South Sudan’s leaders are under increasing pressure to uphold the 2018 peace deal with elections approaching in 2026. Amidst rising violence and political tensions, the Tumaini Peace Initiative will resume talks in Nairobi. Key issues include security reforms and political inclusivity, with international and regional actors calling for urgent action to avert renewed conflict.
The transitional government of South Sudan is facing urgent pressure to uphold its commitments to the 2018 peace agreement, especially with elections looming in 2026. International and regional leaders are advocating for President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to take decisive actions to prevent the further destabilization of the nation. Amidst rising violence and political tensions, the Tumaini Peace Initiative is set to resume in Nairobi later this month after being postponed thrice since February.
The nation’s security situation remains precarious, particularly in Upper Nile State, where government forces are engaged in ongoing clashes with the White Army militia, linked to Machar’s SPLM-IO party. An unsettling incident involving the deadly attack on a United Nations helicopter, which was conducting a mission to evacuate national army members, underscores the critical challenges ahead. “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace,” stated President Salva Kiir. Concerns about the effectiveness of the peace deal’s security provisions have escalated, especially regarding military integration issues that remain unresolved.
Political tensions have intensified in Juba, highlighted by the recent arrests of several senior officials aligned with Machar, which have since sparked accusations against Kiir’s administration for violating the peace accord. In response, Machar’s office condemned the detentions and reaffirmed its commitment to peace: “Efforts to restore peace in the region remain a top priority.” Senior analyst Daniel Akech Thiong warned of the risk of collapsing the fragile peace that has existed since 2018, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The Tumaini Peace Initiative, launched in May 2024 with the objective of integrating opposition groups into the transitional framework, has faced significant delays and disagreements, raising concerns about its viability. Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group warned of the potential slide into full-blown war, urging immediate containment to prevent ethnic massacres. Mediators are focusing on crucial issues such as security sector reforms and political representation in the upcoming talks. Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomurö asserted that the government is committed to bringing peace back to the negotiations.
Regional and international pressures continue to mount, as organizations like the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development intensify their diplomatic endeavors to prevent further deterioration in South Sudan. The UN-AU Joint Task Force stresses the urgent need for coordinated efforts to support the peace process. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, cautioned about the dangerous regression occurring, urging South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize the peace process and the rights of citizens, stating that they must focus on a smooth transition to democracy.
In summary, the leaders of South Sudan must urgently address the challenges posed by escalating violence and political tensions as they prepare for the resumption of the Tumaini Peace Initiative. The international community is calling for swift action to uphold the fragile peace established since 2018, with a strong emphasis on resolving security and political disputes. Failure to act decisively can steer the nation back into full-scale conflict, threatening the progress made thus far.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
