nation-wide campaign of visits and speeches, standing side by side with civil society leaders and speaking words of togetherness, forgiveness, and a unified future.”

Every month the JMEC Chairman presents his report to the Board members, including representatives of the Transitional Government of National Unity, South Sudanese Stakeholders, IGAD member states, the UN, the Troika (US, UK, Norway), China, EU and IPF partners.

Reports are also received from the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC), Joint Integrated Police (JIP) and Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSRB).

H.E. Mogae concluded, “Transitional Security Arrangement Mechanisms that I have previously described as “disintegrated” have now been revived and re-constituted and whilst they are not all fully representative or inclusive, they are balanced and capable of driving this critical element of the Agreement forward.

“This Peace Agreement and pursuit of its articles and instruments remains our best hope and opportunity to make progress towards a sustainable peace. The security and humanitarian situation is precarious but there are areas within the Agreement where progress is being made, and I take time today to note and recognise this.

“The people of South Sudan look to us all to resolve the differences that will end this conflict and bring about a real prospect of peaceful and sustainable national development.”