PCCA Critiques IGAD’s Oversight of South Sudan’s Peace Initiatives
The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) criticized IGAD’s optimistic statements on the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which they argue are misleading and detrimental to genuine peace. PCCA contends that the agreement has failed the South Sudanese people, calling for a more comprehensive understanding of the crisis and emphasizing the need for new political discourse and reform pathways to restore stability.
The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) has expressed grave concerns regarding the recent statements made by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) concerning South Sudan’s peace process. Following the Executive Secretary’s report and the Communiqué from the 43rd Extraordinary Summit, PCCA criticized claims that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) serves as the foundation for peace. They argue that these assertions are misleading and detrimental to genuine peace initiatives in the region.
PCCA highlighted several invalidations of IGAD’s claims, noting that the implementation of the R-ARCSS remains faulty, citing repeated violations by President Kiir and ongoing military defections. They emphasize that the ongoing humanitarian crisis, evidenced by the continued displacement of people, contradicts IGAD’s optimistic portrayals. Furthermore, the Coalition pointed out that the R-ARCSS is viewed by the South Sudanese populace as a detrimental agreement rather than a peace-affirming one.
Addressing recent conflicts in Nasir, PCCA attributed these disturbances to rising dissatisfaction with the R-ARCSS, particularly as these events began to affect the political elite. They strongly questioned the validity of IGAD’s statements suggesting that the agreement has improved conditions in South Sudan, asserting that it has failed to resolve critical issues pertaining to conflict and economic instability.
Despite the Summit’s decision to implement a Ministerial-level sub-committee to oversee peace efforts, PCCA criticized this approach as insufficient and vague. They demanded a more profound understanding of the root causes of unrest and expressed concern that IGAD’s response reveals a lack of genuine engagement with the realities on the ground; simply monitoring the situation without a strategic plan only perpetuates existing instability.
The PCCA underscored that the current crisis is primarily linked to succession politics rather than the execution of the R-ARCSS. The speculation surrounding President Kiir’s potential transition of power underscores the ineffective management of these political dynamics. PCCA argued for a disruption of outdated narratives surrounding South Sudan’s political landscape and called for addressing the real challenges the nation faces.
The Coalition emphasized the necessity of distancing South Sudan from the obsolete R-ARCSS and suggested that the country needs a new approach to politics—one that involves inclusive dialogue and action to dissolve private militias while establishing a national army. They believe that without a clear timetable for political reform and elections, South Sudan risks descent into further chaos, urging IGAD to play a constructive role in facilitating these developments for sustainable peace.
In summary, the PCCA has critically assessed IGAD’s handling of the South Sudan situation, contesting their claims regarding the R-ARCSS and emphasizing its failures. They stress the importance of addressing the region’s underlying political tensions, calling for a shift away from stagnant narratives toward more relevant solutions. The PCCA advocates for an inclusive political dialogue and reforms, urging IGAD to take a decisive, proactive stance in addressing South Sudan’s pressing issues to avert further conflict.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
