A senior South Sudanese civil society activist has called on the African Union (AU) to urgently enforce the resolutions of the AUC5 declaration, warning that delays in implementation risk deepening the country’s political crisis and undermining prospects for lasting peace.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said time is running out for meaningful progress on key provisions of the peace process, despite the government’s recent endorsement of the AUC5 declaration.
The declaration, adopted by the African Union’s ad hoc committee of five (AUC5), aims to reinvigorate political commitment toward transitioning South Sudan from conflict to stability through the full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
Yakani acknowledged the AU’s continued engagement and solidarity with South Sudan, particularly through the AUC5 initiative.
However, he stressed that endorsement alone is insufficient without concrete and timely action on the ground.
“We appreciate the commitment demonstrated by the African Union, but what is needed now is urgent, practical implementation of the AUC5 resolutions,” Yakani said.
“The window for action is narrowing, and failure to act risks pushing the country into deeper uncertainty.”
He warned that the country’s political transition is increasingly under strain, citing a persistent stalemate and slow progress on critical tasks outlined in the revitalized peace agreement.
Among the most pressing concerns, Yakani noted, is the looming timeline for general elections scheduled for December 2026, which he said may be difficult to achieve under current conditions.
According to Yakani, delays in implementing key reforms could trigger broader governance challenges, including a potential constitutional and legitimacy crisis if electoral timelines are not met.
He urged the AU to take a more proactive role in ensuring that all parties recommit to the peace roadmap and adhere to agreed timelines.
The activist specifically called on the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the AUC5 leadership to develop and roll out a clear, actionable plan within April to operationalize the declaration.
He also appealed for the swift engagement of the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, to lead efforts in translating commitments into tangible progress.
Yakani outlined several immediate steps he believes are critical to restoring momentum in the peace process.
These include enforcing a ceasefire, facilitating inclusive political dialogue without preconditions, releasing political detainees, and ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, including groups involved in the Tumaini initiative.
He emphasized that inclusivity and genuine dialogue are essential to building trust among political actors and creating a conducive environment for elections.
“A dialogue that excludes key stakeholders or is delayed by political maneuvering will not deliver the peace and stability the country urgently needs,” he said.
Yakani further cautioned that continued inaction or half-measures could embolden forces opposed to the transition, prolong instability, and derail efforts to move the country from violence to peace.
“The ball is now in the court of the African Union,” he said. “Decisive action at this moment can help steer South Sudan back on track toward a peaceful and democratic transition.”
South Sudan has faced repeated delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, with key benchmarks including security arrangements, constitutional reforms, and electoral preparations remaining incomplete.
