Civil society activist Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has welcomed the recent ceasefire order issued by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
He called on both the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) to honor the truce and prioritize peaceful dialogue.
The ceasefire announcement comes amid heightened tensions and clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces – incidents that have threatened the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
In a significant step toward de-escalation, the CDF on Monday directed SSPDF troops to cease attacks on SPLA-IO cantonment sites.
SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang confirmed the directive in a statement to the media.
“SSPDF forces are hereby directed to cease all forms of hostilities toward friendly SPLA-IO forces at designated cantonment areas and against individuals going about their normal business activities,” the order partly read.
However, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel responded by emphasizing that SPLA-IO forces only take orders from their own military leadership. He accused government forces of continuing aggression despite the ceasefire call.
In a statement shared with the media, Yakani urged both factions to respect the truce and refrain from further violence.
“I hope this decision by the Chief of Defense Forces will hold, and I urge SPLA-IO commanders to also respect it,” Yakani said. “We believe that any political differences in our country can be resolved through dialogue, not through the barrel of a gun.”
He applauded the CDF for taking a bold step in the interest of peace.
“I would like to take this opportunity to highly commend the Chief of Defense Forces for his directive to cease attacks on SPLA-IO cantonment sites. It is a welcome and timely decision.”
Yakani further noted that the ceasefire aligns with the provisions of the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the Permanent Ceasefire outlined in Chapter 2 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He warned that continued hostilities would only result in more civilian suffering and destruction.
“The violence leads to the killing of women and children, and it leaves communities vulnerable and miserable. We must give peace a chance,” he added.
Yakani called on all field commanders from both SSPDF and SPLA-IO to respect the ceasefire and demonstrate leadership by embracing peace for the sake of the citizens.
