Good afternoon everybody. It’s good to be with you again and to see you in person, albeit with your facemasks on. It’s important, as we know, to follow these COVID prevention measures to keep us all safe. A special thanks to all those people who are listening in on Radio Miraya. It’s good to be with you again.

I want to update you on a few issues and then, as usual, we’ll turn to you for questions.

I recently briefed the African Union Peace & Security Council and the UN Security Council on the situation in South Sudan. As I told both of those bodies, the crucial issue right now is continuing progress on the peace process.

On the positive side, the transitional government is functioning with activities well underway within the cluster of ministries.

State governors, as you know, have been appointed. But, as you also know, there have continued to be delays finalising the number and appointments at the county level. This is being worked on by the parties, but it needs to be resolved and agreed upon quickly so that the power vacuum at that level can be resolved.

Progress has been slow in other areas as well. The cabinet is meeting irregularly, and people tell me that they would like to see the President and Vice Presidents meeting more often and more closely together.

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly is yet to be reconstituted, so necessary new laws are not being passed, and progress on the constitution has been delayed.

Critically, there has been no movement on the area of security sector reform.

Other countries have emerged from conflict. The successful path they have followed is to bring together soldiers – from all sides – into an inclusive armed force. You only have to look at a Uganda as an example.