The Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) has expressed deep concern over mounting tensions that threaten the stability of the peace agreement.
The TJWG, a civil society platform that promotes transitional justice in South Sudan reiterates It supports the implementation of Chapter V of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) and made call or halt to hostilities.
The Transitional Justice Quarterly Forum Convened meeting in Juba Amid Heightened Concern Over Peace Deal Implementation in South Sudan.
The meeting was compromise of stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, and international partners including representatives of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
It was meant to assess the status, challenges, and way forward in advancing transitional justice in South Sudan.
According to the statement dated 20th June 2025, the group called the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to halt hostilities and release the political detainees to path way for dialogue.
“Key points from the forum included: Urgent Call for De-escalation, The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) was urged to halt hostilities, release political detainees, refrain from hate speech” the statement partly read.
Dr. Riek Machar Teny, who is also the Chairman/commanderof the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), along with some allies, including Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol, have reportedly been detained without charge since March.
Also, despites several calls there have been ongoing armed Confrontation between Dr. Machar SPLA-IO forces and the South Sudan people Defense Forces(SSPDF) in some part of the country.
With hope to ensure dialogue and progress in the peace agreement the group emphasized on need for the parties to cease hostilities and rather focus on inclusive dialogue.
“Parties should engage in inclusive dialogue in line with the spirit and letter of the R-ARCSS as part of creating conducive environment for implementing transitional justice mechanisms and other key provisions of the R-ARCSS” it added.
The group emphasized that without concrete progress on truth seeking, accountability, and reparations, South Sudan’s journey toward sustainable peace remains fragile and uncertain.
Some of the Key points from the forum included, urgent call for De-escalation of the ongoing conflict.
Participants expressed deep concern over mounting tensions that threaten the stability of the peace agreement.
The group urged the parties to end politicizing the transitional Justice process.
“Depoliticizing the Process Political parties and affiliated entities were called upon to refrain from politicizing the transitional justice process. Clear and enforceable consequences for interference were recommended.
The working group urged all the peace partners in South to commit to their promise of supporting the implementation of the peace agreement.
“We urged to honor their commitments and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor comprised” it read
Recently watchdog group urged President Salva Kiir to order for cessation of hostilities and urged and ensure inclusive dialogue.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress, called both the SPLA-IO and the government forces to stop armed confrontations.
