A segment of South Sudanese women expressed their anxiety over increasing violence and the threat to the country’s 2018 peace agreement. They urged stakeholders to take action to address the crisis, condemned hate speech, and called for international involvement in resolving the ongoing conflict. Key calls for peace and dialogue emphasize the need for accountability and stability.
A group of South Sudanese women expressed their concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in their country, fearing a potential collapse of the 2018 peace agreement and the Tumaini Initiative. Grace John Kenyi, a peace activist, represented their sentiments at a press conference in Juba. She condemned the escalating violence, particularly following the clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, on February 14, 2025.
The activists extended condolences to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for the loss of a crew member and to families grieving due to the ongoing conflict. They called for everyone to exercise restraint in these challenging times. Kenyi stated, “We are profoundly alarmed by the growing threats to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Tumaini Initiative.”
The women urged immediate and decisive action from stakeholders to address both the conflict and the worsening economic crisis that significantly impacts the nation’s most vulnerable populations. They strongly denounced the misuse of social media that promotes hate speech and misinformation, observing that such actions exacerbate existing tensions in communities.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the women acknowledged the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and security, as well as the citizens who advocate for humanity and peace. They appealed for dialogue as a primary means of conflict resolution, urging R-ARCSS signatories to de-escalate tensions and expedite necessary unification efforts for peace.
The activists called for international involvement, requesting support for an independent investigation into violence and accountability for those responsible. They appealed to various ministries in the South Sudanese government to prioritize dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and expedite the implementation of peace agreements.
Additionally, they urged the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring, and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to enhance peace promotion efforts while ensuring civilian protection.
The group also requested diplomatic missions to leverage their influence in favor of peace in South Sudan by encouraging accountability, human rights, and humanitarian assistance for conflict-affected individuals. They specifically called upon the White Army to renounce violence and engage in peaceful dialogue.
Activist Lilian Sukeji Micheal announced plans to engage influential women in government to foster peace collaboratively. She stated, “We are going to distribute the statement from office to office, especially to women political figures at the high level to involve them from today.”
The concerns voiced by South Sudanese women reflect a critical plea for unity and immediate action against escalating violence and political instability. They emphasize the importance of dialogue, the protection of vulnerable citizens, and adherence to peace agreements. Their collective message highlights the need for accountability and international support to ensure long-term peace and security in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
