A civil society activist on Thursday expressed concern over what he described as “persistent and deliberate violations” of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), cautioning that the country’s fragile peace is being jeopardized by political maneuvering and growing mistrust among key leaders.
This comes in the wake of president Kiir’s series of controversial decrees read on the state-owned SSBC on Wednesday night, which revoked the appointments of several key SPLM-IO officials allied to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
In a statement, Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), lambasted the action, labeling it a clear risk to national stability.
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing and deliberate violations of the Revitalized Agreement by certain leaders who resist peaceful solutions and instead pursue strategies that risk plunging the country back into full-scale conflict,”Manyang said.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence in 2011 but has since been plagued by cycles of civil war and political instability.
The 2018 R-ARCSS was intended to put an end to years of bloodshed that began in 2013, and called for a unity government, a power-sharing agreement, and sweeping reforms.
However, implementation has been marred by delays, selective enforcement, and what Manyang said is a lack of genuine political will.
“It is unacceptable that, years after the signing of the peace agreement, some leaders continue to act in ways that endanger the lives and security of millions of South Sudanese citizens,” he stated.
President Kiir’s reshuffles, which effectively nullified appointments made by Machar, are widely seen as a violation of the power-sharing framework outlined in the peace accord.
The CPA leader noted that the unilateral moves undermine the spirit of consensus required among the agreement’s signatories and threaten to derail the country’s already fragile transition.
“The international and regional communities must not remain silent. South Sudanese people deserve a future free from fear, conflict, and political manipulation. The time to act is now,” he stressed.
He further called on regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Security Council, to intervene decisively.
“I call upon the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Security Council to take urgent and decisive steps to ensure accountability,” he urged.
Despite initial optimism following the signing of the R-ARCSS, progress on key components has been dwindled.
The unification of armed forces, crucial security arrangements, institutional reforms, and the establishment of conditions necessary for credible elections have either stalled or made minimal headway.
With national elections slated for December 2026, pressure is mounting on all parties to recommit to the peace process, with the exception of the SPLM-IO, which has ruled out that it will not participate in any peace deal processes unless its leader, Dr. Machar, is released from detention.
Manyang warned that continued political wrangling risks not only undermining the agreement but also fueling public disillusionment and resentment.
