AU C5 Delegation in Juba: Mission on Peace Deal Progress
A South Sudanese civil society leader is urging the African Union to place trust-building and the release of political detainees at the centre of its engagement, arguing that divisions among leaders continue to slow the country’s transition from violence to peace.
The appeal follows the arrival of the AU C5 delegation in Juba on Wednesday for a two-day mission aimed at assessing progress in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, according to information carried by Eye Radio.
Foreign Affairs Statement: Reviewing IGAD-Led Peace Efforts
In a statement referenced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the AU delegation is expected to review peace efforts led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and to engage with key stakeholders involved in the process.
CEPO’s Edmund Yakani: Trust Deficit and Political Will
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, told Eye Radio that limited political will has held back meaningful progress despite the 2018 agreement.
“Our leaders have had serious divisions in trust and confidence since the first day of the agreement,” Yakani said. He added that this “political disturbance” has constrained commitment to implement provisions designed to shift the country from violence to peace.
Calls for AU Role: Renewing Confidence Among Signatories
Yakani argued that the African Union should play a stronger role in restoring confidence among the principals of the parties that signed the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
“The African Union needs to take responsibility in nurturing the renewal of trust and confidence among our leaders, specifically at the level of the principals of the signatory parties,” he said.
De-escalation Urged: SSPDF and SPLA-IO Fighting
Yakani also highlighted expectations for the AU C5 visit, including an immediate de-escalation of fighting, particularly between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the SPLA-IO.
“We want our leaders to recommit themselves to the 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement or to declare an immediate ceasefire,” he said.
Political Detainees and Inclusive Dialogue Under R-ARCSS
The civic leader further called for the release of political detainees and the start of an inclusive political dialogue among the original signatories to the 2018 peace agreement.
“After the release of detainees, our leaders should immediately commission an inclusive political dialogue among the rightful signatories to the 2018 peace agreement,” Yakani said, while cautioning against fragmentation driven by division and control.
Next AU Steps: Assembly Session and Proposed C5-Plus Summit
The AU C5’s findings from the Juba mission are expected to feed into the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, alongside a proposed C5-Plus Summit scheduled for mid-February.
With these meetings approaching, South Sudan’s peace process is expected to remain a prominent agenda item, as regional and continental actors assess the pace and credibility of implementation.