Civil Society calls for international support to actualise peace in South Sudan

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South Sudanese civil society organisations and several stakeholders to the Tumaini peace initiative have called upon the United Nations (UN), African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the broader international community to step up the diplomatic and political engagement to ensure that peace is restored in South Sudan.

Addressing the press on Saturday at Anderita beach hotel in Entebbe municipality, Uganda, the civil society actors expressed deep concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan.

"We, the stakeholders to the Tumaini peace initiative, express concern over the continued violation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) which is demonstrated by the growing political tensions, armed confrontations, inter-communal violence, violation of the peace agreement and the spread of violence in several parts of our country," a statement was read in unison, by members of the civil society.

They pointed out some of the areas where violence is dire, including Nasir and Uland counties of Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal states. Sarah Nyanath, the woman representative of the Tumaini peace initiative, who was also a signatory to the peace agreement in South Sudan, appealed for "an urgent decisive action to prevent further deterioration of the situation" in the young nation of South Sudan.

She explained that the current volatile situation in South Sudan remains fragile with flagrant violation of the R-ARCSS including unilateral changes in leadership positions, arrests of senior members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM IO) and the continued reluctance to implement the agreement in letter and spirit. "This has further exacerbated localised violence, sowed seeds of mistrust among the leaders, parties and between the citizens.

Emeritus bishop Enock Tombe, the former bishop of Rajat diocese, also a signatory to the Sudan peace agreement urged the IGAD heads of state to immediately convene an extra-ordinary summit in Juba (South Sudan capital) to persuade the principals to engage in dialogue, in order to break the deadlock in the implementation of the R-ARCSS.

L-R; Emeritus Bishop Enock Tombe, Manasseh Mathiang, Sarah Nyanath, Simon Marot, Patrick Goddi and Jacob Bul, members of the South Sudanese civil society during a media briefing about the ongoing clashes in South Sudan, held at Anderita beach hotel in Entebbe municipality on Saturday. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

"We call for the immediate convening of the Tumaini peace initiative to conclude the talks as per the IGAD resolution of the 43rd extraordinary summit of Heads of State and government on the political situation in South Sudan dated March 12, 2025," bishop Tombe noted.

Simon Marot, representing the refugees, called on their government and other armed groups to take urgent measures to protect civilians in the affected areas and ensure humanitarian access in areas of control. "We appeal for a clear roadmap of implementation of tasks and activities of the extended R-ARCSS leading to the elections in December 2026, particularly security arrangements, constitution and electoral preparations," he urged.

Patrick Goddi, a youth representative, appealed for expeditious, credible, independent investigations into the Nasir, Western Equatoria and other recent incidents to establish facts, ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

Manasseh Mathiang, the executive director of Hagiga peace initiative underscored the need for the involvement of all South Sudanese to ensure that total peace is restored. "I call upon all artists among other persons of social influence to participate in the restoration of sanity and total peace in our country," Mathiang sounded the drum.

UPDF deployment

As they appealed for peaceful means to restore sanity in South Sudan, the civil society actors did not rule out the deployment of military forces for the same reason.

"Either military or peace agreement can work. It all depends on the situation and circumstances at play," Nyanath expressed. She, however, noted that the use of a gun for the past decades, did not yield sustainable results in regard to the stability and civil leadership in South Sudan.

Mathiang on the other hand, said the spokesperson in South Sudan had refuted allegations of the presence of Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). "So we can't comment on the issue of external forces being in our country. We, however, have faith in the regional leaders to see that the young nation which they helped to produce, is nurtured to grow into a self-sustaining nation," Mathiang expressed.

Meanwhile, Uganda's government chief whip, Hamson Obua, on Friday informed parliament that South Sudan's president Salvar Kiir had "urgently" requested president Museveni's assistance following the outbreak of violence. "The NRM parliamentary caucus resolves to support the deployment of UPDF in South Sudan for peace enforcement," Obua is quoted informing parliament.

South Sudan civil unrest

The republic of South Sudan was formed in 2011 following a referendum to secede from Sudan (in the north). It became the 54th independent country in Africa and is the 193rd member of the United Nations. However, there have been several infightings since the young nation gained its independence, citing power struggles and some external influence. Following several peace agreements between and among different warring factions, it was agreed to have democratic elections in 2023.

However, the transitional government and the opposition later agreed to move the elections to late 2024. Meanwhile, president Salvar Kiir's office in September 2024, announced that the elections were to be postponed again up to December 2026. This has been cited as one of the major reasons for the latest unrest in South Sudan.