The PCCA criticizes IGAD for its endorsement of the R-ARCSS as the foundation for peace in South Sudan, labeling it ineffective and deeply harmful. They emphasize the ongoing instability fueled by leadership succession politics and call for a genuine national dialogue, dissolution of militias, and elections to ensure sustainable peace and avoid further chaos in the region.
The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) has criticized the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for its recent report and communiqué regarding the situation in South Sudan, expressing deep discomfort with the endorsements of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). PCCA called these statements false and harmful to hopes for true peace, stressing they contradict documented shortcomings in the agreement’s implementation.
PCCA pointed out that the current conditions in South Sudan contradict IGAD’s view of R-ARCSS as a peace cornerstone. They noted President Kiir’s violations of the agreement and the ongoing military defections, illustrating a fragmented command structure. Moreover, the absence of peace is evidenced by the ongoing displacement of citizens, leading many to see the R-ARCSS as detrimental to their well-being.
The Coalition highlighted the recent violence in areas such as Nasir as a symptom of broader frustrations with the R-ARCSS. PCCA argued that this violence, while affecting political elites and UN staff, reflects deeper instability across the country, previously documented in various states. They underscored that the alleged successes of the R-ARCSS are misleading and that it has failed to foster a sustainable political transition or economic stability in South Sudan.
PCCA took issue with the newly formed IGAD Ministerial-level sub-committee on South Sudan, deeming its mandate vague. They criticized the absence of a clear strategy to address the root causes of instability, arguing that simply monitoring the situation without substantial proposals for action does not suffice.
The Coalition believes its assessment serves as a wake-up call, urging regional leaders to honestly evaluate the realities of South Sudan rather than adhere to outdated narratives centered around the R-ARCSS. They connected the unrest to political succession dynamics involving President Kiir and Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, cautioning against framing the crisis solely in the context of the R-ARCSS.
PCCA warned that continuing to view South Sudan’s issues through the R-ARCSS prism risks ignoring vital threats to national stability and regional peace. They asserted that both the R-ARCSS and Tumaini Initiative have lost relevance in addressing emerging political challenges.
Furthermore, PCCA advocated for the need to dissolve existing militias in favor of a unified national army and called for an inclusive political dialogue leading to a constitutional framework and timely elections. They warned against prolonging ineffective transitions, emphasizing that such an approach could endanger the country’s future and regional stability. The PCCA envisions a swift political change, urging a clear timeline for transitions within leadership roles to ensure a peaceful and democratic future for South Sudan.
The PCCA has expressed deep concerns about IGAD’s handling of the peace process in South Sudan, deeming the R-ARCSS ineffective and damaging to the populace. They emphasize the need for reassessing the political landscape, incorporating a more inclusive approach, and prioritizing the establishment of a national dialogue for sustainable peace and constitutional reforms. With growing unrest linked to succession politics, the PCCA insists that substantive changes are imperative to avert potential chaos and instability in both South Sudan and the broader region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
