BY PAUL TABAN
9 January 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s history that brought hope to a people long ravaged by war and oppression. However, two decades later, the CPA’s promise of peace, prosperity, and a responsive government remains unfulfilled. The transitional government stands accused of failing its citizens, while the international community—tasked with supporting the nation’s transition—has also fallen short. As the blame game continues, a deeper analysis reveals that both parties must step up to steer South Sudan toward a brighter future.
A critical look at international partners
The United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands—countries that were instrumental in brokering the CPA—have chastised South Sudan’s transitional government for its inability to create conditions for peaceful and credible elections. Their concerns, articulated in a joint statement, highlight issues such as limited civic and political space, rampant corruption, and mismanagement of natural resources.
While these criticisms are valid, the international community itself is not without fault. Despite their advocacy for transparency and good governance, international partners have often applied inconsistent pressure and failed to address systemic challenges effectively. Aid has sometimes perpetuated dependency rather than fostering self-reliance. Moreover, a lack of coordinated strategy among these partners has undermined the impact of their efforts.
To truly support South Sudan, the international community must recalibrate its approach. This includes prioritizing long-term capacity-building over short-term relief, ensuring that aid targets grassroots development, and actively involving civil society in decision-making processes.
The transitional government: defending its record
The South Sudanese government, under constant international scrutiny, often cites post-independence challenges—including ongoing conflict, economic instability, and the pandemic—as factors hindering progress. It argues that the CPA’s vision was ambitious, given the decades of neglect and devastation that preceded it. The government’s defenders also point to efforts such as the revitalized peace agreement of 2018, which aimed to address power-sharing and security concerns.
Despite these arguments, the government’s record is marred by mismanagement and lack of political will. Public funds meant for salaries and basic services are routinely misappropriated, and the civic space remains tightly controlled. While challenges are undeniable, a stronger commitment to reform and transparency is essential for the government to regain public and international trust.
Where the international community is falling short
The international community’s approach has not been without flaws. Key shortcomings include:
- Failure to Address Root Causes: Efforts have often focused on symptoms—such as food insecurity and displacement—without adequately addressing the structural issues driving conflict and corruption.
- Inconsistent Engagement: Political crises in other regions have diverted attention and resources from South Sudan, resulting in waning international pressure and oversight.
- Overreliance on Elites: Partnering predominantly with government officials and elites has sidelined grassroots actors who are critical to sustainable peace and development.
To correct these missteps, international actors must adopt a more holistic, grassroots-focused strategy that emphasizes local ownership of development and peacebuilding initiatives.
What the government must do
South Sudan’s government must take concrete steps to demonstrate its commitment to the CPA’s vision. Key actions include:
- Enhancing Transparency: Implement mechanisms for tracking public revenue and expenditures to curb corruption.
- Empowering Civil Society: Foster an open civic space where citizens can freely participate in shaping the country’s future.
- Prioritizing Basic Services: Direct resources toward health, education, and infrastructure to improve living standards.
- Election Readiness: Ensure that the electoral process is inclusive, transparent, and credible to restore public confidence.
Steps taken and plans ahead
Since the CPA, South Sudan has made some progress, such as achieving independence in 2011, forming a transitional government in 2020, and implementing aspects of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. However, much remains to be done. Upcoming plans include finalizing the permanent constitution and preparing for elections, but these efforts require consistent political will and resources.
A path forward: shared responsibility
The path forward requires a collaborative effort between the government and international partners. Key recommendations include:
- For the Government: Demonstrate accountability through transparent governance, inclusive policies, and genuine commitment to reform.
- For International Partners: Provide targeted, sustainable support that empowers local communities and civil society while maintaining consistent diplomatic pressure.
Ultimately, the success of South Sudan hinges on the recognition that peace and prosperity are shared responsibilities. By honoring their commitments and working together, both the government and the international community can fulfill the CPA’s long-awaited promise—a peaceful, prosperous South Sudan for all its citizens.
The writer is a passionate and results-driven professional with over 20 years of leadership experience across diverse sectors such as hospitality, oil, logistics, and agriculture. Paul Taban is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and development in South Sudan. As a Transformer, he specializes in designing and implementing robust strategies that propel organizations toward sustainable success. His extensive expertise in contract management, operational excellence, creative marketing, and professional training positions him as a catalyst for positive change and collaboration, making him the go-to partner for businesses or Governments looking to elevate their operations and enhance their impact. He can be reached at umbi3000@gmail.com
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