Broke JMEC to parties: Stop wasting time in South Sudan peace process

There is no time to waste in the South Sudan peace process, the Revitalised Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has said.

RJMEC interim chairman Ambassador Augostino Njoroge said, “All of us know that time is against us, and this should keep us focused on achieving the tasks that have unfortunately held up the formation of the RTGoNU (Revitalised Government of National Unity) on a solid foundation.”   

He spoke at the conclusion of a two-day joint workshop to discuss the peace agreement security mechanisms on Tuesday in Juba.

The meeting was convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, RJMEC, the AU Commission and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism.  

It was aimed at agreeing on a roadmap with clear timelines for the implementation of the transitional security arrangements within the 100 days extension of the pre-transitional period. 

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni announced the extension after hosting talks between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar in Entebbe on November 7.

Although the United Nations, African Union and Igad welcomed the extension, the United States said it was “gravely disappointed” and will reevaluate its relationship with South Sudan over the failure of its rival leaders to form a coalition government. The deadline was set on November 12.

The US further said it will work with the international community to “take action against all those impeding South Sudan’s peace process” because “their inability to achieve this basic demonstration of political will for the people of South Sudan calls into question their suitability to continue to lead the nation’s peace process.”

On Monday, Njoroge also decried the lack of finances, saying not much can be implemented without funds.

“The timely and predictable flow of funds is paramount” he said.

“RJMEC has consistently called for the release of funds and continue to urge the ITGoNU (Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity) to immediately release the requisite funding, in the understanding that one day without funding is a day lost.” 

He further added that the release of funds is and indicator of political will in the peace process.

The workshop follows the IGAD Council of Ministers communiqué on November 10 that instructed Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais, R-JMEC, CTSAMVM and the AU Commission to urgently organise a workshop to agree on a roadmap with clear timeline for the implementation of the peace arrangements in 100 days.