AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS have recognized South Sudan’s progress on the revitalized peace agreement in 2024. They highlighted 2025 as a crucial year for finalizing implementation tasks, urging the swift deployment of security forces and civic engagement. Concerns regarding delays have prompted calls for consensus with holdout groups and realistic electoral planning for December 2026. The entities pledged their continued support to South Sudan in the peace process.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have jointly recognized the advancements made by the South Sudanese government and parties involved in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement during 2024. In a recent communique, these organizations asserted that 2025 represents a critical opportunity for prioritizing the remaining implementation tasks associated with this agreement. The partners expressed appreciation for the enduring ceasefire and urged for the prompt deployment of remaining Necessary Unified Forces, alongside broader transitional security measures.
The communique emphasized the commendable initiation of planning and foundational work by technical mechanisms tasked with electoral and constitutional development. However, it conveyed concerns regarding delays in essential transitional undertakings, which necessitated the recent extension of the transitional period. The trilateral partners acknowledged President Salva Kiir’s efforts in engaging President William Ruto of Kenya to mediate with holdout groups, resulting in the Tumaini Initiative. They called for follow-up negotiations aimed at reaching a consensus with these groups to foster collaboration in the peace process.
Looking forward to 2025, the statement highlighted President Kiir’s commitment that the latest extension would be final, reassuring that South Sudan is determined not to revert to conflict. The trilateral urged the government to take advantage of this extended timeframe to address outstanding benchmarks promptly. An emphasis was placed on the importance of engaging stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and the media, in promoting civic education regarding the challenges of peace implementation. Clarity is deemed essential at the onset of the new year for realistic electoral planning ahead of the elections scheduled for December 2026.
Ultimately, the partners reaffirmed their continued support for the people of South Sudan as they strive towards significant progress in the peace dialogue throughout 2025 and ensure credible elections in 2026, highlighting the necessity for South Sudan to demonstrate its commitment to completing transitional tasks to maintain international trust and support amidst global crises.
The peace process in South Sudan is underpinned by the revitalized peace agreement established in 2018, which aims to resolve ongoing conflicts and foster stability. Various entities such as AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS have been instrumental in overseeing the implementation of this agreement. The excessively prolonged transitional period has raised concerns, necessitating regular evaluations and extensions. President Salva Kiir’s recent initiatives illustrate a governance attempt to mitigate these delays and involve all relevant parties in the peace process, especially those who have resisted participation thus far.
In conclusion, the joint statement from AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS underscores the pivotal role that 2025 holds for South Sudan’s peace process. The emphasis on expediting transitional tasks, engaging stakeholders, and preparing for upcoming elections reflects a concerted effort to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region. It is imperative that South Sudan’s leadership capitalizes on this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment towards achieving the goals established in the revitalized peace agreement and maintaining international support.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
