Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge, Vice Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a body tasked with overseeing implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan, says they agreed in principle during a two-day workshop in Juba to work out all the requirements set out by the UN Security Council resolution on the deployment of a regional protection force in Juba.
The workshop which brought together politicians and military commanders aims to review proposals and make recommendations for realignment of transitional security arrangements for Juba including how introducing the UN regional protection force will affect realignment of security arrangements.
In his remarks during the closing session of the workshop yesterday, Njoroge reaffirmed the oversight body’s commitment to work out details of specific tasks. He further said the workshop was successful and that it achieved all its objectives.
”We have received a joint briefing from the parties on their shared concept of Juba security arrangements whose details can now be fine-tuned and actualized,” said Njoroge.
The peace monitor noted that they also received a detailed briefing and proposal for the cantonment, verification and demobilization of forces with approval for establishment of cantonment sites in previously contested areas in the Equatoria and Bahr al Ghazal regions.
He pointed out that the proposal provides a useful starting point and lays out clearly necessary steps and challenges ahead. Njoroge added that they also received a realigned concept of operations for UNMISS and the proposed regional protection force that compliments the JMCC plan.
The deputy head of JMEC revealed that the parties also agreed in principle on the matter of forces required in Juba, redeployment of forces and commitment to jointly working through the technical details of armament types and the numbers at JMCC and UNMISS levels.
He explained that the workshop developed a very clear task and timelines for operationalizing the proposed security arrangements to be worked out in future details by JMCC, UNMISS, CTSAMM and TGoNU to finalize implementation of the UN Security Council resolution.
Finally, Njoroge called for the urgent need to continue with reforms provided for in the peace agreement to promote accountability and good governance to make security arrangements sustainable in South Sudan.
He commended the parties in Juba for recommitting to the peace process, while appreciating the international community for supporting the people of South Sudan to realize peace and stability.
Photo Credit: UNMISS