The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have expressed concern over the recent decision to extend the transitional period for 24 months, now set to conclude in February 2027.
The extension, announced by the Presidency and the Council of Ministers, marks the second time the R-ARCSS transitional period has been prolonged due to unfulfilled critical benchmarks.
Despite the original signing of the R-ARCSS on 12 September 2018, repeated extensions have failed to achieve the intended objectives of the peace agreement.
“We recognize that the extension was reached through dialogue and consensus,” the joint statement from AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS noted. “However, it is deeply concerning that none of the previous extensions have resulted in significant progress.”
The organizations called on South Sudan’s leadership to prioritize the interests of the nation and its citizens, stressing the importance of rebuilding public trust and confidence.
They urged the government to engage all stakeholders, including non-signatory parties involved in the Tumaini Initiative, to break the ongoing cycle of extended transitions and move toward lasting peace.
“South Sudan’s leaders must put the nation first,” the statement added. “Public trust must be rebuilt, and all voices—including those of non-signatory groups—must be heard to pave the way for an inclusive and sustainable peace.”
The AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS emphasized the need for the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to commit to putting the necessary mechanisms, guarantees, and resources in place to ensure the timely implementation of outstanding tasks under the agreement.
This includes creating an environment conducive to free, fair, and credible elections, and giving the people of South Sudan the opportunity to choose their leaders.
The international bodies also reiterated their ongoing commitment to supporting the South Sudanese peace process, stressing the importance of avoiding a return to widespread violence.
They called for concerted efforts to complete a peaceful transition toward durable peace and inclusive governance. “Together, we will continue to support South Sudan on its path toward lasting peace and stability,” the statement concluded.
