IGAD Chief Gebeyehu Holds Talks in South Sudan
- IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu visits South Sudan.
- The visit aims to evaluate the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict.
- Gebeyehu stresses timely implementation of peace agreements is vital.
- Calls for the release of Riek Machar are intensifying among activists.
- Political tensions surrounding Machar could undermine the peace process.
Important Discussions on Conflict Resolution
During an official visit to South Sudan, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu arrived in Juba on Wednesday, marking the start of a two-day trip. The main objective of this visit, as defined by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, is to evaluate the progress made regarding the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, often known as R-ARCSS. Upon his arrival, he was received by Akuei Bona Malwal, the deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, who emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between IGAD and South Sudan.
Gebeyehu’s High-Level Meetings for Peace Efforts
After landing, Gebeyehu wasted no time in convening high-level meetings to review the existing developments related to the peace agreement. His initial round of discussions included engagements with South Sudan’s foreign minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, and several key ministers involved in the peace implementation process. The IGAD secretary-general made it clear that the timely execution of the R-ARCSS is vital, urging all parties involved to escalate their commitments aimed at achieving lasting peace in the country. He reiterated that IGAD will persist in supporting South Sudan, especially at this critical juncture.
Political Impasse Threatens Peace Process
However, one notable question remains—will Gebeyehu be granted the opportunity to meet with the detained First Vice President, Riek Machar? Meanwhile, the South Sudanese foreign ministry confirmed the scheduling of this visit, highlighting its significance for ongoing cooperation with IGAD. Prominent activist Ter Manyang Gatwech has issued a strong plea for urgencies like Machar’s release, claiming that lingering political tensions could prove harmful to the nation’s already fragile peace process. He articulated that while the spirit of the peace agreement might appear weakened, its legal foundation remains intact, with some governmental bodies still functional under the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.
Ongoing Challenges Amidst Fragile Peace
The backdrop of this visit is significant. South Sudan has been grappling with heightened security and political instability after President Salva Kiir’s actions to marginalize Machar, who has been under house arrest since March. Kiir and Machar have a tumultuous history, having been at the center of a brutal five-year civil war, which tragically resulted in the loss of approximately 400,000 lives. A power-sharing agreement brokered by IGAD in 2018 was supposed to remedy these issues, but it faces consistent hurdles regarding essential tasks such as security arrangements, constitution drafting, and electoral preparations.
Future Outlook for South Sudan’s Political Landscape
As the IGAD executive secretary wrapped up his talks, attention pointed toward the future—general elections are set to take place in December 2026. It is crucial that South Sudan moves toward solid democracy and a sustainable political transition, as mandated by the Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan. Time will tell whether Gebeyehu’s visit will have a lasting impact on the direness of the situation, especially concerning the political landscape and the necessity for renewed international support from bodies like IGAD, the African Union, and the East African Community.
In summary, IGAD Chief Workneh Gebeyehu’s visit to South Sudan highlights the ongoing efforts to assess and sustain peace under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. With political tensions threatening stability, calls for releasing First Vice President Riek Machar are growing louder. The complexities surrounding the nation’s leadership dynamics and the challenges in implementing the peace agreement persist as South Sudan moves closer to general elections in 2026.
