Peace Accord at a Crossroads
Five years after the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, momentum is dwindling. Elections, once slated for 2024, now eye 2026, while observers warn that critical security and constitutional milestones remain overdue.
Funding and Political Will under Spotlight
During a consultative dialogue convened by Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in Juba, the Coalition of Other Political Parties blamed stalled implementation mainly on lack of political will, uneven funding, and what it called a breakdown in cohesion among signatories.
OPP representatives highlighted Chapter Two of the accord, which mandates unification of rival forces, as the flashpoint. Repeated delays in graduating and deploying the Unified Forces, they argue, erode trust and risk prolonging insecurity.
Participants also cited unilateral reshuffles, restricted political space, and the limited movement of First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar as breaches undermining confidence in the power-sharing deal.
Voices from the Dialogue
Wilson Lodiong, chair of the National Assembly’s wildlife committee and an OPP member, told reporters, “We must diagnose the causes of our problems; once answered, we shall move forward.” He insisted that rebuilding trust among parties is the only sustainable path to stability.
Dr. Siham Osman, who heads the South Sudan Women Mediators, welcomed the meeting. She noted that women from diverse parties “proposed different solutions” and vowed to maintain dialogue “until we reach real peace for the country.”
Next Steps toward Stakeholder Summit
The CEPO-led initiative has already consulted the ruling SPLM-IG, the SPLM-IO, and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. Findings will feed into a General Stakeholder Dialogue, to be steered by religious leaders in Juba from 1 to 5 December.
Stakeholders hope the December forum will produce a unified roadmap before the transitional clock winds down. Observers stress that adequate financing and renewed commitment from all parties will determine whether the 2018 peace accord finally shifts from paper to practice.