The Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, addressed the 7th Governors’ Forum in Juba on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
In his statement, Amb. Gituai began by extending congratulations to H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), and the people of South Sudan for recently assuming the Chairmanship of the seven-member State organization of the East African Community.
Highlighting the significance of this role, Amb. Gituai remarked, “This responsibility places South Sudan into regional and international focus at this critical period of her political life, as the country gears up for elections.”
“As a result, the approach, speed, commitment, and adherence of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution to the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) will play a crucial and imperative role. This is vital for enhancing regional and international trust and confidence in the country and its leadership within the East African Community,” he emphasized.
In his address to the Forum, which was attended by the Governors of South Sudan’s States and Administrative Areas and centered around the theme ‘Fostering National Cohesion: South Sudan’s Path to Peaceful Transition for Democratic Governance,’ Amb. Gituai highlighted the crucial role of the RTGoNU at both national and state levels.
He underscored the importance of ensuring the complete and timely implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, stating, “The prospect of elections brings both optimism and uncertainty among the people of South Sudan. Therefore, the emphasis on national cohesion is indeed welcome.”
The RJMEC Chairperson highlighted that inter-communal violence and actions by certain holdout groups persist as significant sources of insecurity in various regions of the country.
“Addressing security concerns at the subnational level demands collective responsibility and collaboration across all government tiers, particularly as the nation readies itself for elections,” the Chairperson emphasized.
He further emphasized the pivotal role of State Governments in fostering an environment conducive to the growth and safeguarding of civic and political spaces, the formulation of a permanent constitution, and the proper conduct of elections.
The Chairperson of RJMEC emphasized that inter-communal violence and activities of certain holdout groups remain major sources of insecurity in different parts of the country.
“In tackling security concerns at the subnational level, it is crucial for all government levels to share responsibility and collaborate, especially as the nation prepares for elections,” highlighted the Chairperson.
He underscored the crucial role of State Governments in creating an environment that supports the development and protection of civic and political spaces, the formulation of a permanent constitution, and the proper conduct of elections.
“The timely activation and proper funding of these key institutions are essential to guarantee their effective operation and will also facilitate the growth and safeguarding of civic and political space,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, Amb. Gituai stressed, “It is crucial to emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue, close collaboration, and collegiality across all government levels to enhance the processes and institutions of governance nationwide. This approach will contribute to building the necessary levels of social cohesion and public confidence required for conducting free, fair, and credible elections.”