The Republic of South Sudan: Inspite of our unfortunate war (2013-2018), and economic dire circumstances, we are expecting friendly cooperation on peaceful restoration of the 2018 R-ARCSS, from IGAD, AU and UNSC. We must welcome them.
Herein below, is a standard article to publish on my Facebook page, to share it widely to South Sudanese citizens, the leadership of IGAD, AU, UNSC, Troika ( the US, UK and Norway), and friends of South Sudan.
It captures a share vision for de-escalation and a peaceful transition through inclusive, credible elections. It Flows:
We Need Peace: An Urgent Appeal for South Sudan’s Peaceful Transition and National Renewal
South Sudan stands today at yet another critical crossroads. Nearly seven years since the signing of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), our nation’s fragile peace is once again threatened by renewed tensions between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the SPLM-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) under Dr. Riek Machar; a fallout that has been brewing since the developments in Nasir.
This looming crisis calls for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and genuine recommitment to peace by all parties. The recent visit by the Executive Secretary of the African Union (AU) to meet President Salva Kiir Mayardit is timely and must be welcomed by every peace-loving South Sudanese.
Equally, the involvement of IGAD, the AU and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must be fully embraced to help mediate and steer the country away from conflict and back towards stability.
President Salva Kiir’s personal promise, “I will not take the country back to war;”must now anchor this moment of uncertainty. His words must translate into concrete actions grounded in tolerance, patience, confidence in dialogue, negotiations, and steadfastness in the pursuit of peaceful solutions.
South Sudan does not need more bloodshed. What we need is a clear, collective commitment to peace, justice and a credible democratic transition.
A Framework for De-escalation and Peaceful Transition
To chart a path away from conflict and towards free, fair and peaceful general elections, we propose the following practical steps for consideration by the parties to the R-ARCSS, the IGAD, AU and UNSC:
1. Renewal of Ceasefire Arrangements:
An immediate and unconditional recommitment to the permanent ceasefire, this time to be overseen by hybrid security committees comprising representatives of the UNSC, AU and IGAD to guarantee impartial monitoring and verification.
2.Rehearsal of Security Arrangements:
The transitional security arrangements must be reactivated, rehearsed and fully implemented, ensuring that all forces remain under a unified command structure.
3. Welcoming and Integration of SPLM-IO Forces:
The SPLA-IO forces must be welcomed, maintained, trained and absorbed into the national army by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in line with agreed quotas and without political obstruction.
4. Transformation and Deployment of the National Army:
A truly national, professional army must be built, shielded from political manipulation. The only political oversight should rest with the constitutional Commander-in-Chief — the President.
5. Transformation of Sovereign and Democratic Institutions:
The country’s key institutions must be reformed to serve the people: the legislature, executive bodies, and all independent commissions must reflect South Sudan’s diversity, unity and commitment to democratic governance.
6. Independence of the Judiciary:
An impartial, independent judiciary is vital for justice, accountability and the rule of law. It must be protected from political interference.
7. Political Space, Freedoms and Liberal Democracy:
All citizens must enjoy freedom of expression, association and assembly. Political parties must be free to organise and campaign in a peaceful environment without intimidation.
8. Promulgation of the Federal Constitution:
The long-awaited federal constitution must be drafted and promulgated through an inclusive and transparent process, reflecting the aspirations of all South Sudanese.
9. Credible General Elections:
National elections must be held under the supervision of the UNSC and AU, with robust monitoring, a hybrid court facility for election disputes, and security guarantees for all participants.
Additional Recommendations:
✅ Establish a national peace and reconciliation commission with regional and international backing to address local grievances and ethnic tensions.
✅ Guarantee the meaningful participation of women, youth and civil society in every stage of the peace process and governance.
✅ Strengthen transitional justice mechanisms to deal with past atrocities and heal communities.
✅ Facilitate grassroots peace dialogues at state and community levels to complement the national peace process.
Conclusion
South Sudan cannot afford another descent into conflict. The political and military leaders must rise above divisions and put the interests of the nation first. This generation must choose peace over war, dialogue over violence, and ballots over bullets.
The region, Africa and the wider international community stand ready to help; but only the genuine commitment of South Sudan’s leaders and citizens can make peace real and lasting. The President’s pledge must be our collective commitment: Never again to war.
Let us stand together, welcome the mediators, and seize this moment to renew our journey from the ruins of pandemic violence to positive tranquility, democracy and prosperity.
We need peace. Peace is indivisible. Peace is our only option.
References:
- The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), 2018.
- IGAD and AU communiqués on South Sudan’s peace process.
- UNSC resolutions and reports on South Sudan’s security and political transition.
NB: This message is an appeal to the Government of South Sudan, all political stakeholders, IGAD, the AU, the UNSC and the friends of South Sudan:
Stand with the people. Renew peace. Secure the future.
