The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has received with profound sadness the news of the passing on of its first Chairperson, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae.
H.E. Mogae was appointed to head the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in October 2015, where he was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the JMEC Secretariat and overseeing the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS).
He played a critical role in initiating the implementation of the 2015 Peace Agreement and his unwavering efforts led to the establishment of the first Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) in the Republic of South Sudan in April 2016.
Following the unfortunate fighting at the Presidential Palace in Juba in July 2016, which triggered renewed fighting, President Mogae, through his diplomatic skill, moral authority, and tireless advocacy, recommended the revitalisation of the ARCSS.
His effort helped guide the parties to the conflict towards compromise and recommitment to peace, laying the groundwork for a roboust Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in September of 2018, in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
The R-ARCSS remains, to date, the most viable framework for building lasting peace, unity, reconciliation and democraticisation in the Republic of South Sudan to date.
His calm leadership inspired confidence among national peace stakeholders, regional and international partners, and reinforced the centrality of dialogue in resolving political conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.
President Festus Mogae stepped down as the Chairperson of RJMEC in October 2018.
In his farewell message, he delivered a powerful and timeless appeal to the nation’s leadership and its people: “Instead of buying guns, buy textbooks and turn swords into ploughshares.”
This message captured his enduring belief that the future of South Sudan lies not in conflict, but in education, reconciliation, and productive nation-building. It was a call to redirect resources from war to development, from division to unity, and from destruction to hope.
Beyond his service to South Sudan, H.E. Mogae was a respected statesman who served as President of the Republic of Botswana with dedication and honor, earning admiration across the African continent and beyond for his humility, discipline, and visionary leadership.
He passed away today May 8th, 2026, in Gaborone, leaving behind a legacy of service, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, rule of law, prosperity and good governance.
The Secretariat of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) extends its deepest condolences to his family, the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana, and all those who were touched by his exemplary life of his public service.
His contributions to peace in the Republic of South Sudan and to the advancement of Africa will remain enduring and forever cherished.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
