By Wek Atak
An alarming analysis highlights the risk of escalating insecurity in South Sudan if ongoing regional peace efforts fail to adequately address security arrangements outlined in the revitalized peace agreement.
According to Analyst Boboya James, efforts to establish a unified force under a single command remain the country’s most pressing challenge.
Boboya, a Scholar of the Practice in International Development Management, Governance, and Social Policy, and Advisor on Youth Policy issues, stressed that unification of forces is essential to ensure stability.
“The issues we are addressing are not just political but deeply tied to security concerns. Forces must be unified as stipulated in Chapter Two of the peace agreement,” Boboya stated.
Regional leaders convened in Juba on Thursday to discuss South Sudan’s peace process, including Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the African Union Panel of the Wise.
During their meeting with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, the leaders aimed to advance peace initiatives. Boboya commended their efforts but emphasized the need to prioritize full implementation of the peace agreement.
Recent developments have heightened tensions, with the arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar following accusations by the government of instigating clashes in Nasir.
The international community, including the United Nations, has issued warnings, cautioning that unresolved disputes could plunge the country back into war.
Boboya stressed the pivotal role of the African Union Panel of the Wise in facilitating dialogue. He underscored the importance of honesty, transparency, and inclusive engagement with all parties committed to the 2018 peace agreement.
The agreement presents a framework for addressing security and political issues critical to South Sudan’s stability.
However, progress in implementing transitional security arrangements remains stalled. Although the agreement envisioned the integration of over 83,000 unified forces, only 55,000 troops graduated during the first phase in 2022 and 2023.
Financial constraints and disagreements continue to obstruct the process, leaving various forces affiliated with political parties destabilizing parts of the country.
Without the full implementation of these arrangements, Boboya warned, South Sudan’s transitional process would remain incomplete. “The peace agreement offers a framework for parties to unite and discuss essential political arrangements,” he noted. “Establishing a unified force is crucial to creating lasting stability.”
The analyst urged South Sudan’s government to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that the revitalized peace agreement’s provisions are fully executed, stating that “Only by adhering to this framework can the nation transition toward democracy, peace, and lasting stability”.
Boboya’s warnings highlight the precarious balance South Sudan faces, where neglecting security measures risks reigniting violence. Regional leaders and the international community must collectively work to uphold the agreement and secure South Sudan’s future.
