By Ephraim Modi D.S
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) International Partners Forum (IPF) on Thursday called upon the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (RJMEC) and Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to extend clear possibility strategy and monetary indications.
The representative of the IPF Jelte Van Wieren who is also the Netherlands Ambassador made the statement during the 23rd RJMEC meeting in Juba.
Speaking at the meeting Amb. Wieren questioned activities of the peace monitors that can rationalize versus that which have stopped, expressed commitment to equip peace monitoring partners (RJMEC and CTSAMVM) with necessities to continue with peace implementation.
“IPF fully supports the goals and objectives of the monitoring mechanisms that are part and parcel of the IGAD supported peace process and have important roles to play” said Amb. Wieren.
This month, the United States ended support for RJMEC and CTSAMVM due to lack of sustained progress on the part of the country’s leaders and following consultation which congress.
IPF understood the suspension of support by the US which will have serious repercussions for the functioning of the mechanisms that is still in the dark with regards to what the repercussions actually are.
However, as an Ambassador of a mission with substantial development budgets Amb. Wieren stipulated a continued action on wherever finances are to be capitalized to create an impact.
“I frequently take decisions on where these budgets are to be invested, and the most important factor in that process is impact,” Said Amb. Wieren.
“It is not the activities that matter most, it is the way in which the results of those activities change the lives of people.” he added.
Amb. Wieren also reiterated that the monitoring mechanisms from the current angle and the picture looks very bleak citing on the hearsays, assumptions and references that are most being flouted.
“Looking at the monitoring mechanisms from that angle, the picture looks bleak. Reports, conclusions and recommendations are mostly ignored and I have witnessed occasions where important signatories to the peace agreement did not even bother to turn up at meetings like this” he stressed.
Amb Wieren also informed members at the meeting that his last presence at RJMEC plenary session whose tour duty of two years representation in the country has come to an end.
Over the two years, Amb. Wieren said that the members of the IPF have expressed growing concerns with the slow pace of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the conflict in the country.
Amb. Wieren also hopes to reconnect with the people in the country as he takes up a new role as Director for Sub-Sahara Africa in the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as special envoy for the region, Horn of Africa.