The Republic of South Sudan: No war anymore! Peace is the National Interest and necessary option. The move of President Salva Kiir and the leaderships of the parties to war, is comforting and gaining momentum.
Herein below is a penetrating and well-structured article on retrieving and pushing the peaceful resolution of conflict in South Sudan forward, focusing on national dialogue, reforms, and action.
I have written this document in a persuasive and analytical tone, with strong emphasis on urgency and statesmanship. It flows:
What Next for South Sudan? Advancing Peace Through National Dialogue and Renewed Commitment to the 2018 R-ARCSS
Introduction: A Nation at the Crossroads of Peace and War
The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has recently demonstrated a commendable stance to preserve peace and uphold the spirit and letter of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Despite increasing instability, political mistrust, and recent violent events in Nasir that led to the tragic killing of General David Majur and the seizure of SSPDF positions by the so-called White Army, President Kiir reaffirmed his resolve not to take the country back to war, repeating the now-famous words: “I shall not take the country back to war.”
This statesmanlike commitment, made in the face of SPLM-IO’s lukewarm response and amid mounting regional and international concerns, prevented further escalation and maintained a fragile but crucial calm.
Yet, the situation remains delicate. The detention of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar in his official residence, citing suspicions of SPLM-IO’s involvement in the Nasir crisis, has triggered renewed anxiety.
At a time when South Sudan is expected to prepare for democratic elections in December 2026, the fundamental question being asked by South Sudanese, the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is: “What next?”
The Government’s Response: Holding the Line for Peace
President Salva Kiir has risen to this pivotal moment by taking deliberate steps to steer the country away from renewed conflict. During the 14th Independence Anniversary celebrations 9th July 2025, the President addressed the nation with calmness and clarity, reiterating his unwavering commitment to implement the R-ARCSS, uphold the rule of law, and conduct elections as scheduled in December 2026.
In an important political development, the President summoned Parliament—after a recess lasting since December 2024—to reconvene on 16th July 2025. The opening session was historic.
All political parties to the R-ARCSS—SPLM, SPLM-IO, SSOA, and others—attended, signaling consensus that no party seeks to return South Sudan to the “senseless war” of 2013–2018. In his speech, the President extended an olive branch, proposing a comprehensive national dialogue, inclusive of holdout groups and all political movements.
This tone of reconciliation, reform, and national healing is essential and must now be backed by concrete, inclusive, and well-organised national action.
The Response of South Sudanese, Regional, and International Stakeholders
The South Sudanese people—wary of war and weary of unfulfilled promises—have responded with mixed emotions. While many applaud the President’s leadership, others remain skeptical about the sincerity of all political actors, especially in the face of deteriorating security and uncertainty over electoral preparations.
Regionally, the EAC and the AU have expressed growing concerns over the viability of the peace agreement. The UNSC, meanwhile, is increasingly alarmed by signs of political relapse and has called for renewed international engagement and accountability.
The collective message from these stakeholders is loud and clear: South Sudan must not slip back into war. Instead, it must open a new chapter of inclusive dialogue and reform, involving every political party, armed group, civil society organisation, and respected elders of the nation.
The Path Forward: Convening a National Roundtable Conference in Juba
In view of the political uncertainty and fragility of the peace, it is now imperative that the AU and UNSC work closely with IGAD and the R-TGoNU to urgently initiate intra-governmental party primaries dialogues, with the following objectives:
- De-escalate political tensions among signatories to the R-ARCSS;
- Prepare the groundwork for a full Roundtable Conference in Juba;
- Gather views from political parties, holdout groups, civil society, youth, women, religious leaders, and national elders on the state of the peace process;
- Review and refine provisions of the R-ARCSS to suit the current realities;
- Forge a new national consensus ahead of the 2026 general elections;
- Ensure accountability and transparency in the electoral roadmap.
The Roundtable Conference should not aim to rewrite the R-ARCSS, but rather to reinvigorate its implementation, identify practical bottlenecks, and build nationwide ownership of peace and democratic transformation.
Conclusion and Goodwill References
The future of South Sudan hinges on a single question: Can the parties rise above past divisions and place the national interest above factional ambitions?
The President’s leadership has offered a chance for peace. But this chance must be matched by equal commitment from all political leaders, civil society actors, and regional guarantors. The African Union, EAC, and the international community must act with urgency to support national dialogue and ensure peaceful, credible elections in 2026.
It is not too late to end South Sudan’s cycle of war. The time for action is now. The people demand peace. History demands leadership. The world demands accountability.
Let the Roundtable Conference be the last peaceful push toward unity, democracy, and national healing in the Republic of South Sudan.
References and Endorsements (for footnotes or final citations):
- 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)
- July 16, 2025: Presidential Address to Reopened Parliament
- Statement of the African Union Peace and Security Council on South Sudan (July 2025)
- UNSC Briefing on South Sudan (June–July 2025)
- EAC Observer Missions’ Preliminary Reports
- IGAD Communiqué on Peace Process Revitalization
- Civil Society Position Papers on National Dialogue
NB: The author intends to pursue and agitate the parties to the R-ARCSS in the R-TGoNU, to exert greater efforts in order to improve on dialogue and push forward genuine implementation, paving way for democratic reforms and general elections.
