South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Vice President for the Service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu, stated on Thursday that approximately 60 per cent of the 2018 peace deal has been implemented, contributing to a sustained period of relative peace for seven years.
Addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Thursday, VP Lagu said the 2018 peace deal, though delayed and strained by political crises, remains intact.
“On the whole, the implementation of the peace agreement is about 60 per cent executed. The agreement has held for seven years, and a relative peace has been attained, thus giving hope to our people,” Lagu said.
She stated that this relative peace has encouraged many South Sudanese to return from neighbouring countries and the diaspora, allowing them to rebuild their lives and contribute to national development.
“Although the implementation of the peace agreement has been slower than we would have wanted due to financial constraints, some members of the international community have been contributing in kind.”
Lagu said plans are underway to prepare the country for general elections slated for December 2026.
“Until recently, the permanent cessation of hostilities was observed, and relative peace was attained throughout the country.”
She noted that 40 per cent of women’s representation at the highest level of government has been achieved as stipulated in the peace agreement.
“The presidency consists of a president and five vice presidents, two of whom are female, thus achieving 40 per cent female representation at the highest level of government.”
She revealed that the unified forces have been trained; some have been deployed, while the rest are awaiting deployment.
According to VP Lagu, the second phase of the security sector reforms is due to start imminently in October 2025.
She stated that in the last five years, Africa’s youngest nation has suffered recurrent floods on one hand and prolonged droughts on the other, contributing to crop failures, biodiversity loss, and mass displacement.
She added that these challenges intensify food insecurity, undermine livelihood support, and threaten social stability.
“In this regard, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan calls for equitable and predictable climate financing to strengthen adaptation and resilience.”
