Grassroots Agreement to Promote National Dialogue in Yei River State and South Sudan

• Country/entity

  South Sudan
  
• Region

  Africa (excl MENA)
  
• Agreement name

  Grassroots Agreement to Promote National Dialogue in Yei River State and South Sudan
• Date

  30 Apr 2017
• Agreement status

  Multiparty signed/agreed
• Interim arrangement

  Yes
• Agreement/conflict level

  Intrastate/local conflict ( Sudan Conflicts (1955 - ) )
• Stage

  Framework/substantive - partial
• Conflict nature

  Inter-group
• Peace process

  South Sudan: Post-secession Local agreements
• Parties

  Commissioners of Yei River State 
  
  Hon. Denis LaSuba Paul, Yei River County [signed]
  Hon. Richard Remo Soro, Morobo County [signed]
  Hon. Natalino Lasuba, Commissioner, County [signed]
  
  
  SPLA – IO, YEI RIVER STATE 
  
  Brig Gen. Hillary Edson T. Yakani SPLA – IO YRS [signed]
  Brig Gen. Yuma Sebastian, SPLA – IO YRS [signed]
  Col. John Data Taban, SPLA – IO YRS [signed]
  
  
  National Security Representative 
  
  Major James Alor Majok [signed]
  
  
  Representative of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Uganda 
  
  Emmanuel [illegible], 1st Secretary [signed]
  Philip Maluil Akol, 1st Technical Secretary [signed]
  Joseph Ochera, Technical Attaché' [signed]
• Third parties

  Church Mediation Team 
  
  Most Rev. Bishop Elias Taban, leader of the Mediation Team [signed]
  Rev. Anngrace Asha Taban [signed]
  Rev. Michael Alias [signed]
  Elder Victor Lemeri [signed]
  
  
  Elders from Uganda 
  
  Ambe George Wilson – Elder Koboko, Uganda [signed]
  Muzamil Amule, Elder Koboko Uganda [signed]
  
  
  Representative of Yei Community Forum for Dialogue and Peace 
  
  Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo – Ladu, YCFDP Founder [signed]
• Description

  -

• Agreement document

  SS_170430_Grassroots Agreement to Promote National Dialogue in Yei River State and South Sudan_compressed.pdf | Download PDF

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

PHASE II

GRASSROOTS AGREEMENT TO PROMOTE NATIONAL DIALOGUE IN YEI RIVER STATE AND SOUTH SUDAN

ATTENDED BY:

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MOROBO, MUGWO AND YEI RIVER REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT OF YEI RIVER STATE

And

THE SPLA-IO YEI RIVER STATE

Mediated and funded by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church lead by Bishop Elias Taban and their partner His Voice Global USA under the leadership of Dr. Vernon Burger

Signed in Kampala, Uganda on April 30th 2017

Phase II Grassroots Peace Agreement

PHASE II

GRASSROOTS AGREEMENT TO PROMOTE NATIONAL DIALOGUE IN YEI RIVER STATE AND SOUTH SUDAN

ATTENDED BY:

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MOROBO, MUGWO AND YEI RIVER REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT OF YEI RIVER STATE

And

THE SPLA- YEI RIVER STATE

Mediated and funded by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church lead by Bishop Elias Taban and their partner His Voice Global USA under the leadership of Dr. Vernon Burger

Signed in Kampala, Uganda on April 30th 2017

SUMMARY

The phase II grass-root initiative to promote the National Dialogue in Yei River State and South Sudan kicked off in Kampala, Uganda on April 25th - April 29, 2017 and was attended by County Commissioners of Yei River State who represented their respective Counties and the Government of Yei River State, SPLA -IO of Yei River State, represented by senior officers of Division 2B Brigade 1 and 4 representing greater Morobo and Yei, elders from Koboko - Uganda, representative of Yei Community Forum for Dialogue and Peace (YCFDP), representatives from South Sudan embassy in Kampala as well as the national security director for Yei River State - all were invited by Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) under the leadership of Bishop Elias Taban and their partner His Voice Global USA under the leadership of Dr. Vernon Burger.

The Church mandate is divine 2Cor 5:18-20.

On April 25, 2017, the Most Rev. Bishop Elias.

Taban and the Church mediating team spent the day with the sons of Yei who took up arms against the Government of Yei River State (referred to as the armed opposition group) who signed the Phase I document as well as the SPLA - IO Yei River State who joined the Phase II dialogue (referred to as SPLA – IO Yei River State).

The two opposition groups or parties of Yei River State in their capacities as senior commanders jointly referred to as parties to this agreement have agreed to be one and known by the name SPLA - IO Yei River State after a day of Prayer and in consideration of the peaceful way to end the currently conflict in Yei River State.

The four (4) days meeting was officially opened by the Most Rev. Bishop Elias Taban with Prayers as follows:

Sukuru Yesu song 92 Arabic, followed by a Biblical Reading taken from 2Cor Chapter 5:18-21 and this was preceded with prayers.

Rev. Mama Anngrace Asha Taban also prayed followed by a Biblical Reading taken from 2Cor 10:3-6 that was shared by the Most Rev. Bishop Elias Taban and at the end concluded by prayers and Sukuru Yesu English 105 (what a friend we have in Jesus).

The warring parties discussed common ground to resolve the current crises, security issues, ensuring quality of life and dignity of life and shared demands that when enacted on would create a favorable environment for socio economic, political and cultural development in Yei River State and South Sudan at large.

The warring parties also expressed commitment to achieve lasting peace in Yei River State and accepted the immediate need to end the uncalled for war.

Position of the SPLA-IO Yei River State - presented by SPLA - IO Yei River State

Background:

The Republic of South Sudan is at war with itself.

The causes of the war are plain known to all the actors but the lack of will to resolve the conflict has continued to impose untold suffering on the civilians both within the government controlled areas and in areas under opposition control.

Yei River State is deeply immersed into the same conflict with adverse effects on the living conditions of the civilian population.

The increasing cases of insecurity manifested by exchange of bullets between the SPLM/A in Government and SPLM/A IO has led to death of innocent civilians and mass displacement of settled communities, the reported cases of arbitrary arrests and detention without trials, disappearance of potential young people, targeting killings along roads, looting and destruction of civilian property including burning of houses are enough to raise our consciousness as it has set an environment not conducive for social, economic and political development.

Security situation in the state has and continue to worsen since the spread of the conflict in July 2016.

A number of incidents happened that led to death of innocent unarmed civilians coupled with high level of rumor, misinformation and hate speech which caused fear, mistrust, hopelessness and mass outflow of civilians in desperation from the areas to seek refuge in neighboring Uganda and DR Congo.

As it is evident, towns are almost deserted with the latest being Kajo-Keji which continues to witness mass exodus of civilians, education of children interrupted, health service broken down, business affected as well as financial institutions and humanitarian work highly affected putting the lives of thousands of those left in more danger.

We underscore all efforts made by a range of stakeholders in continuously calling for cessation of hostility and starting of dialogue between the two warring parties, and ensuring that justice and accountability is served to victims, however, with all these voices of goodwill, the situation continues to become deplorable.

It is important to note that the living conditions of those who flee the violence to the refugee camps are heart paining.

The people displaced have left behind good houses, enough plantations, and other property.

There is therefore nothing more appealing now than ensuring the internally displaced and those in refugee camps to return home and once again enjoy peace and security in totality.

We recognize that for this to be possible, parties must be allowed to openly express their view points, present their concerns/position and a common ground for compromise is sought through an open and inclusive process of dialogue that can lead to immediate cessation of hostilities and signing of successive agreements on agreed points.

This must be done in a neutral ground.

General Goal:

To restore peace and security, ensure quality and dignity of life and creating a favorable environment for socio-economic, political and cultural development in Yei River State and South Sudan.

Specific Goals:

1. To silence the guns through an immediate process that can lead to cessation of hostilities.

2. To provide a space for parties to engage in a political process of dialogue that will lead to signing of sustainable agreement.

3. To ensure immediate and safe return of internally displaced person and refuges to their original areas.

4. To reduce hate speech/propaganda and misinformation of communities including on social media

5. To close the widening gap of relationship among civilians and between communities and government by creating dialogue and activities that facilitate socio-political interaction and harmony.

Grievances of SPLA- IO Yei River State

1. Country-wide insecurity which is a sign of total breakdown of security sector

2. Ongoing uncalled for targeted killings of our brothers/sisters/mothers and fathers

3. Failure of the Judicial system leading to rise in cases of land grabbing and malpractice

4. Deliberate promotion of hate speech, tribalism, nepotism, partisan politics and lack of space for political opposition by the government

5. Continuous appointment of unpopular politicians in our region leading to a calculated misguidance, hence a failure to govern the populace

6. Unbalanced representation in key government areas like;

Central Bank, National security, Military Intelligence, Foreign missions, Oil sector, Immigration, et al

7. Unfair treatment of our sons and daughters in the regular forces who are either deployed in far areas and not given an opportunity to visit their homes

8. Neglecting of our sons and daughters who joined the liberation movement as early as 1987 to date serving without equal promotion as their colleagues in other regions

9. Diversion of important projects to other regions for example the development of Nimule – Juba road instead of Juba - Yei Kaya road;

yet people of greater Yei contributed immensely during the liberation struggle

10. Weak economic policies resulting to the breakdown of the country's economy

11. Poor Development policies to improve Education, Agriculture and Health sector which are key for a third world Country to pickup

12. Lack of will by the government to form a national army instead the government is contributing greatly in the creation of militias loyal to them

Demand of SPLA-IO Yei River State:

1. Immediate stoppage of Mathiang Anyor and their relocation from Yei River State

2. Prioritization for protection of our citizens in the region

3. Set up of a viable and balanced military representation between the SPLA- IG and the SPLA-IO Yei River State

4. Creation of a balanced and popular shared government between the current government in Yei River State/GRSS and the SPLA - IO in Yei River State

5. Speedy set up and funding of repatriation of our citizens from the refugee camps and the internally displaced to their original settlements

6. Equal representation in key government sector to promote unity of purpose in the Republic of South Sudan

7. Set up of a committee for reconciliation and compensation of victims in Yei River State

8. Set up of a court to try cases of alleged crimes to punish wrong doers and stop future perpetuators of crimes

9. Promotion of development programs which favors the citizens of the Republic of South Sudan 10.

Return of grabbed land to its rightful owners through a legal procedure without prejudice

Position of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan

I. The President of the Republic of South Sudan approved and ordered the grassroots effort to proceed with the Peace process based on the declaration of the National Dialogue.

H.E. the President also Declared Amnesty to armed groups who have accepted dialogue;

recognized the phase I agreement and approved phase II to be rolled out.

II. The Presidential Order included the establishment of a “Joint Military Committee", comprising of 3 - 4 SPLA Officers from the Government side and equal number from the armed groups.

III. The Joint Military Committee will be a Coordination Mechanism composed of SPLA, National Security and the armed groups or rebels to operationalize the initiative.

Terms of reference of the Joint Coordination Mechanism

I. Discuss, agree and co-manage affairs of the proposed assembly area, security in the assembly area, re-organization of the forces and any other security related matter to ensure the smooth implementation of the agreement.

II. Arrangement for facilitation in the Assembly area in terms of Shelter, Food and Medicine

III. Continue to negotiate phase II military issues before assembly, during assembly and in the lead up to the integration of forces

IV. Report regularly to the State Administration, which will in turn report to the office of H.E. the President of the Republic, on progress, challenges and solutions thereof pertaining to the implementation of the agreement.

National Government Recommendations for Phase II Implementation of the grassroots initiative as per the six (6) pointers of Yei River State Government

1. On Assembly area,

Kendilla Primary School was agreed upon in phase I and has been blessed by the National Government to be the Assembly site because it has the advantage of being 5 miles on the Kajo- Keji Road and its proximity to the government approved cantonment area as well as proximity to areas that are not part of the phase I agreement

Note:

Assembly areas are typically for registration and determination of parade.

Thus under normal circumstance, the longevity of accommodation should not exceed 2-4 weeks before the assembled force move to the cantonment area(s).

However, under the current unpredictable conditions of operation, and particularly with the cantonment areas not yet established to date under the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), the assembled force may remain put for at least three (3) months.

It is therefore advisable to use the three (3) months as the basis of phase II implementation of the grassroots initiative to promote the National Dialogue in Yei River State.

2. On security of Assembly area

It has been acknowledged that the need for the security of the assembled forces emanates from (a) the threat from anti – peace elements from within the same force and this is a real challenge (b) fear of indiscipline or disgruntled SPLA, National Security or other organized government forces.

All of these challenges will be contained by the Government orders since the government supports and owns the peace initiative.

Therefore, the following options are suggested:

i. Option - 1:

The armed groups in Yei River State can take care of their

own security, if possible, and if they have the confidence to do so.

Ii. Option -2:

The SPLA, which has combat mandate, can be assigned to provide security in collaboration with the assembled forces.

National monitors can be appointed to monitor, evaluate and ensure the security report of the assembled forces and regularly report to the leadership of the State Government.

Note:

Incase the SPLA is over stretched, either the National Security (NS) cover the gap or alternatively, a combined force constituted from the SPLA, National Security, other organized forces and the armed groups can provide security for the assembly area.

Iii. Whether Option 1 or Option 2, a small "Joint Military Committee" is to be constituted comprising of representatives of the armed group, the SPLA and National Security as a coordination mechanism to deal with the day-to-day matters resolve challenges peacefully and create an environment for trust and confidence building.

Note:

In the assembly areas, only the Army and National Security have a role to play.

It is only during integration that the Army, National Security, Police, Prisons, Wildlife and Fire brigade shall be represented to manage selection and deployment into their respective fields.

3. On the Provision of food, shelter and healthcare:

The Government agreed that the advance provision of shelter, Food and Healthcare materials to the assembly area is the most important undertaking that will encourage those who have taken up arms against the government to report, and entice others not covered by the agreement to accept a peaceful solution to their concerns.

This is very important because experience shows that assembly of rebels for re organization and training have always failed due to facilitation.

Note:

Under the current challenging economic conditions, the following recommendations have been made:

a. In the short term, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management is directed to provide emergency start up supply to expedite phase II implementation.

The Under-Secretary of the Ministry responded positively and indicated that it was possible to make a provision from the bilateral donations available in the store.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health has been directed to allocate Healthcare facilities for this program.

b. The government calls upon Bishop Elias to mobilize resources to assist in this program, as appropriate for the short, medium and in the long term.

And where necessary, as the Bishop will advice, the government can make recommendation of such appeal(s).

4. On Immediate withdrawal of forces deployed along the road

The Government noted that the deployment of the Army along the road was for the provision of security and protection of the civil population going about doing their normal livelihood activities from hostile anti peace elements.

It is therefore not feasible to immediately withdraw the army from the roads till such time when the factors that led to their deployment are eradicated.

Even then it will be necessary to withdraw them gradually as security returns to the area in order to deter anti - peace elements and assure the civil population of their security.

The leaders of the communities of Yei River State;

including the Church, the Youth, the Women, Elders and the intellectuals assisted the State Government and made the initiative successful.

So, there is complete acceptance of the peace initiative by all stakeholders, namely:

the government of both National and State levels, those who have taken up arms against the government and the entire community.

Therefore, there should be no fear or doubt about the potential negative intention by either party to the agreement.

5. On Re-organization of the forces in the assembly areas

Expert advice based on the Anya-nya Movement and the SPLA post - CPA, 2005, suggest that re-organization of any armed group into various military units must be accompanied by morale orientation and proper military training to inculcate professionalism and discipline.

Therefore, the SPLA is called upon to provide internal training which inter-alia will produce trust and confidence amongst the trainers and the trainees.

Subsequently once integrated into the SPLA it will be much easier to build a national army of a united, peaceful and professional nature and character.

6. Recognition and facilitation of the grassroots participants by the ministry of foreign affairs during negotiations in the Neighboring countries

Since the leadership of the armed groups and some of the key elements that brokered the grassroots peace initiative reside in Uganda, it is deemed appropriate that the leadership of Uganda, both political and military, be kept abreast.

In this regard, the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Kampala is directed and authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to officially notify the Government of Uganda on the operationalization of phase II and any other matter related to the agreement.

The warring parties exhausted all common ground to resolve the current crises in Yei River State and South Sudan, recalled the bitter struggle of the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of freedom, justice, peace, and prosperity and the SPLA - IO stood out and demanded that immediate positive response and action by the National Government is required in the following areas if lasting peace is to be achieved:

Demand of SPLA-IO Yei River State:

1. Immediate stoppage of Mathiang Anyor army and their relocation from Yei River State

2. Prioritization for protection of our citizens in the region

3. Set up of a viable and balanced military representation between the SPLA – IG and the SPLA – IO Yei River State

4. Creation of a balanced and popular shared government between the current government in Yei River State/GRSS and the SPLA – IO in Yei River State

5. Speedy set up and funding of repatriation of our citizens from the refugee camps and the internally displaced to their original settlements

6. Equal representation in key government sector to promote unity of purpose in the Republic of South Sudan

7. Set up of a committee for reconciliation and compensation of victims in Yei River State

8. Set up of a court to try cases of alleged crimes to punish wrong doers and stop future perpetuators of crimes

9. Promotion of development programs which favors the citizens of the Republic of South Sudan

10. Return of grabbed land to its rightful owners through a legal procedure without prejudice

Reaction to the ten (10) points demands:

South Sudan diplomat who attended the meeting was deeply concerned with the tragic loss of lives, destruction of properties, forced displacement of people from villages and homes in the towns and the unprecedented migration of our people to refugee camps in the neighboring countries due to the ongoing fighting in Yei River State as was expressed by the SPLA – IO Yei River State.

The Diplomat further commented that he was proud and happy to call the SPLA - IO Yei River State brothers and sisters from South Sudan for having expressed their grievances and concluded that we have enough of war;

it is time to sit down as brothers and sisters and resolve difference.

Mugwo County Commissioner is determined to maintain the resolve for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and asked the SPLA – IO Yei River State for compromise and cooperation in the joint effort to end the conflict in Yei River State and South Sudan.

Morobo Commissioner urged the SPLA - IO to be mindful of the unity of our communities and that we need to live in peace and harmony as people of one nation bound by a common history and destiny.

The Commissioner however, lamented the very fact that it has been very difficult to approach the SPLA - IO Yei River State and this has resulted to loss of lives and properties.

Elder George Ambe of Koboko, Uganda is thankful to Bishop Elias Taban for the hard work of making the dialogue attractive.

The elder further called on the warring parties to put the interest of the suffering people first on the agenda.

The Most Rev. Bishop Elias Taban who is the lead mediator to the grassroots effort concluded the reaction to the ten (10) points as follows:

"the ten points will be immediately forwarded to the person who has the prerogative to answer them and that is the President of the Republic.

In the meantime, emphasis should be placed for the warring parties to do the needful and that is to bring this uncalled for conflict and the humanitarian crisis it caused, affecting the citizens, particular the vulnerable people to an end.

The warring party's agreement to end the conflict in Yei River State:

The undersigned mediators of Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the County Commissioners of Yei River State who represented their respective Counties and the Government of Yei River State, SPLA - IO Yei River State, represented by senior officers of Division 2B Brigade 1 and 4 representing greater Morobo and Yei, elders from Koboko - Uganda, representative of Yei Community Forum for Dialogue and Peace (YCFDP), representatives from South Sudan embassy in Kampala as well as the national security director for Yei River State met in Kampala Uganda, from 25th April to 29th April 2017 at the invitation of Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

The participants extended their special thanks to the Government and the people of Uganda for their hospitality and cooperation with the Government of South Sudan and for the good wishes for the people of south Sudan to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.

The participants, further expressed deep appreciation for the support of the grassroots effort by the Governor of Yei River State and the Blessing of the grassroots effort by the President of the Republic H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The warring parties discussed all grievances presented and considered all options and unanimously concluded that the warring parties agree to end the use of force as a means of settling differences and firmly promote the culture of dialogue and peace through commitment to the following:

1. Adoption of the Presidential approval and order for the grassroots effort to proceed with the Peace process based on the declaration of the National Dialogue.

2. Committed to the Presidential Amnesty to armed groups who have accepted dialogue;

recognized the phase I grassroots agreement and the approved phase II to be rolled out.

3. Adoption of the Presidential Order for the formation of a "Joint Military Committee", comprising of 3 - 4 SPLA Officers from the Government side and equal number from the armed groups.

4. Agreed to open all roads leading to Yei Town and out of Yei Town to enable movement of people and their properties.

5. Resolve to set timetable for the formation of Joint Military Committee to be effected by 30th May 2017.

6. The warring parties thanked EPC Peace Desk and their partners and urged them to continue to play the mediation role of preaching peace to the nation.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF SPLM/AIO YEI RIVER STATE

SPLM/A IO Yei River State commits to secession of hostilities and the declaration of National Dialogue by the President of the Republic of South Sudan

a) Stop its forces from engaging the Government in combat

b) Organize and manage its forces pending future absorption into the national organized forces

c) Manage its forces in all ranks and will have power to conduct screening and allocation during the process of integration into the organized forces

d) Provide protection to the civilians in areas under our control

e) Mobilize the civilians who have taken refuge in Uganda and Congo for their return to the country

f) Provide free movement of civilians

g) Determine 4 pre-assembly areas in addition to the approved assembly area of Kendilla

h) Commits to exchange security details with the government

2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT:

a) To remove the Mathiang Anyor forces from Umbasi, Kergulu, Go'do, Morobo, Kaya and Yei Town and replace with other National Army

b) Provide basic needs like food, shelter, medical care

c) Provide a standby force for emergency response

d) Maintain communication with the armed opposition forces

e) provide incentives to the forces while in assembly areas

f) coordinate its movement outside territories of their control with the opposition forces

g) Provide space for free movement of civilians between areas occupied by the government and opposition forces

h) Provide logistics and communication gadgets to the opposition

forces

i) Avail necessary resources for trainings of the opposition forces

j) allow full access of Humanitarian corridors

k) Respect the declared National Dialogue by the President

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHURCHES, PARTICULARLY EPC AND PARTNERS

a) The EPC and Partners to monitor the implementation of the security arrangement

b) EPC and the Partners should report any breach of the agreement and mediate any dispute

c) EPC and the partners will maintain their mediation role during the process of implementation of the security arrangement

d) EPC and the partners will facilitate and finalize the comprehensive agreement after approval of the document of demands presented to the presidency

e) EPC and Partners should lobby for international support for smooth implementation of the agreement

f) EPC and Partners will lobby for humanitarian services like trauma and healing counseling and other necessary trainings for the armed opposition forces

g) EPC and partners to provide support of basic needs (food, shelter, medical and others)

SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES TO THE GRASSROOTS PEACE

AGREEMERMNT

Church Mediation Team

Most Rev. Bishop Elias Taban, leader of the Mediation Team

Rev. Anngrace Asha Taban

Rev. Michael Alias

Elder Victor Lemeri

Commissioners of Yei River State

Hon. Denis LaSuba Paul, Yei River County

Hon. Richard Remo Soro, Morobo County

Hon. Natalino Lasuba, Commissioner, County

Elders from Uganda

Ambe George Wilson - Elder Koboko, Uganda

Muzamil Amule, Elder Koboko Uganda

SPLA-IO, YEI RIVER STATE

Brig Gen. Hillary Edson T. Yakani SPLA – IO YRS__

Brig Gen. Yuma Sebastian, SPLA - IO YRS

Col. John Data Taban, SPLA-IO YRS

Representative of Yei Community Forum for Dialogue and Peace

Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo - Ladu, YCFDP Founder

National Security Representative

Major James Alor Majok_

Representative of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Uganda

Emmanuel [illegible], 1st Secretary

Philip Maluil Akol, 1st Technical Secretary

Joseph Ochera, Technical Attache

Signed in Kampala, Uganda on April 30th 2017