Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

February 18, 2016

On February 18, 2016, the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan participated in a meeting of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) Partners Group (consisting of IGAD countries, AU-5, AU Commission, China, UN, Troika, EU, IGAD Partners Forum representatives, and the United States) in Nairobi, Kenya.  The partners reaffirmed their enduring support for the people of South Sudan and the implementation of the peace agreement.  The group commended President Festus G. Mogae for his leadership as JMEC chairperson.  

This high-level meeting reiterated the JMEC Partners Group’s concern over delays in the formation of the transitional government of national unity and called for additional progress towards the agreed security arrangements in Juba.  In addition, the meeting underscored the need for increased commitment to a permanent ceasefire and to an enabling environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection.

The JMEC Partners Group reaffirmed their pledge to build on the substantive advances made thus far and released a joint statement outlining their support to the peace process.

For the full JMEC Partners Group joint statement, please visit: www.state.gov/p/af/rls/prsrl/2016/252612.htm.  For more information on the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, please follow: www.state.gov/s/sudan/index.htm