South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Benjamin Takpiny
The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), an advocacy organization has expressed its support for the extension of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for an additional two years.
It said in a statement issued over the weekend in Juba, that the extension will provide the parties involved in the peace agreement with the necessary time to address pending tasks and prevent future blame from the citizens.
CPA acknowledged the frustration and mistrust felt by citizens as a result of numerous extensions without any credible results.
“CPA is interested in the pending tasks, which include the unification of the necessary unified forces (security arrangements), the repatriation of South Sudanese refugees from neighboring countries, the creation of a permanent constitution, the conduction of a national population census, and the establishment of a hybrid court for South Sudan,” it said.
It noted that improving the economy, human rights, and the rule of law are among the other issues that the international community is keen to see for the transitional government to regain trust.
CPA said that South Sudan has received 258 recommendations during the Universal Periodic Review, adding that it is crucial for the government to prioritize the strengthening of institutions, such as the South Sudan Human Rights Commission.
It cautioned leaders to be mindful of how they handle the resources of the country, adding that accountability and transparency remain a concern among the citizens of South Sudan.
“CPA is urging South Sudanese citizens to prepare for December 2026, when they will have the opportunity to vote for leaders who possess qualities such as a clean record on corruption,” it disclosed.
On Friday the presidency and parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan announced the extension of the transitional period by two years and the postponement of elections, which were initially scheduled for December 22nd 2024.
Presidential Adviser on National Security, Tut Gatluak, in a statement said the extension is an opportunity to implement the critical remaining protocols in the peace agreement, such as the permanent Constitution process, census and the registration of political parties.
While the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension is in response to recommendations from electoral institutions and the security sector.
Lomuro said that there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls.
He reassured South Sudanese that the government would remain operational during the extended period.
Lomuro added that the government will not be dissolved and will continue to function as usual while institutions work to finalize the provisions.
