• IGAD’s Gebeyehu arrives in Juba for crucial talks.
• Focus of visit centers on R-ARCSS implementation progress.
• Civil society calls for the release of Riek Machar.

IGAD Focuses on Revitalized Agreement in South Sudan

In a significant development for South Sudan, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu arrived in Juba on Wednesday for a two-day visit, focusing on the critical assessment of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, commonly known as R-ARCSS. His arrival was marked by a welcome from Akuei Bona Malwal, the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. During this visit, Gebeyehu is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings that will lay the groundwork for future peace efforts in the region, which is currently grappling with political upheavals and security concerns that threaten the fragile peace process.

Political Tensions Threaten Peace Process

The executive secretary didn’t waste any time delving into talks, meeting with South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monday Semaya Kumba, followed by discussions with other pivotal ministers involved in the peace process. During these engagements, Gebeyehu emphasized the vital importance of the timely and complete implementation of the R-ARCSS. Notably, IGAD has reaffirmed its unwavering support for both the people and the government of South Sudan during this crucial phase in their ongoing peace journey. However, questions remain about whether Gebeyehu will be permitted to meet with Riek Machar, the detained First Vice President, whose ongoing restrictions have raised alarms among various observers.

Call for Renewed Support for South Sudan’s Transition

Meanwhile, civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech has voiced urgent calls for IGAD to facilitate Machar’s release, warning that his continued detainment could exacerbate existing political tensions. He asserted that while the peace agreement might seem fragile, its legal framework still holds water, and the institutions under the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) continue to operate. However, Manyang warned that the ongoing political deadlock due to Machar’s restriction poses a significant risk to the overall peace process and could impede progress toward stability in the nation. There’s heightened urgency for IGAD, along with the African Union and the East African Community, to bolster their support for South Sudan’s political transition as this visit unfolds against a backdrop of significant instability.

Challenges Ahead for Peace in South Sudan

This visit comes at a crucial time, as South Sudan continues to manage the fallout from months of political and security unrest following President Salva Kiir’s decision to sidelining his rival. Riek Machar was placed under house arrest earlier this year after years of conflict, including a devastating civil war that took approximately 400,000 lives. The power-sharing agreement signed in 2018, brokered by IGAD, aimed to address these tensions, yet numerous challenges remain in enacting key provisions like security arrangements and constitutional reforms. As general elections approach in December 2026, the urgency to solidify these essential tasks remains paramount for the transition to a stable democracy in South Sudan.

In summary, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu’s visit to South Sudan underscores the ongoing commitment to the peace process, particularly as it relates to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. As the fragile peace remains threatened by political tensions, the urgency for continued support for South Sudan’s transitional framework cannot be overstated. With upcoming elections and challenges in implementation looming over the nation’s future, collaborative efforts will be crucial in paving a sustainable path forward.