JMEC Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Lt. General Augostino Njoroge, briefed the African Union Peace and Security Council on Friday at the start of their three-day visit to South Sudan and has advised that hostilities in the country must end for the Peace Agreement to be implemented.

Lt Njoroge urged a vigorous diplomatic agenda to remove the threat of violence and restore peace in South Sudan.

“The Peace Agreement may be wounded, but it is still alive and remains our best hope for sustainable peace in South Sudan,” he said adding that “Every diplomatic effort must be made to stop all hostilities and restore the ceasefire with immediate effect so that implementation of the Agreement can resume properly.”

The Ambassador also briefed the Council members on JMEC’s assessment of the current security, political, economic and humanitarian situation.

He reiterated JMEC’s concerns about the insecurity around the country which he said is having a profound impact on the lives of ordinary South Sudanese.

“Human Rights are being compromised, livelihoods are destabilized, the economy is weakened and people are left scared and anxious,” said Lt. General Augostino Njoroge.

“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence around the country. Such violations of the ceasefire are deeply regrettable.”

JMEC has called for an immediate ceasefire by all parties and armed groups, full inclusivity and representation within the political process, an unhindered response to the humanitarian situation, and the expeditious deployment of the Regional Protection Force.

“We thank the African Union for their support and focus at this time and we remain hopeful that the full implementation of the Agreement can and will be restored in the near future.”

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the mandate and tasks of the Transitional Government of National Unity.