Malek Cook-Dwach, MP & Malual Bol Kiir
South Sudan is facing another critical juncture as violent clashes in Nasir reveal deep-seated political tensions and unresolved grievances that continue to threaten the country’s fragile peace.
The latest outbreak of violence on March 4, 2025, between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia, linked to Vice President Riek Machar, highlights the escalating crisis, which is driven by political mistrust and the partial implementation of the peace agreement.
At this pivotal moment, President Salva Kiir Mayardit must demonstrate strategic leadership, wisdom, and political will to prevent further instability. This piece argues that the path to sustainable peace in South Sudan can only be secured through inclusive dialogue, trust-building measures, and the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The recent violence underscores the fragility of the country’s political landscape. Although the R-ARCSS, signed in 2018, established a framework for peace, its incomplete and inconsistent implementation has eroded public confidence and empowered armed groups.
To guide South Sudan away from the cycle of violence and toward a stable and united future, President Kiir must take immediate and deliberate action based on three essential pillars of conflict resolution:
The significance of inclusive dialogue in addressing South Sudan’s conflicts cannot be overstated. President Kiir must initiate and sustain transparent, structured communication with all relevant stakeholders, including opposition leaders, traditional and religious figures, civil society organizations, and youth movements. These groups, which have long been marginalized in the peace process, play a critical role in rebuilding the nation’s peace and unity.
Engaging these actors in an open dialogue can address the root causes of conflict, reduce societal tensions, and cultivate a collective vision for peace, reconciliation, and national healing.
A key obstacle to peace is the widespread erosion of public trust in South Sudan’s leadership. To restore confidence, President Kiir must take immediate and tangible actions, such as:
Releasing political detainees as a gesture of goodwill. Implementing security sector reforms to ensure a unified and professional force. Holding perpetrators of violence accountable and reinforcing the rule of law.
These actions will signal a commitment to genuine reconciliation and help mend the deep divides between political factions and communities.
The R-ARCSS remains South Sudan’s most viable roadmap for peace, but its incomplete execution has left the country vulnerable to renewed violence. President Kiir must ensure:
Expedited security arrangements, including the swift unification and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF). Strengthened governance reforms, with an emphasis on equitable power-sharing.
Economic stabilization measures, tackling corruption and ensuring fair resource distribution. The full and timely implementation of the peace agreement is essential to preventing further fragmentation and ensuring long-term stability.
South Sudan stands at a crossroads. The choices made by President Kiir and other national leaders in the coming months will determine whether the country progresses toward lasting peace or regresses into conflict. At this moment, wisdom, inclusivity, and decisive leadership are paramount.
The responsibility for securing peace falls not only on political leaders but also on civil society and the international community. Now is the time for action, not delay. The people of South Sudan are demanding peace—and it is time for their leaders to deliver.s
About the Authors
Hon Malek Cook-Dwach, TNLA. He can be reached at malekcook75@gmail.com and Malual Bol Kiir is a South Sudanese peace advocate. He can be reached at malualbk2005@gmail.com
