A coalition of national mediators and stakeholders has issued a strong call for a nationwide ceasefire ahead of next week’s long-awaited joint dialogue between stakeholders and the party’s signatory to the 2018 Peace Agreement.
The discussions, scheduled for 15–19 December 2025, are expected to bring political actors together for the most significant homegrown peace engagement in years.
Speaking on behalf of the Stakeholders’ Signatory Group and women mediators, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), confirmed that preparations for the dialogue have been completed following weeks of consultations with each peace agreement signatory.
He said the parties have shown encouraging signs of cooperation, including holding one-on-one discussions to build consensus ahead of the meeting.
Yakani described the upcoming dialogue as “an impressive development,” noting that the commitment shown by political actors marks a positive shift toward resolving long-standing political grievances through peaceful means.
“We are pleased that as we head toward Christmas, our politicians are embracing the spirit of dialogue,” he said.
“His Excellency the President has declared openness to dialogue and emphasized using it as a strategy for resolving political differences. This is what we, as citizens and peace advocates, have been calling for over the years,” he added.
With the holiday season approaching, Yakani urged national leaders to demonstrate goodwill by declaring a temporary ceasefire, stressing that continued clashes in parts of the country undermine the momentum toward peace.
“We cannot be going for Christmas while some citizens are witnessing military confrontation among themselves,” he warned. “A ceasefire is essential for the sake of our people.”
The December dialogue aims to renew political commitments and accelerate the implementation of pending tasks under the 2018 Peace Agreement, particularly those crucial to transitioning the country from cycles of violence to lasting stability.
Yakani appealed to all political actors to approach the dialogue with seriousness and responsibility, emphasizing that the outcomes should reflect the aspirations of South Sudanese citizens for peace, security and national unity.
“From 15 to 19 December, stakeholders and parties will sit together. We hope this joint dialogue will lead to successful results that restore hope and prove that South Sudanese can resolve their political differences through a South Sudanese-to-South Sudanese process,” he said.
As the country anticipates next week’s discussions, peace actors and citizens alike are watching closely, hoping the renewed spirit of dialogue will translate into tangible progress on the ground.
