Stakeholders in South Sudan’s peace deal are urging signatories of the 2018 peace agreement to honor their commitments as the country faces significant political and security hurdles.
Following a two-day meeting from September 9-10 to review the current political and security situation in the country, a group of 12 stakeholders called for all parties to participate in political dialogue to address the ongoing political and security challenges.
“Call for action: all signatory parties must honor and adhere to the R-ARCSS and commit to genuine political dialogue and consensus-building as the pathway toward overcoming current political and security challenges,” read a communiqué released by the stakeholders.
They further urged armed actors to immediately de-escalate tensions and fully adhere to the 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement.
The group also called on all parties to ensure unobstructed humanitarian access to those in need and to fully cooperate with the CTSAMVM and RJMEC.
Their call comes after the prevailing political impasses among the signatory parties to the R-ARCSS, resulting in delays in the implementation of critical tasks for transitioning the country to democratic elections.
The group also highlighted ongoing issues like arbitrary detentions, restrictions on political and civic space, and violations of fundamental rights, which they said “contravene the letter and spirit of the transitional constitution and R-ARCSS.”
In response, the stakeholders are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees.
They emphasized the centrality of truth, reconciliation, and healing nationwide to address grievances, restore trust, and build a culture of peace.
The group further appealed to peace guarantors to intensify their diplomatic engagement in preventing the collapse of the R-ARCSS.
“Appealed to IGAD, the African Union, the Troika, and the United Nations, as well as regional and international partners, to intensify their diplomatic engagements to avoid further collapse of the R-ARCSS and provide political and technical support to ensure the timely and full implementation of the agreement in preparation for elections in December 2026,” read part of the communiqué.
