Challenges Facing South Sudan’s Peace Agreement

The Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan, initially hailed as a beacon of hope for stability and democracy, is now grappling with significant challenges. Senior officials from the United Nations Security Council recently highlighted these issues, which include a lack of political will, a deficit of trust among the parties involved, and unpredictable funding. As South Sudan approaches critical milestones, the urgency for effective governance and cooperation among factions has never been more apparent.

Political Will and Trust Deficit

The political landscape in South Sudan remains fraught with tension. Charles Tai Gituai, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, reported that the transitional period has been extended to February 2027, with elections now scheduled for December 2026. However, the lack of political will among the parties to the agreement raises concerns about the feasibility of these timelines. The National Election Commission has made strides by opening offices across the ten states, yet financial constraints hinder the preparations for the elections.

Moreover, the stipulations in the election laws complicate matters further. Parties with armed forces, such as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition, cannot be registered until they disband their military units. This situation underscores the urgent need for the unification of forces to ensure all parties can participate in the upcoming elections. The ongoing intercommunal violence exacerbates the situation, creating a humanitarian crisis that has led to an influx of returnees and refugees. Additionally, the conflict in Sudan has disrupted oil production, South Sudan’s primary source of foreign earnings, further complicating the country’s economic stability.

Progress Amidst Challenges

Despite the numerous challenges, there have been some positive developments. Gituai commended the work of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee and the Judicial Reform Committee, noting that their success demonstrates the potential for the Peace Agreement’s institutions to fulfill their mandates if adequately funded. The permanent ceasefire has largely held, although recent skirmishes in Western Equatoria State are concerning.

Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), emphasized the need for immediate action. He noted that this month marks the beginning of the fourth extension of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, but there is no appetite for further extensions. Haysom urged leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the agreement without delay. He acknowledged the progress made in expanding civic and political space and the adoption of a national community violence reduction strategy. However, he cautioned that these achievements are insufficient to meet the critical conditions required for holding credible elections.

International Support and Local Commitment

The international community’s role in supporting South Sudan’s transition cannot be overstated. Various representatives from the Security Council have stressed the importance of a credible and inclusive electoral process. They highlighted that security sector reform and the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups are crucial for a successful transition. The need for urgent action to finalize transitional security arrangements was also emphasized, as was the importance of including internally displaced people and returnees in the electoral process.

The representative of South Sudan acknowledged the concerns regarding delays in the transition process. She assured the Council that the government is committed to accelerating key milestones, particularly preparations for free, fair, and credible elections. The government has pledged to provide the necessary funding and institutional support to advance the electoral process. However, the representative also urged all parties, including opposition groups, to negotiate in good faith within the framework of the Revitalized Agreement, rather than pursuing parallel processes that could complicate the peace roadmap.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Stability

As South Sudan navigates these turbulent waters, the path to stability hinges on the commitment of its leaders and the support of the international community. The representatives from various nations have expressed concern over the lack of political will among South Sudan’s leaders to move towards elections. The United States, in particular, criticized the transitional government for failing to use public revenue transparently for the benefit of the populace.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by violence and instability, underscores the urgency for effective governance. The international community has called for a clear electoral plan and the necessary resources to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement. As South Sudan approaches its next critical milestones, the hope for a peaceful transition remains, but it requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved. The people of South Sudan are looking for tangible results that reflect their aspirations for peace and stability.

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