Juba’s National Breakfast Prayer raises hopes
On 20 December 2025, the office of presidential envoy Adut Salva Kiir hosted a National Breakfast Prayers for Peace and Reconciliation in Juba.
Citizens arrived with cautious optimism, trusting an open dialogue might signal a firmer route toward national stability.
Public expectations and unresolved concerns
The ceremony concluded without specific assurances from President Salva Kiir regarding security, economic recovery, or the policy roadmap for 2026.
Many attendees left worried about cash shortages in banks and continuing violence across communities.
Focus on Dr. Riek Machar’s detention
Critics argue that any reconciliation effort remains incomplete while First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, a principal signatory to the R-ARCSS, stays under house arrest.
Supporters of his release believe Machar’s participation could unlock broader consensus among political and military actors.
Government voices caution that stability requires measured steps and continued dialogue within existing institutional frameworks.
Religious leadership and external partners
South Sudanese faith leaders publicly urged President Kiir to free all political detainees, framing the gesture as a testament to sincere nation-building.
The United States, Norway, the United Kingdom and other partners echoed calls for inclusive dialogue, praising grassroots resilience amid what they term a man-made crisis.
US Ambassador Michael Adler highlighted the 2018 peace accord as the most viable framework for ending violence and guiding elections.
Looking toward elections and reconciliation
Activists insist that practical steps, not slogans, will determine whether democratic elections scheduled for late 2026 become a milestone rather than a flashpoint.
They argue an immediate, inclusive negotiating process under Kiir and Machar could repair public trust and energize stalled reforms.
Observers note that leadership changes are temporary, yet the nation’s cohesion will outlast individual careers.