The Director of an advocacy group, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang has outlined key conditions for South Sudan’s political leaders to address during the two-year extension of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The CPA emphasized the need to resolve pending issues that have hampered the country’s progress since the start of the peace process.
South Sudan has faced significant challenges during the pre-transitional period, with CPA highlighting issues such as double standards and a lack of trust-building among the country’s leadership. These factors, they argue, have delayed the nation’s advancement while other East African member states continue to progress.
“There are visible and invisible forces contributing to this confusion, allowing important activities in the country to remain obscured,” the CPA noted, urging leaders to seize the two-year extension as an opportunity for genuine reform.
The CPA outlined a four-step priority plan to guide leaders during this period:
Unification of Forces: The top priority should be the unification of South Sudan’s armed forces, a critical component of the security arrangements outlined in the peace deal.
CPA believes this process can be completed within three months, laying the groundwork for stability and trust.
Creation of a Permanent Constitution: A permanent constitution is vital for ensuring the long-term stability of South Sudan.
The CPA estimates that drafting and enacting this constitution should take eight months, providing the legal foundation for governance.
National Population Census: Conducting a national census is essential for planning future elections and resource distribution.
CPA has called for this to be completed within three months, allowing leaders to accurately assess the country’s demographic needs.
Repatriation of Refugees: With millions of South Sudanese still living as refugees in neighboring countries, the CPA stresses that the repatriation of these citizens must be prioritized. They estimate this process can be accomplished in two months.
In addition to these primary goals, the CPA urged the government to address other critical issues, such as improving the economy, upholding human rights, and strengthening the rule of law.
These measures are essential for rebuilding trust both within South Sudan and with the international community.
“Accountability and transparency remain significant concerns for the citizens of South Sudan,” the CPA stated, calling on political leaders to show greater commitment to these principles during the extension period.
The success of these initiatives, CPA concluded, will be vital for ensuring that South Sudan can move forward toward peace, stability, and eventual elections, with the support of both its citizens and the international community.
