The article discusses the urgent pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to reaffirm the 2018 peace deal as the Tumaini Peace Initiative resumes amidst rising violence and political tensions. Key issues such as security arrangements and political inclusivity are in focus, as analysts warn of potential conflict resurgence. The international community calls for immediate action to preserve the fragile peace and promote a transition to democracy before the upcoming 2026 elections.
The transitional government of South Sudan is facing significant pressure to reaffirm its commitment to the 2018 peace agreement as the Tumaini Peace Initiative conversations are set to resume later this month in Nairobi. With elections on the horizon in 2026, both international and regional stakeholders are urging President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to avert further destabilization amid escalating violence in Upper Nile State and rising political tensions in Juba. The African Union and United Nations have issued warnings of a potential return to full-scale conflict unless the leaders address critical disputes concerning security arrangements and political inclusivity.
Since the onset of South Sudan’s civil conflict in 2013, which has claimed over 400,000 lives, security and political tensions have continued to rise. Notably, fighting persists in the Upper Nile region, with government forces engaged in clashes against the White Army militia, which is allegedly associated with Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). A tragic incident involving the attack on a United Nations helicopter, intended to evacuate national army members, resulted in one crew member’s death and injuries to two others. President Salva Kiir stated confidently, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” However, analysts have voiced concerns that the effectiveness of the peace deal’s security provisions may be compromised due to ongoing military integration issues.
Recent events have led to heightened tensions in Juba following the arrests and releases of several senior officials affiliated with Machar’s camp. While the government has defended these detentions, Machar’s team has accused Kiir’s administration of infringing upon the peace agreement and undermining established power-sharing protocols. A statement from Machar’s office condemned the actions as a “barbaric act,” emphasizing that restoring peace remains a top priority and that Machar continues to engage with all stakeholders to mitigate further violence. Daniel Akech Thiong of the International Crisis Group remarked, “The fragile peace…is at risk of collapsing.”
The Tumaini Peace Initiative, initiated in May 2024 to incorporate dissenting opposition groups into South Sudan’s transitional framework, has experienced delays and disputes that have strained negotiations further. The postponement of talks in February raised doubts about the initiative’s viability, with warnings from Alan Boswell, the International Crisis Group’s Horn of Africa director, who cautioned that South Sudan is rapidly approaching a state of full-scale war, threatening ethnic violence if the situation remains unaddressed. As preparations advance for the March talks, mediators maintain that discussions must focus on unresolved issues such as security sector reforms and representation in government.
The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which previously mediated the 2018 peace agreement, are accelerating diplomatic measures to avoid further deterioration in South Sudan. The UN-African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security has underscored the urgency of coordinated efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict and support the peace process. Concurrently, a UN rights body has highlighted the alarming escalation of violence, which poses risks for widespread conflict. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, stated, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress.” She urged leaders to prioritize peace initiatives and uphold the rights of South Sudanese citizens to ensure a democratic transition.
In summary, South Sudan’s transitional government is under increasing pressure to reinforce its commitment to the fragile peace established in 2018. With the revival of the Tumaini Peace Initiative, it is imperative that the government addresses key issues including security arrangements and political representation to avert further conflict. The pressing need for a unified effort from regional and international actors is critical to prevent a slide back into violence and ensure stable governance leading to forthcoming elections.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
