Members of the Civil Society Volunteer Task Force on Peace Agreement Implementation participate in a three-day Multi-Stakeholder Civil Society Conference for a Peaceful and Democratic Future, Juba, October 29, 2024. Credit: Michael Daniel/Eye Radio

Civil society groups have welcomed the government’s decision to retain key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, saying the move safeguards the peace deal and supports the transitional process ahead of the 2026 elections.

The groups said removing the articles would have undermined the legitimacy of the transitional government and weakened the framework of the peace agreement.

The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, Edmond Yakani, said the cabinet’s decision was a positive step in protecting the agreement.

Yakani said: “We appreciate, we welcome the decision made by the Council of Ministers for retaining the supremacy of the agreement to remain within the framework of the amendment of the R-ARCSS. As we have said before that minimum amendment for paving a way for elections is not objected, but we object the intention of deleting articles to do with the supremacy of the agreement, which have nothing to do with election.”

He added: “Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you very much, Council of Ministers, for responding positively to our proposal that don’t delete Article 8.2, Article 8.3, including Article 8.1 of the R-ARCSS.”

The Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance’s Yoal Gatkuoth Riek said the articles represent the foundation of the peace agreement, calling for full implementation of the deal, including continued dialogue and the release of political detainees.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance, Dabek Mabior Arok, said the decision could help restore public confidence and support peace and stability in the country.

South Sudan continues to face delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, including security sector reforms, constitution-making, and preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026.