The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a body tasked with overseeing implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan, has called for an all-inclusive cantonment geared towards the quick and sustained resolution of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

JMEC Deputy Chairman Ambassador Augostino Njoroge said that Inclusivity means that all parties to join the cantonment and the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process peacefully and ensuring genuine representation of the national character in all transformed institutions.

The peace monitor was speaking during the second Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) cantonment workshop held in Juba on Monday.

“Cantonment of forces in not an easy task. We have many challenges ahead to ensure that cantonment is a success and moves the peace process forward in the coming months. The cantonment will require the combined efforts of the Transitional Government of National Unity, regional and international partners,” he said.

The event was attended by the Minister of Defense Kuol Manyang, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomoro, JMCC Chair Gen. James Ajongo, and foreign diplomats.

The workshop aimed at expanding earlier JMCC discussions, with the goal of finalizing plans and activities to start cantonment operations in South Sudan.

For his part, Minister Kuol Manyang said that efforts are being made to reconcile the people of South Sudan, saying they have the political goodwill. “We are doing everything we can to do well in the peace process,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Minister Elia Lomoro said that the work of the JMCC is the nucleus of the peace agreement in the South Sudan.”The situation of peace building is difficult and we must make difficult decisions. We want peace for everybody. I want to encourage general to make cantonment process a success,” he said.