South Sudanese women are alarmed by the worsening violence and instability threatening the 2018 peace agreement. They condemned hate speech, encouraged dialogue, and urged governmental and international efforts to foster peace and protect civilians. Activists are mobilizing to engage women in high-level positions to promote peace initiatives.
A group of South Sudanese women expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating violence and political instability in the country during a press conference held in Juba. Grace John Kenyi, a noted peace activist and human rights defender, highlighted the risk of collapsing the 2018 peace agreement and the Tumaini Initiative due to the recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, that began on February 14, 2025.
The women extended condolences to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for the loss of a crew member amidst the conflict and sympathized with families who have lost loved ones. They called for restraint in the face of the violence that threatens the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Kenyi emphasized, “The lives lost are not mere statistics, they are brothers, sisters, children, and the future leaders of our nation.”
Furthermore, the activists rallied all citizens to condemn the use of social media for spreading hate and misinformation, which exacerbates the conflict and deepens community divisions. They acknowledged the government’s efforts to maintain peace and security while encouraging individuals to uphold humanitarian values and seek peace.
Kenyi appealed to the signatories of R-ARCSS to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions and called on the international community to investigate violence and hold perpetrators accountable. She urged various ministries to prioritize dialogue, enforce the rule of law, and expedite the implementation of peace agreements to restore stability in South Sudan.
Additionally, the women called on key organizations, such as the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) and the African Union (AU), to enforce ceasefire agreements and protect civilians. They also urged diplomatic missions to leverage their influence to foster peace and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
The women specifically appealed to the White Army, an armed group of Nuer youth, to renounce violence and participate in peaceful dialogue with governmental and community leaders. Lilian Sukeji Micheal, another activist, concluded the conference by stating efforts to engage women in high-ranking government positions to foster peace initiatives will continue, promising that they will distribute their statements to political figures to ensure their involvement in addressing these pressing issues.
South Sudanese women have raised urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in the country, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect peace agreements and address the escalating violence. They advocate for unity among women and citizens, engagement in respectful dialogue, and the prioritization of humanitarian assistance. The rallying call from these activists highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to restore stability and security in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
