Peace Deal Called a National Lifeline
Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr Martin Elia Lomuro told a Juba symposium that the Revitalized Agreement remains South Sudan’s “most vital roadmap” after years of conflict. He argued that the pact has largely silenced guns and restored a measure of political calm.
Implementation Milestones and Gaps
Key provisions—unified forces, financial reforms, and electoral groundwork—have slipped past several deadlines. Lomuro conceded that implementation is arduous, yet insisted shared responsibility between state, church, and civil society keeps the accord on course. Observers warn citizens need quicker, tangible results.
China’s Visible Footprint
Praising Beijing’s “practical friendship,” Lomuro highlighted new roads, scholarship schemes, and energy links as evidence that peace attracts investment. Chinese diplomat Huo Ying echoed the view, noting hospital upgrades, water wells, and a Safe City project designed to buttress both growth and stability.
Countdown to the 2025 Elections
National polls set for December 2025 will gauge whether current calm can translate into democratic legitimacy. Airport renovations and grid extensions are cited by the cabinet as signs of momentum, yet analysts caution that security sector reform remains the decisive benchmark.
Citizens’ Expectations and Regional Stakes
Lomuro stressed that education access, healthcare, and jobs must improve to cement peace. Neighboring states and financial partners watch closely; sustained progress could unlock wider trade corridors, whereas faltering reforms risk reigniting tensions in one of Africa’s youngest nations.