The full restoration of the rule of law is key to the future of South Sudan, the interim head of IGAD’s Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Augustino Njoroge said on Tuesday.
Njoroge said this at the closing ceremony of the two-day stakeholder’s meeting on security laws organized by the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC) in the capital Juba.
Njoroge noted, “This forum is critical and has provided an excellent opportunity for the organized sectors of South Sudan society, including civil society, youth, women groups and government institutions to give feedback to NCAC on the proposed amendments”.
The meeting which was attended by various representatives from different institutions discussed the SPLA Act, 2009; the National Security Service Act, 2014; the Police Service Act, 2009; the Prisons Service Act, 2011 and the Wildlife Service Act, 2011.
The peace monitor applauded the approach adopted by the NCAC to involve as many stakeholders as possible and encourage participation in the process of the amendment and review of the security laws.
“I acknowledge and appreciate the level of interest that you have all shown during this process as we work together towards the strengthening of the legal framework that will ensure successful transition to the rule of law and lasting peace in this country,” he said.
“I am encouraged by your commitment to the process, particularly the vigorous debate conducted in a very collegial manner, and which is an excellent example to the other mechanisms working on the pre-transitional process. Nobody should underestimate the vital role of NCAC in the peace process,” he added.
The workshop was opened by South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga on Monday.
RJMEC was established under the terms of the revitalised peace agreement to oversee the implementation of the deal signed in September last year.
A new unity government is expected to be established in May 2019.