[THE FULL TEXT OF THE CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS ATTACHED BELOW.]

(Audio from Radio Miraya and link to photo album below)

JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, opened the February JMEC Plenary, in Juba, by expressing concern and dismay at the outbreak of fighting in South Sudan since the New Year.

The Chairman said, “It is simply not credible for the Parties to the Agreement to preach peace with one hand and simultaneously wage war around the country with the other.

“Since 2017 began, we have seen violent conflict in the Equatorias, Upper Nile and Unity regions. This is not acceptable. Security is the foundation stone upon which every other aspect of South Sudan’s future will be built. JMEC demands respect for the ceasefire and the restoration of peace by all Parties.”

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 International Partners Forum and Friends of South Sudan.

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), Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSRB) and the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).

The Chairman also spoke on the issue of inclusivity saying, “We are all interested in finding a way to restore a fully inclusive and representative political process, involving all the estranged Parties to the Agreement, without renegotiating the Agreement, so that all Parties and communities see that their interests are being accommodated.

“JMEC will never tire of repeating its resolute belief that South Sudan’s problems must be resolved peacefully and politically, not forcefully. We must be willing to accommodate each other rather than defeat each other.”

For further information, please contact JMEC Communications Director, Richard Bailey, on +211 954 758540 or richard.bailey@jmecsouthsudan.org

For more photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia/sets/72157680099747375

Radio Miraya audio files:

“Over the past three months there have been increasing reports of targeted and revenge killings, sexual violence, torture and destruction of farmland and property being committed by various groups, including men in uniform, and its simply not credible for the parties to preach peace with one hand and simultaneously wage war around the country with the other. JMEC demands for the respect of the ceasefire and the restoration of peace by all  parties.”

“The immediate deployment of the RPF is an essential component in protecting civilians, guaranteeing continued stability in Juba and providing a safe, secure and neutral environment for the implementation for the agreement.  The peace agreement remains the only viable means and provides the best framework through which to drive dialogue and engagement and build governance in South Sudan.”

“We must be willing to accommodate each other rather than defeat each other.  We urge the TGoNU to take advantage of President Salva Kiir’s national dialogue initiative and reach out to the estranged parties and their followers.  For dialogue to have a real meaning and effect it must include more than those who already agree with the government.”