CEPO has urged the South Sudanese Presidency to secure timely funding and genuine implementation of the pending tasks from the R-ARCSS during the transitional government extension to support credible elections in December 2026. Concerns were raised regarding personal interests hindering progress, and CEPO will monitor governmental actions during this critical period.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has called upon the Presidency of South Sudan to actively facilitate the genuine execution of the outstanding tasks outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO, conveyed this urgent appeal in a recent statement to Radio Tamazuj, stressing the necessity for sufficient and timely financial support for R-ARCSS mechanisms to fulfill their mandates during the newly extended two-year transitional governance period. Yakani expressed a deep concern that if the Presidency continues its previous pattern of conduct, the prospect of conducting credible, fair, and peaceful elections in December 2026 would be significantly diminished. He urged the Presidency to prioritize its fundamental duty by convening regular meetings aimed at advancing the substantial implementation of the pending tasks associated with the R-ARCSS during the extended transitional phase. Moreover, there were reservations about the influence of individuals with personal agendas on the functioning of the Presidency, which has impeded progress on critical chapters of the R-ARCSS. CEPO, according to Yakani, will closely monitor the Presidency’s performance over the next two years to identify officials within the government who may be obstructing the full realization of the R-ARCSS’s objectives. Originally, South Sudan aimed to conduct its inaugural General Election in December of this year; however, this has now been rescheduled for December 2026 due to a lack of preparation. This postponement has further frustrated international observers who are growing increasingly discontented with the political leadership in South Sudan, particularly as the longstanding rivalry between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar continues to hinder electoral progress.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as the country navigates its ongoing political transition following years of conflict. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is a crucial framework aimed at establishing sustainable peace and facilitating governance reforms. Yet, effective implementation has been plagued by a lack of resources, political instability, and personal interests that threaten to derail progress. With the postponement of the elections to December 2026, the focus is now on ensuring that the transitional government functions effectively to lay the groundwork for a democratic process.
In summary, the CEPO’s recent call to the South Sudanese Presidency highlights the urgent need for effective governance and implementation of peace agreements to ensure credible elections in the future. The organization’s monitoring and active engagement during the transitional period will be essential in addressing the challenges posed by internal rivalries and lack of commitment to the established peace accord.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
