South Sudan at a Crossroads: Accountability for Change After 20 Years of CPA
January 9, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in South Sudan, which, despite initial optimism, has resulted in unmet promises of peace and sustainable governance. The transitional government faces criticism for its performance, while international partners have been called out for inadequate support and reliance on ineffective aid. Both the government and international community need to adopt effective, inclusive strategies that prioritize transparency, governance, and grassroots involvement to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan.
On January 9, 2025, South Sudan marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), a critical milestone intended to foster peace after years of conflict. Despite the initial hope generated by the CPA, South Sudan continues to grapple with unfulfilled promises of stability and effective governance. The transitional government faces scrutiny for inadequate progress, and the international community, which was expected to assist in the nation’s development, has also been criticized for its insufficient and inconsistent support. A comprehensive approach by both the government and its international partners is essential to facilitate substantial progress in South Sudan’s quest for peace and stability.
International partners such as the United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom, key players in the negotiation of the CPA, have expressed concerns over the transitional government’s failure to create a conducive environment for elections. Their joint statement emphasizes issues, including limited political freedom and rampant corruption. However, it is imperative to recognize that these countries have also fallen short in their responsibilities. Their inconsistent approach and lack of a coordinated strategy have hindered progress, leading to a reliance on superficial aid that lacks long-term effectiveness. A shift toward a strategy focusing on sustainable capacity-building and grassroots involvement is vital.
The South Sudanese government, while under scrutiny, has pointed to numerous challenges that impede its progress, including ongoing conflicts and economic instability compounded by the global pandemic. Proponents of the government cite the revitalized peace agreement of 2018 as a step forward in addressing critical issues. However, claims of progress are undermined by continued mismanagement of resources, tight restrictions on civic freedom, and corrupt practices. The government must prioritize transparency and accountability to rebuild both citizens’ and international partners’ trust.
Significant shortcomings in the international community’s approach include a failure to tackle the underlying causes of conflict, which leads to ineffectual responses to symptoms like food insecurity. Additionally, fluctuating political attention has resulted in reduced international engagement in South Sudan. By over-relying on elite partnerships, the crucial contributions of grassroots organizations have been overlooked. A more holistic strategy, focused on local ownership and community engagement, is essential to achieve lasting peace and development.
To demonstrate a genuine commitment to the CPA, the South Sudanese government needs to implement several key actions: enhancing transparency in revenues and expenditures, empowering civil society by fostering a participatory governance model, directing resources toward essential services like education and healthcare, and ensuring that the electoral process is credible and inclusive. Despite the past challenges, the government must work toward building a foundation of trust and accountability in all its actions.
Progress since the CPA’s inception has been evident, including South Sudan’s independence and the establishment of a transitional government. Upcoming milestones such as the finalization of the permanent constitution and coordination of credible elections will require unwavering political will and adequate resources. Collaboration between the South Sudanese government and its international partners is essential in creating an environment conducive to peace.
In conclusion, both the South Sudanese government and the international community share the responsibility for achieving the CPA’s objectives. The government must engage in transparent practices and prioritize citizen welfare while international partners must commit to consistent, meaningful support focused on empowering local communities. A unified effort is necessary to realize a peaceful and prosperous future for South Sudan, fulfilling the promise made two decades ago with the CPA.
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was established in 2005 to end the prolonged civil conflict in Sudan, ultimately leading to the independence of South Sudan in 2011. This agreement was envisioned to cultivate peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of South Sudan. However, after two decades, many of the CPA’s goals remain unmet, and recent events have highlighted a growing discontent among citizens regarding the effectiveness of their transitional government and the role of international partners in facilitating the country’s evolution post-independence. As the nation approaches critical electoral milestones, scrutiny on both the government and international bodies has intensified, prompting calls for reassessment and reform in approaches to governance and support.
In summary, South Sudan stands at a crucial juncture; the failures and criticisms of both the transitional government and the international community require a reevaluation of strategies moving forward. By committing to transparent governance, empowering local communities, and focusing on sustainable development practices, both parties can work together to navigate the path towards fulfillment of the CPA’s lifelong promise of peace and prosperity. Shared responsibility is essential; thus, collaboration is key to ensuring a hopeful future for the citizens of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
