Africans Rising Calls for Immediate Conflict Resolution in South Sudan
Africans Rising for Peace, Justice, Dignity, and Unity, together with its members, is deeply concerned about the escalating political crisis in South Sudan.
South Sudan is a nation of immense potential, but the actions of the current government and opposition leaders are posing a dangerous threat to the lives, properties, and aspirations of its South Sudan citizens and other Africans who aspire for a better future of the Country development-wise.
We recognise the peace, governance and democratic practices that have been going on since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) -2018 and the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity, these efforts must not be set aside, turning South Sudan into another example of an African country descending into crisis and eroding democracy on the continent.
In light of this, we are urging the Transitional Government of National Unity to take the following actions to ensure swift and lasting peace in South Sudan.
- Uphold and respect the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS): With the success achieved through this agreement, the ruling government must not deviate from this critical framework, which the people of South Sudan have embraced. This agreement remains the cornerstone and hope of stability and reconciliation for the country.
- End Arrests and Detention of Opposition Members: We are urging the ruling government to end the arrest and public humiliation of opposition members, including First Vice President Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon and other associates. These actions will only increase tensions and mass atrocities among the South Sudanese communities and jeopardise the success of the 2018 peace agreements, which will stifle the democratic progress South Sudan has made so far.
- Cease Ongoing Military Confrontations and Chemical Weapon Use: We demand an immediate halt to military operations, including collaboration with foreign countries’ military forces. These actions have also been coupled with the use of chemical weapons on civilians and other political opponents, according to the report by “World Without War”. These acts violate human rights and continue to undermine the peace South Sudan has enjoyed in recent years.
- Engage Regional and Continental Bodies: We are calling for the ruling government to effectively engage with the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority in Development-IGAD, the East African Community, and other international bodies that have offered their intellectual support to help resolve the crisis. We welcome the decision of the African Union on deploying the Panel of the Wise and we recognise their interventions and hope they can mediate and resolve issues among the parties involved in this matter through amicable dialogue and uphold human rights.
- Foster Political Will and Civic Engagement: Africans Rising is encouraging the Transitional Government of National Unity to ensure there is no effort to discourage civic engagement from citizens, who are the major stakeholders in their country’s affairs. Without providing assurances to the voices of South Sudanese citizens, their contributions may be overlooked, making it essential that solutions reflect the will of the people
- Provide Transparent Updates: We encourage the Transitional government of National Unity to provide regular updates on the progress, milestones and plans being implemented to prevent and end the emerging conflict.
The loss of lives and destruction of property, as seen in other conflicts across the continent and the world, must not become the legacy of the current South Sudan. Therefore, Africans Rising stands resolute in advocating for a peaceful, just, and dignified resolution to secure a future where South Sudanese can thrive for generations to come.
We call on all stakeholders to act with urgency and unity to uphold the 2018 peace accord, advance transparency and hold the perpetrators of mass violence and atrocities accountable for their actions and safeguard the nation’s path to development, prosperity and sustainable peace.
- Pan – African Peacemakers Alliance – PAPA
- Talent Initiative for Development-TIDE
