Opening Statement by the JMEC Chairperson, Festus Mogae – 24 March 2016
Opening Statement by His Excellency Festus G. Mogae, Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), at the meeting of JMEC held in Juba on 24 March 2016
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
March 25, 2016 (SSB) —- My statement today will be brief, because our agenda remains unchanged from our last meeting, and the urgency of the situation is apparent. I am sure that all concerned are aware of what needs to happen and where responsibility for progress lies. In today’s meeting, it is my hope that we achieve the following four outcomes:
First, to hear reports of the further concrete action taken by the Government and the SPLM/A (In Opposition), in accordance with Chapter III of the Agreement, and further to our earlier discussions, to facilitate the humanitarian response;
Second, to hear the progress made by the Parties in implementing the transitional security arrangements for Juba, in accordance with previous resolutions of JMEC, and, if necessary, to take further action to ensure the work to put these arrangements in place is quickened.
Third, to understand the progress made by CTSAMM in its investigations of ceasefire violations, in the verification of the redeployment of government forces from Juba, and in the determination of whether SPLA (In Opposition) forces are present in Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal.
Fourth and finally, and as I said in the last meeting of JMEC, on the matter of economic reform, to encourage those represented here to freely discuss and suggest what action can be taken immediately, where the timelines in the Agreement may have been overtaken by events, and where the gravity of the situation is apparent. Addressing the economic and financial crisis the country faces is crucial to the implementation of the Agreement, and the work to address this crisis should begin now.
Very soon, I will be reporting to the UN Security Council on progress in implementation of the Agreement. I remain concerned at the ongoing delays, at the ceasefire violations that continue, and in the deteriorating economic situation. Let us be reminded that formation of a new government will not in itself be a panacea. The term of the transitional government, which should have begun months ago, is rapidly elapsing. Therefore, once more, I urge the Parties to be dedicated in every respect to the task of forming the new government, and consider what will be the plan of action for the first months in office.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me be frank and tell you that the patience of the international community – as is my own – is being tested. While I remain optimistic, as must we all, now is the time to prove that the commitments that have been repeatedly made by the Parties are genuine and sincere. The country cannot afford any more delays. I implore you to heed this message.
Thank you.
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