Kenya-led talks a foundation for peace in South Sudan: RJMEC
May 11, 2024 (NAIROBI) – The launch of the high-level mediation for South Sudan in Nairobi, Kenya marks a significant step in laying the foundation for achieving enduring peace and stability in the country, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Maj. Gen. (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai said Thursday.
He was speaking during the launch of talks between the holdout groups and the Revitillsed Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in Nairobi.
“This bold and decisive step taken towards creating an opportunity for the Government, the Holdout groups and the people of the Republic of South Sudan to dialogue and chart the way forward in a peaceful manner for their country, is commendable,” said Gituai.
He added, “The talks should create a momentum for achieving inclusivity, build on tolerance, reconciliation and forgiveness; recognising that having peace, justice and strong institutions in a country promote stability fairness and accountability, leading to sustainable development and a better quality of life for all citizens.”
The Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, however, outlined the critical pending tasks which are to be completed before the end of the transitional period.
“Against the backdrop of the fast-approaching end of the transitional period as per the agreement roadmap, RJMEC has continued to encourage the parties to the agreement to ensure that implementation of these tasks is expedited and completed, in order to lay a firm foundation for South Sudan’s transition to a democratically elected government,” he said.
According to Githuai, the success of the South Sudan mediation process in Nairobi has the potential to catalyze and build a momentum for implementation of the remaining pending tasks of the 2018 peace agreement.
“Peace in the Republic of South Sudan is paramount not just for the South Sudanese but also for the shared security and prosperity of our region”, he added.
Gituai concluded by appealing to all parties to constructively engage with one another, put the interest of the people of South Sudan first and work closely with the mediation team to realize a positive and successful outcome to this noble effort.
(ST