Gov’t urged to undertake reforms to address root cause of conflict

By Awan Achiek

The leader of the opposition Common People’s Alliance (CPA), Deng Bol Aruai, has urged the transitional unity government to expedite implementation of reforms enshrined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement in order to address the root causes of conflict in the country.

According to a letter submitted on Thursday to the mediation team at the ongoing Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi, Bol stressed the need for the government to undertake governance reforms to decentralize power and promote inclusive political representation across the states and administrative areas.

This he said would address the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan since outbreak in December 2013.

 “To break the cycle of war and instability, South Sudan must implement urgent and comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of conflict rather than just managing its symptoms,” said Bol.

“The current highly centralized system fuels power struggles, while many communities feel excluded from national decision-making,” he added.

Bol suggests that the country adopts federal or decentralized system to ensure fair power distribution, equitable resource allocation, and greater regional autonomy, as well as reduce competition over state control.

He noted that border disputes with neighboring Sudan over Abyei, Kafia Kingi, and Panthou should be resolved through legal arbitration and diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontations.

In addition, he called for the establishment of a transparent revenue-sharing system for oil and natural resources in order for revenues to benefit all South Sudanese.

Bol stressed the need for the security sector to be restructured to create a unified and professional army and police force rather than maintaining militias that serve political leaders.

He emphasized the need for demilitarization and reintegration of armed groups to prevent further factional violence.

“Economic reforms are also essential. South Sudan must diversify its economy beyond oil by investing in agriculture, infrastructure, and trade to create jobs and promote long-term stability,” said Bol.

He also urged the government to introduce transparent financial policies and reforms to prevent corruption and ensure public funds are used for national development, and also called for the speedy establishment of the African Union-led hybrid court to prosecute war crimes and human rights abuses, adding that without justice, war criminals will continue to destabilize the country.

“These reforms must be urgently implemented. South Sudan cannot afford another cycle of war, and it is time for real change,” said Bol.

The government has been negotiating since May 9, 2024 in the Kenyan Capital with opposition parties which refused to sign the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The talks are aimed at bringing on board the opposition parties to join the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.