Signatories to the peace agreement sign a deal to extend the transitional period by 24 months. | 5th August 2022. | Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio.

South Sudan’s peace guarantors – IGAD, African Union, and UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – have acknowledge progress made by the unity government in implementing the 2018 peace agreement and emphasized that 2025 is a pivotal year to prioritize remaining tasks in the peace deal.

In a joint press statement, the multilateral organizations welcomed the stability achieved through “sustained ceasefire” and encourage immediate completion of the deployment of remaining Necessary Unified Forces as well as broader transitional security arrangements.

“We commend the initiation of planning, outreach, and foundational work commenced by the technical mechanisms responsible for electoral and constitution-making processes,” they said.

It however added that the groups remain concerned over delays in vital transitional tasks, which led to the decision to extend the transitional period again in September 2024.

“We note the commitment demonstrated by President Salva Kiir Mayardit in seeking the assistance of President William Ruto of Kenya on the stalled mediation with holdout groups, leading to the Tumaini Initiative.”

They appealed to the government delegation and opposition groups to ensure that the follow-up negotiations yield consensus to bring the holdout groups on board to support the peace process.

“As we move into 2025, we are encouraged by the President’s assurance that the latest extension will be the last, and persuaded further by his pledge that the country will not return to war,” the trio added.

“We urge the Government to seize the opportunity presented by this extended period to address all outstanding benchmarks expeditiously. We encourage the parties to pursue the extension with urgency, consensus, inclusivity and collegiality.”

The peace guarantors call for expanded civic education and engagement with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, media, and the broader community of South Sudan on peace implementation challenges.

They underscored that it is crucial to establish clarity at the start of the new year to enable realistic planning for elections in December 2026.

Further, they emphasized that South Sudan must demonstrate full commitment to completing its critical transitional tasks to retain the trust and support of the global community given its preoccupation with competing emergencies across the world.

They pledged to continue supporting South Sudanese people in working toward tangible progress in the peace process in 2025 and credible elections in December 2026.