The AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS commended the progress in South Sudan’s peace process, highlighting 2025 as a critical year to prioritize pending tasks. They encouraged completion of security arrangements and civic engagement while expressing concern over delays. They noted President Kiir’s commitment to consolidating peace as negotiations with holdout groups recommence, emphasizing the need for clarity and readiness for the 2026 elections.
On Tuesday, the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed their recognition of the progress made towards implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. In a joint communique addressed to Radio Tamazuj, these entities emphasized that 2025 is a critical year for prioritizing the unfinished tasks related to the agreement’s execution, underscoring the importance of swift action on the remaining transitional measures.
The communique commended the peace achieved through a sustained ceasefire and advocated for the immediate finalization of the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, along with broader transitional security arrangements. It also noted the positive steps taken in planning and initiating outreach for the electoral and constitution-making processes, although concerns were raised regarding delays in crucial transitional tasks, which have necessitated an extension of the transitional period once again this past September.
Notably, the trilateral partners acknowledged President Salva Kiir’s engagement with Kenyan President William Ruto to facilitate stalled negotiations with holdout groups, leading to the Tumaini Initiative. They urged that the ongoing mediation efforts yield fruitful negotiations aimed at achieving consensus among all parties involved in the peace process. As they approach 2025, the partners expressed optimism regarding the President’s assurance that this latest extension would indeed be the final one, alongside his commitment to maintaining peace and avoiding a return to conflict.
The trio of organizations highlighted the urgent need for the Government of South Sudan to take advantage of this extended period to effectively resolve outstanding benchmarks. They called for a collaborative and inclusive approach in pursuing the ongoing extension. Furthermore, they stressed the necessity of expanded civic education and engagement with various stakeholders—such as political parties, civil society, and media—in addressing the challenges in peace implementation.
In their final remarks, the communique stated the importance of establishing clarity at the beginning of the New Year to facilitate realistic planning for the elections slated for December 2026. It was made clear that South Sudan must demonstrate full commitment to the completion of critical transitional tasks to maintain the trust and support of the international community, especially amidst competing global emergencies. The partners reaffirmed their commitment to support the South Sudanese people as they strive for meaningful progress in the peace process and reliable elections in the approaching years.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), along with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has been actively involved in monitoring and facilitating the peace process underpinned by the Revitalized Agreement from 2018. Following the agreement, there has been a series of political and security reforms intended to transition South Sudan towards a more stable governance framework. However, persistent challenges, including delays in key transitional tasks and peace negotiations with non-signatory factions, have complicated these efforts. The regional and international commitment to supporting the peace process remains vital to ensuring sustained engagement with all stakeholders, which is critical for successful elections and long-term stability in South Sudan.
The acknowledgment by AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS regarding the progress in the South Sudan peace process highlights the crucial developments leading into 2025. As transitional tasks remain essential for ensuring the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, there is an urgent call for expedited efforts and consensus-building among all involved parties. The collective push for civic engagement and clarity regarding upcoming elections signifies an important step towards consolidating peace and reaffirming international support for South Sudan’s journey towards stability.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
