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

Stakeholders to South Sudan’s Revitalized Peace Agreement have welcomed the government’s decision to preserve key provisions of the 2018 peace deal, describing the move as vital for protecting the country’s fragile peace process ahead of elections.

In a statement issued Friday, the stakeholders praised the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity for maintaining Articles 8.1 to 8.3 of Chapter VIII of the R-ARCSS.

The decision was adopted by the Council of Ministers on May 22, 2026.

According to the statement, preserving the provisions safeguards the integrity of the peace agreement and responds to concerns raised by citizens, civil society groups, and international partners over possible unilateral amendments.

The stakeholders said the move could help rebuild public trust and create conditions for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.

“The future of South Sudan depends not only on elections, but on the credibility, inclusivity, and peaceful environment in which those elections are conducted,” the statement partly reads.

However, the parties warned that major challenges continue to threaten the implementation of the agreement, including insecurity, delays in security arrangements, political mistrust, and shrinking civic space.

They also expressed concern over rising political tensions ahead of the anticipated polls.

The stakeholders called for an end to unilateral decisions and ceasefire violations, while urging leaders to accelerate the deployment of unified forces and promote transparent political dialogue.

They further appealed to the government to guarantee civic and political freedoms, strengthen electoral institutions, support reconciliation efforts, and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced persons.

The statement also urged the African Union, IGAD, and international partners to intensify diplomatic engagement and continue supporting South Sudan’s democratic transition.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, saying the country’s future depends on justice, reconciliation, constitutionalism, and inclusive democratic governance.