Pressure Mounts on South Sudan Leaders to Uphold 2018 Peace Agreement
South Sudan leaders are under significant pressure to reaffirm the 2018 peace deal as the Tumaini talks resume amidst escalating violence and political tensions. International and regional actors are urging President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to act decisively to prevent further destabilization. Key issues needing attention include security arrangements and political inclusivity, as the risk of renewed conflict looms large.
The transitional government of South Sudan is currently facing immense pressure to reaffirm its commitment to the 2018 peace agreement as the Tumaini Peace Initiative talks are set to resume in Nairobi later this month. With elections assigned for 2026, both international and regional stakeholders urge President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to maintain stability and prevent further escalation of tensions. These talks are particularly critical as violence has recently surged in Upper Nile State, highlighting the ongoing risks to national security.
Renewed conflicts in the Upper Nile region have seen significant clashes between government forces and the militia known as the White Army, which has alleged ties to Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). A recent incident involving a United Nations helicopter that was attacked while on an evacuation mission resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to others, raising further alarm about the deteriorating security environment. “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace,” stated President Salva Kiir.
Political tensions in Juba have also been exacerbated by the recent arrests of senior officials aligned with Machar, who have since been released. The government defended these detentions while Machar’s faction accused Kiir’s administration of contravening the peace agreement and undermining the existing power-sharing framework. In a response, Machar’s office condemned the actions as a “barbaric act,” emphasizing the ongoing commitment to engage with all stakeholders to maintain peace. Daniel Akech Thiong, a senior analyst, noted, “The fragile peace…is at risk of collapsing.”
As the Tumaini Peace Initiative, which aims to incorporate various holdout opposition groups into the transitional framework, faces a critical examination, it struggles against delays and ongoing disagreements. The postponement of discussions earlier this year has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the initiative. Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group warned that South Sudan is “slipping rapidly toward full-blown war,” predicting the possibility of significant ethnic violence if not addressed promptly.
Preparations for the forthcoming talks must focus on pressing issues such as security sector reforms and political representation. Martin Elia Lomurö, South Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs Minister, remarked, “The president has given us clear directives that we should come back with peace in our hands…to address matters in a manner that attracts confidence and attitudes of peace building.”
Amid these challenges, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have ramped up their diplomatic engagements to avert further chaos. The United Nations-African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security has underscored the pressing need for unified diplomatic strategies to foster peace. Furthermore, Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, indicated an urgent need for leaders to recommit to the peace process, stating, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress.”
In conclusion, the pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to uphold the fragile peace established in 2018 is intensifying, as evidenced by renewed violence and political tensions. The resumption of the Tumaini Peace Initiative represents a critical opportunity to address key unresolved issues; however, the ongoing conflicts highlight the dire state of national security. Both regional and international stakeholders emphasize the importance of returning to peaceful negotiations to avoid further escalation into chaos and violence. They advocate for a recommitment to the peace process to secure a stable future for the nation.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
