By Simon Deng
The President of the Europe Peace Foundation and Founder and Initiator of Global Peace 2030, Mr. Sappan KC Hum, has called upon South Sudan’s government and holdout groups to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that lasting peace requires all parties at the negotiating table.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, concluding his four-day visit, Sappan appealed to all political groups and armed forces involved in conflict and violence to “come to the peace table.” He stated, “We want peace; the people of South Sudan only want peace.”
“As part of the Global Peace 2030 mission, I appeal to political groups and armed forces involved in conflict and violence to come to the peace table. We want peace; the people of South Sudan only want peace,” Sappan reiterated during the press conference.
South Sudan continues to struggle with the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Holdout groups, including the National Salvation Front chaired by Thomas Cirilo Swaka, the Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (Real-SPLM) spearheaded by Pagan Amum Okiech, and the South Sudan United Front (SSUF) led by former Army Chief Paul Malong Awan, are advocating for a new peace agreement.
Sappan revealed that the holdout groups have straightforward demands, primarily focusing on governance reforms and the delivery of basic services, clarifying that they are not seeking a separate state.
“By prioritizing structured dialogue among all political forces, civil society actors, holdout groups, and key stakeholders, South Sudan can strengthen its democratic foundations, safeguard peace, and guarantee free, fair, and transparent processes,” he said.
The EPF delegation arrived in South Sudan on Sunday for a four-day visit, underscoring their unwavering commitment to support the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace, national reconciliation, justice, and human dignity.
Sappan acknowledged that while South Sudan is perceived globally, particularly in America and Europe, as a country of conflict and violence, it is fundamentally a peaceful nation despite its history of conflict and economic hardships.
“South Sudan is a country of peace, not a country of violence, not a country of conflict, and not a country of refugee camps. We want peace and economic development. The young generation needs jobs, economic stability, and peace,” Sappan asserted.
He added, “Declaring South Sudan as a peaceful nation does not imply that every challenge or conflict has already been resolved. Rather, it signals a strong, united national commitment to reject violence, denounce inflammatory rhetoric, and resolve political and social differences through peaceful dialogue.”
The Europe Peace Foundation has held discussions with various top government officials, including the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Other officials met include the First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), the National Minister of Interior, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, the Deputy Mayor, as well as representatives from civil society, youth groups, and refugee communities.
Afram Wani Peter, technical advisor for the Europe Peace Foundation, stated that South Sudan views lasting peace as the most effective way to end displacement and enable families to rebuild their livelihoods.
“Peace in South Sudan must prevail, and 2030 should be the limit. We need everyone to come up with peace programs. We want peace and justice. The executive and legislative bodies have elaborated on peace, and we are waiting for practical peace to prevail in the coming few months,” said Peter.
Amute Francis, head of the Europe Peace Foundation and Global Peace 2030 mission in South Sudan, announced that the mission has presented a proposal for the declaration of South Sudan as a peaceful country.
“The mission formally presented a special proposal for the declaration of South Sudan as a peaceful nation, alongside a proposed national peace, reconciliation, and development roadmap towards 2030, to key national stakeholders, including the president,” said Francis.
He concluded, “Lasting peace must rest upon a solid foundation of justice, human rights, and the rule of law. We call on all political leaders and communities to support a transparent, inclusive, and peaceful political process.”
Join the conversation
Keep contributions respectful, relevant and suitable for a public newsroom.