AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS recognize progress in South Sudan’s peace process, identifying 2025 as a vital year for finalizing transitional tasks. They stress the importance of enhanced negotiations, civic engagement, and preparation for upcoming elections in December 2026, while urging the government to tackle outstanding issues promptly and maintain international trust.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have acknowledged notable advancements by the South Sudanese government and parties involved in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. In a joint statement, they emphasized the importance of 2025 for completing outstanding tasks related to the agreement’s implementation. They expressed support for the peace established by the ongoing ceasefire and encouraged expedited deployment of necessary unified forces alongside broader security arrangements.
Concerns were raised regarding delays in essential transitional processes, necessitating the extension of the transitional period in September. The trilateral partners commended President Salva Kiir’s collaboration with President William Ruto of Kenya to address stalled negotiations with holdout groups through the Tumaini Initiative. They urged that continued negotiations should aim for consensus to integrate these groups into the peace process.
As 2025 approaches, the partners noted President Kiir’s commitment to ensuring that the transitional period would be the last, alongside his assurance that South Sudan would not revert to conflict. They called on the government to utilize the extended period to effectively address remaining benchmarks, advocating for urgent and inclusive cooperation among the involved parties. The trilateral entities also highlighted the necessity for strengthened civic education and inclusive engagement with various stakeholders to navigate the complexities of peace implementation.
The statement underscored the importance of establishing clear plans for elections slated for December 2026, indicating that South Sudan must display a firm commitment to fulfilling critical transitional tasks to retain international support amid various global challenges. The partners reiterated their dedication to assisting the South Sudanese populace in achieving substantive progress in peace initiatives and conducting credible elections in the forthcoming years.
The ongoing peace process in South Sudan has been marked by several obtained agreements stemming from the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. However, maintaining stability and progressing towards effective governance remains a challenge due to lingering conflict and disputes among different factions. The involvement of international entities like AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS is critical in monitoring and facilitating the peace process, addressing the concerns of various stakeholders, and ensuring that established benchmarks are met in a timely manner to foster long-term stability.
In conclusion, the year 2025 is deemed crucial for the South Sudan peace process with expectations for comprehensive engagement among all parties involved. The necessity of fulfilling transitional tasks, facilitating inclusive discussions, and promoting civic education has been emphasized to ensure successful elections in December 2026. The commitment from both local leaders and international partners remains pivotal in sustaining progress and maintaining support from the global community, thereby reinforcing efforts to avert future conflicts.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org