- IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu visits South Sudan to assess peace agreement progress.
- Gebeyehu emphasizes the need for timely implementation of the R-ARCSS.
- High-level meetings were convened to discuss the path forward for sustainable peace.
- Political tensions in South Sudan threaten the ongoing peace process.
- Civil society advocates stress the urgency for the release of detained leader Riek Machar.
IGAD Secretary’s Visit Highlights Peace Progress Assessment
During his two-day official visit to South Sudan, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu arrived in Juba on Wednesday. His main focus appeared to be on evaluating the progress made in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Gebeyehu was welcomed by Akuei Bona Malwal, the deputy foreign affairs minister of South Sudan. Shortly after arriving, he initiated a series of high-level meetings focused on assessing the present state of peace efforts in South Sudan and determining the next steps needed to promote sustainable peace in the region.
High-Level Meetings Focus on Peace Process
In the initial stages of his engagements, Gebeyehu met with several key officials, starting with Monday Semaya Kumba, the minister of foreign affairs. These discussions also included consultations with other ministers closely involved in the peace process. The Executive Secretary emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the R-ARCSS is implemented fully and in a timely manner. Gebeyehu urged all parties involved to reflect on their commitments under the agreement, reiterating IGAD’s strong support for South Sudan and its people.
Political Landscape Remains Tense Amid Peace Efforts
Despite the ongoing discussions, uncertainty looms over whether Gebeyehu will be allowed to meet with First Vice President Riek Machar, who is currently detained. South Sudan’s foreign affairs ministry acknowledged the visit, noting it signifies the continued collaboration between IGAD and South Sudan in addressing mutual concerns. Amidst this, civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech urged IGAD to expedite Machar’s release, pointing out that the political tensions might risk further destabilizing the fragile peace process. The underlying factors affecting peace in South Sudan include the longstanding rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Machar, who were entangled in a brutal five-year civil war that claimed an estimated 400,000 lives, leading to the power-sharing agreement in 2018 facilitated by IGAD. The challenges remain significant, including security arrangements and the drafting of a new constitution, raising questions on the feasibility of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 2026.
In summary, the visit by IGAD’s Executive Secretary underscores the urgent need for cohesive strides towards implementing the peace agreement in South Sudan. With the clock ticking towards general elections in December 2026, stakeholders must work collaboratively to untangle the current political tensions. As highlighted by civil society voices, the path to sustainable peace hinges on addressing the core issues stifling progress, particularly surrounding the fate of First Vice President Riek Machar and his role within the ongoing peace framework.
