Festus G. Mogae, Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), met today with representatives of the government, the Former Detainees and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) advance team.

In his opening remarks, Mogae welcomed the return of the SPLM/A-IO. “With your presence in Juba we can truly say that the chapter of implementation has now begun”, he said. Mogae added that their return “is not the end of the road but the start of another important journey” and that it should indicate a real commitment from both parties.  The JMEC Chair also mentioned his appreciation of the Government for enabling the first group of the SPLM/A (IO) to return.

The chairperson pledged to ensure that the peace agreement is implemented.  “As Chairperson of JMEC, I pledge to you my commitment to ensure this agreement succeeds, and be implemented in letter and spirit. I will not hesitate to work with every party represented here, every stakeholder, to strive for peace, accountability and reform.”

The main purposes of the meeting were: a) to ensure the timely establishment of the main pre-transitional institutions, b) to hear from the leadership of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) about their activities, challenges and how best to support their efforts in future, c) to hear from the parties on the status, to date, of the cantonment of forces and d) to move forward with the other processes necessary to establish the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), as required by the compromised peace agreement.

In remarks aimed at the greater South Sudanese population, Mogae said “in this season of hope, forgiveness and renewal … this Christmas, 2015, is the last celebrated in a context of conflict.”