Festus Mogae addresses the media in Juba on 13 July, 2017. PHOTO//Joakino Francis/Eye Radio

The Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has rejected calls by “some South Sudanese” citizens and political groups to step down.

Festus Mogae says his critics claim he “has not succeeded”.

The JMEC is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the implementation of the 2015 peace deal and the mandate and tasks of the TGoNU, including adherence of peace Parties to the agreed timelines and implementation schedule.

Some of those who have called for his resignation include Dr. Riek Machar, the former first vice president.

The People’s Democratic Movement called upon the African Union to remove Mr Mogae and initiate political peace process outside South Sudan.

“Festus  Mogae, has  failed  to  achieve  nor  has  it  enforced compliance with any  of the ARCSS provisions n security, governance, and economic reform mandates and obligations,” wrote PDM recently.

In response, the former Botswanan president argues that JMEC has implemented some of the important provisions stipulated in the peace agreement.

“No. I am not resigning yet. That’s because I’m still hopeful that something good can come out of the activity of JMEC,” Mr. Mogae told the media in Juba Thursday.

“We have succeeded in creating some agreement institutions and other governance institutions. We reconstituted the cabinet. We reconstituted the national assembly, including the appointment of the speaker and we are continuing to create some of these institutions.”

But he acknowledged that the body has “failed in stopping the fighting”.