Activist Warns Delays in Peace Deal Risk Renewed Violence

By Jenifer James

The Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has urged President Salva Kiir and other political leaders who are signatories to the peace agreement to act swiftly on outstanding tasks, warning that prolonged delays could plunge South Sudan back into conflict.

In a statement to the media on Thursday, Yakani emphasized that the recent call by the United Nations Security Council for South Sudanese leaders to accelerate implementation should not be overlooked.

“We appeal to the President and to the leaders of the mechanisms established to implement the outstanding tasks of our peace agreement to heed the unanimous call made by the UN Security Council,” Yakani said.

According to Yakani, the country has been mired in a political stalemate since March, hindering key provisions of the 2018 revitalized peace deal, including security arrangements, a permanent constitution, and preparations for national elections.

“It is essential that South Sudanese leaders demonstrate responsibility by using dialogue to resolve the stalemate. Failure to act risks reigniting war,” he warned.

Yakani noted that certain areas are already experiencing clashes between government forces, the SPLA-IO under Dr. Riek Machar, and other armed groups, describing this development as a “serious threat” to the peace roadmap.

He stressed that the credibility of the agreement is at stake.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a deteriorating situation where the peace deal is losing its legitimacy due to the ongoing stalemate and delays in implementing outstanding tasks,” Yakani said.

The activist made a direct appeal to President Kiir to convene an inclusive political dialogue that would facilitate progress on unresolved commitments.

“Your Excellency, President, this is the moment to make a significant decision by holding inclusive political dialogue. The call is being made at home, in the region, and by the international community,” he stated.

Yakani also urged the National Parliament to heed recommendations from the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, both of which have emphasised the need to finalise outstanding tasks before the end of the transitional period.

He concluded by reminding leaders that delays have a direct impact on ordinary citizens.

“This is the cry of suffering citizens in the bushes, of children missing school due to insecurity, and of families still grappling with the pain of war. Let us act and implement the outstanding tasks of the peace agreement,” Yakani said.

A few months ago, President Salva Kiir reconstituted the National Transitional Committee (NTC), a High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

The 31-member committee, which includes representatives from various political parties and stakeholders, was announced over state-owned media, the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), and aims to expedite the implementation of outstanding tasks.

Among those appointed are Kuol Manyang Juuk from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) as chairperson, deputised by Lasuba Ludoru Wongo from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro from the National Agenda, also a signatory to the peace agreement, has become the Secretary General of the committee, while the remaining members represent various political parties.

According to the appointment order, the High-Level Ad Hoc Committee will oversee the peace implementation process and strengthen the execution of outstanding tasks.

The committee’s mandate includes oversight of the Peace Deal Implementation, as well as ensuring the effective implementation of all chapters of the R-ARCSS, except Chapter Two (transitional security arrangements).