Stalled 2018 Accord Under Scrutiny
South Sudan’s revitalised 2018 peace agreement remains hamstrung by slow implementation, disunity among signatories and looming elections.
Regional observers warn that unresolved security arrangements and delayed constitutional milestones could reignite violence if left unchecked.
Civil Society Voices Urgent Appeal
Edmund Yakani, head of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, asked the UN Security Council to back the African Union Peace and Security Council’s recent recommendations.
He argues that only an inclusive, top-level political dialogue can unlock the remaining articles of the accord and prepare the ground for credible polls.
Yakani insists that releasing political detainees would signal goodwill and reduce grassroots tension simmering since the 2013 civil conflict.
Role of AU High Level Panel
The activist recommends appointing a respected former African leader to fill the vacant seat on the AU High Level Panel, arguing such stature could rebuild trust among rival factions.
Observers recall how ex-president Festus Mogae’s tenure as Juba mediator in 2016 eased ceasefire breaches, suggesting precedent for elder statesmanship.
International Leverage and Next Steps
Civil society groups also urge revival of the Kenya-brokered Tumaini initiative, envisaged as a broader transitional framework complementing the AU roadmap.
Diplomats in New York privately note that unified messaging from the AU and the UN could deter spoilers and reassure donors fatigued by repeated extensions.
For now, the Security Council is expected to weigh Yakani’s plea against competing crises, yet many analysts believe sustained attention remains vital for civilian protection.