'Focus on the Agreement' is a new daily segment broadcast on Radio Tamazuj to explain the contents of the peace agreement signed in August 2015 between South Sudan's warring parties. Many South Sudanese have never read the agreement or heard any detailed explanation of what it says. 'Focus on the Agreement' summarizes key parts of the deal in daily broadcasts, not translating every detail but highlighting the basics.
Yesterday we looked at the establishment of the new transitional government and its timeframe. Today we look at Chapter 1, Article 2, which is about the mandate of the new transitional government.
Mandate of the Transitional Government
First of all, the peace agreement says that the purpose of the new government will be to restore peace and stability to the country by implementing the peace agreement.
It will be the responsibility of the new transitional government to ensure that displaced people are able to return to their homes. The government will also be responsible not to block humanitarian relief.
Another purpose of the government is to assist in a process of national reconciliation and healing, including financial compensation to victims.
The government will be required to reform its system of financial management. It must also reform the civil service and transform the security organs.
According to the agreement, the new transitional government will also be responsible for establishing a National Elections Commission to conduct free and fair elections before the end of the transitional period. Government officials must also conduct a housing and population census, which must happen before the election.
These are all parts of the mandate of the transitional government. Tomorrow we will look at Chapter 1, Article 3, which is about power-sharing in the new government and its structure.