The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has echoed concerns raised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning that South Sudan’s fragile political transition is at risk if leaders fail to embrace peaceful dialogue.
In a statement on Friday, CEPO Executive Director Mr. Edmund Yakani said the country is at a critical turning point, and political leaders must choose dialogue over confrontation.
“The recent United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in South Sudan clearly is posing the possible threat for successful political transitional if the leadership of the country did not opt to drive the pathway of resolving political misunderstanding through dialogue,” Yakani stated.
He warned that resorting to violence to settle political differences would jeopardize peace and stability: “The option of sorting out political differences via violence is not a right pathway to secure peace and stability.”
The warning follows a UNSC briefing earlier this month that flagged serious delays in implementing key elements of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
These include unifying the national army, adopting a permanent constitution, and preparing for elections scheduled in December 2024.
With tensions rising among political stakeholders and key provisions still unfulfilled, the UN expressed concern that South Sudan could slide back into chaos unless immediate steps are taken to restore dialogue and trust.
CEPO, one of South Sudan’s leading civil society voices, is urging leaders to recommit to the peace process and demonstrate political will by prioritizing inclusive dialogue.
“This is a make-or-break moment for our country,” Yakani said. “We must choose dialogue over division, unity over self-interest, and peace over politics.”
As the countdown to elections continues, CEPO’s message is clear: time is running out, and leaders must act now to safeguard South Sudan’s future.
