South Sudan’s Stagnating Peace Process Amid Escalating Violence
In September 2024, South Sudan’s government postponed elections to 2026 amid ongoing violence and violations of the 2018 peace agreement. Political power struggles, economic exploitation, and fragmented armed groups contribute to a challenging environment for peace. As violence spreads and resources diminish, the potential for a cohesive resolution remains bleak.
In September 2024, the South Sudanese government announced a delay in elections until 2026, further violating the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). This decision exacerbates the existing divisions and ongoing violence within the country, deeply rooted in a lack of unity among politicians, generals, and communities following the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018. Presently, stakeholders prioritize individual political and economic gains at the expense of collective progress, often leading to violent conflicts over dwindling resources.
The central government in Juba continues to limit funding to national institutions, revealing the lack of commitment from both state and rebel forces to form a unified military. Additionally, government officials exploit their positions for personal enrichment, living lavishly while the nation suffers economically. Politicians regularly siphon off wealth from Nilepet, South Sudan’s state-owned oil company, exacerbating the country’s poverty.
Violence in South Sudan has become increasingly widespread as armed groups have fragmented and diversified. Data indicate that between January 1, 2013, and the R-ARCSS signing on September 12, 2018, there were conflict events recorded in 718 distinct locations, escalating to 1,720 incidents between September 13, 2018, and January 17, 2025. The continued fragmentation and local-level contests over borders, resources, and political power present significant challenges to the peace process, hindering efforts for lasting resolution.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan stems from significant political strife and economic instability following a civil war that claimed numerous lives and displaced many citizens. The 2018 Revitalized Agreement sought to establish peace and provide a framework for governance, but repeated violations and lack of compliance from various factions signal a deterioration of the peace process. The nation faces immense challenges in its attempts to unite its diverse groups under a common identity while addressing rampant violence and resource competition.
The postponement of elections until 2026, coupled with the persistent violence and fragmentation of armed groups, underscores the stagnation of South Sudan’s peace process. The deep-rooted issues of political division, exploitation of resources, and lack of governance remain significant barriers to progress. Without a concerted effort to address these challenges, the prospects for lasting peace in South Sudan continue to dwindle.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
