The fourth Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) meeting took place on Thursday 7 March 2019. Interim Chairperson Ambassador Lt. Gen. Njoroge welcomed the participants, and said “I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Parties and all stakeholders involved”, with particular reference to confidence building measures and coordinated dissemination of the R-ARCSS. 

The Interim Chairperson informed participants at the meeting that progress is being made by a number of agreement institutions and mechanisms. “The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) has concluded its review and amendment of the relevant Security related legislations”, and that “the Technical Boundary Committee (TBC) had already made significant progress and is expected to conclude its work in the next few days and to embark on report writing,” he added. 

Furthermore, the Joint Defence Board (JBD) has reached agreement on cantonment sites for all opposition forces and designated barracks for government forces. Ambassador Lt. Gen Njoroge also reiterated his appeal to all non-signatories to join in the implementation of the peace agreement, having noted his “deep concerns on the reported rising insecurity in and around the Yei area.”

In his statement, the Interim Chairperson also noted ongoing challenges, making clear that a greater pace of progress is required, as well as meeting the challenge of a shortage of funding. 

“Like I have said before, this agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. I expect them to demonstrate their ownership by assuming the lead in its implementation,” he concluded. 

ENDS