South Sudan is facing a critical phase in its efforts to achieve political stability after years of civil war and power struggles. Despite the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement which led to the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity with President Salva Kiir and his First Vice President Riek Machar at the helm, the country remains far from achieving full stability.
As the end of the transitional period in 2026 approaches, pressure is mounting on the parties involved to implement the necessary political, security, and economic reforms to hold elections without further delays. However, increasing delays and the parties’ failure to meet their commitments cast doubt on whether this goal can be achieved. Are we going to face another extension? Will South Sudan hold real elections to break the cycle of political conflict?
Criticism of the involved parties; all must bear responsibility
President Salva Kiir and his First Vice President Riek Machar, along with members of the transitional government, are facing mounting criticism over the slow pace of implementing the agreed-upon reforms. Despite the formation of a national unity government, many key provisions of the peace agreement remain unfulfilled. The permanent constitution is yet to be drafted, essential electoral laws have not been enacted, and security conditions remain unstable in several regions, threatening to postpone or even derail the electoral process.
At the same time, the economy is suffering from severe stagnation, with poverty levels still high and rising inflation weighing heavily on citizens’ daily lives. The government’s failure to provide tangible solutions to alleviate economic hardship hinders efforts to create a stable environment for a genuine democratic transition.
Armed opposition; a failure to unite and contribute to stability
On the other hand, the armed opposition bears additional responsibility for obstructing the implementation of the security provisions of the peace agreement. Despite the agreement to integrate opposition forces into the national army, the actual execution of this provision has been weak. Many armed factions refuse to lay down their arms or fully engage in the peace process, resulting in ongoing violence in some regions and further delays in implementing reforms.
The security challenges, coupled with a lack of trust between the parties, make achieving stability more difficult. The opposition factions must commit seriously to the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, including a permanent ceasefire and full engagement in the political process.
International Community; weak follow-up and support
At the beginning of the peace process, the international community was a key partner in supporting the agreement. However, international interest seems to have waned in recent years, leaving South Sudan to face its challenges without the necessary backing. The lack of sufficient international pressure on the involved parties to implement the reforms has stalled the transition process. Moreover, the international community has not yet provided the technical and financial support necessary for organizing elections or assisting the government in improving security and economic conditions.
In addition, the international community has failed to impose clear and effective sanctions on those obstructing the transitional process, whether from the government or the opposition, allowing the political stalemate to persist.
Possible solutions to ensure a smooth transition to elections
To ensure free and transparent elections by the end of 2026 without another extension of the transitional period, urgent steps must be taken on several fronts:
1. Setting a binding timetable for constitutional and legal reforms
Constitutional and legal reforms are the foundation for fair elections. The government and opposition must agree on a clear and binding timetable for drafting the permanent constitution and enacting the necessary electoral laws. This process should be completed by mid-2025 at the latest to allow sufficient time for election preparation and campaigns.
2. Accelerating the integration of armed forces and ending security fragmentation
There can be no talk of free elections while armed militias remain outside state control. The conflicting parties must commit to implementing the security provisions of the peace agreement and integrating armed forces into a unified national army. The international community, through the United Nations or the African Union, can provide technical and training assistance to ensure these forces are capable of protecting citizens and ensuring electoral security.
3. Strengthening international oversight and ensuring effective international support
The international community must return forcefully to the scene in South Sudan. There should be direct international oversight of the peace agreement’s implementation, as well as logistical and technical support for organizing the elections. The United Nations and the African Union can send independent monitors to oversee the electoral process, ensuring its fairness and transparency. Furthermore, sanctions should be imposed on those obstructing the transitional process, including asset freezes and travel bans.
4. Promoting national reconciliation among rival factions
In addition to legal and security reforms, a comprehensive national reconciliation involving all segments of society, including armed factions and civil society leaders, must be achieved. This reconciliation should aim to build trust between the conflicting parties and create a conducive environment for democratic transformation. Support for this reconciliation can come through organizing national dialogue conferences that involve all stakeholders.
5. Focusing on economic reforms and improving living conditions
Without improving economic conditions, achieving any political stability will be difficult. The transitional government, with the support of the international community, must focus on economic reform and improving essential services for citizens, including education, health, and infrastructure. Investment in these vital sectors will contribute to creating a more stable environment, encouraging democratic transformation, and reducing social tensions.
Conclusion: South Sudan’s future in the hands of its leaders
Reaching free and transparent elections by the end of 2026 is not only a domestic demand of the people of South Sudan but also a necessity for achieving lasting peace and stability. The political leadership must understand that any further extension of the transitional period will exacerbate political, economic, and security crises, worsening the suffering of the people.
Therefore, all parties must take responsibility and commit to implementing the required reforms. The international community must also return forcefully to the scene to support this process.
If the necessary reforms are implemented on time, South Sudan may finally be able to turn the page on its conflicts and embark on a new era of peace and development. However, if the political deadlock persists, the likelihood of another extension of the transitional period will remain a real threat, further deepening both internal and international frustration.
The writer, Mahmoud Akot, is a pro-democracy activist and former spokesperson of the National Democratic Movement. He can be reached via mahmoudakot@gmail.com/+33602804330.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.