High hopes for a homegrown forum
Over seventy representatives of political parties, civil society and academia gathered in Juba, expecting frank exchanges on the revitalized peace deal.
Organisers branded the meeting a “homegrown remedy,” arguing that South Sudan could ease external dependence by sitting its actors around one table.
Agenda roadblock emerges
Minutes before deliberations, delegates from the SPLM-IG and allied groups walked out, citing procedural concerns about the draft agenda.
They insisted certain topics were already resolved by the extended presidency and, therefore, should not be reopened for public debate.
Facilitators seek middle ground
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, told attendees, “They asked us to revisit the agenda; we agreed further consultations are vital.”
The facilitation team planned immediate visits to the offices of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity to explore wording that satisfies all camps.
Next steps for R-ARCSS progress
Organisers stressed that the pause does not cancel the dialogue; it merely resets the timetable to secure broader endorsement.
Observers argue that achieving consensus on procedure could strengthen the legitimacy of future resolutions under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.