South Sudan Political Transition Hits a Tight Deadline
In Juba, civil society activist Edmund Yakani has warned that mismanaging the transition during February and March could place South Sudan in what he called a “very dangerous position” (Eye Radio). He framed the next two months as a make-or-break period for stability and governance.
CEPO Pushes Inclusive Dialogue Over Military Tactics
Yakani, who leads the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said time is “rapidly running out” for actors pressing for elections (Eye Radio). He urged leaders to move away from military tactics and convene an inclusive political roundtable to address unresolved disputes.
UN Guterres Briefing Highlights Jonglei Security Concerns
Yakani’s comments followed a high-level briefing by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for an immediate end to military operations in Jonglei State (Eye Radio). Yakani described the UN chief’s message as timely and necessary, aligning with appeals to abandon violence as leverage in politics.
Yakani’s Warning: Military Solutions Deepen Civilian Costs
“Military solutions to political crises benefit nobody,” Yakani told Eye Radio (Eye Radio). He said armed approaches primarily harm civilians, arguing they force citizens to pay an “expensive price” in lives and livelihoods while narrowing options for a durable political settlement.
Ceasefire and Political Roadmap: ‘Now, Not Tomorrow’
With the transitional period reaching what he described as a critical juncture, Yakani said the window for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue is shrinking (Eye Radio). “Resume political dialogue now, and the country will succeed,” he said, tying progress to immediate de-escalation and talks.
Consensus-Based Path Forward for South Sudan’s Leaders
Yakani appealed to political leaders to reconsider their approach and reduce violence, insisting that a consensus-based political roadmap is the most viable way forward (Eye Radio). His remarks positioned inclusive negotiations as central to safeguarding the transition’s remaining milestones.