AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS, declare 2025 the turning point for S. Sudan Peace
In their Call for Completion of Security Arrangements, the three organizations commended the continued ceasefire and partial progress in deploying Necessary Unified Forces
By Emmanuel Mandella
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have boldly identified 2025 as a critical year to achieve tangible milestones in South Sudan’s peace process, calling on all stakeholders to seize this unprecedented opportunity.
In a joint communiqué issued in Juba, the organizations lauded the progress made under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) but warned that delays in transitional tasks could jeopardize the hard-won gains.
“2025 is not just another year; it is the defining moment to implement the remaining tasks and secure a peaceful future for South Sudan,” stated an AUMISS spokesperson. “The time for hesitation is over—urgent, collective action is required.”
In their Call for Completion of Security Arrangements, the three organizations commended the continued ceasefire and partial progress in deploying Necessary Unified Forces but stressed the urgency of completing the broader security arrangements essential for sustainable peace.
“Transitional security measures cannot remain incomplete. It is time to deliver on the promises made to the people of South Sudan” emphasized a representative from IGAD.
President Salva Kiir’s proactive engagement with Kenyan President William Ruto through the Tumaini Initiative to bring holdout groups into the peace fold was also applauded. Yet, the communiqué urged follow-up negotiations to yield concrete outcomes, underscoring that the stalled mediation cannot linger.
As the nation approaches a decisive election period in December 2026, the international bodies emphasized that the groundwork must begin immediately.
“Clarity and planning at the start of 2025 are paramount to ensuring credible elections. This extension is the last chance for South Sudan to demonstrate its readiness to transition to democratic governance,” said the UNMISS representative.
Also, in their pledge of Continued Support to South Sudan, the joint statement also highlighted the importance of engaging civil society, political parties, and media to foster inclusivity and transparency.
“South Sudan cannot afford to falter. The trust of the global community depends on the nation’s ability to meet its commitments amidst global emergencies.” declared the UNMISS representative.
The communiqué concluded with a heartfelt message to the South Sudanese people:
“We pledge to continue supporting you in this journey toward lasting peace and prosperity. Let us make 2025 the year of transformation and hope.”
South Sudan stands at a critical juncture, with 2025 identified by the bodies as the year that could solidify its path to peace or deepen its divisions. The choice, as the communiqué underscores, lies with the leaders and citizens of the resilient nation.
In a landmark decision that would put to rest the campaigns and anxiety among the public on the fate of the elections, the South Sudan Presidency, in September, announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections, which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026.
The extension was attributed to the need for the country to implement the critical remaining protocols in R-ARCSS, such as the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties.
Meanwhile, the leaders also said the extended period was in response to the recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector, with the need to address the pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections.
The Presidency also emphasizes that the remaining months of the current transitional period will be utilized to mobilize funds, aimed at the effective implementation of the revitalized peace agreement
Meanwhile the country would soon embark another phase of the Nairobi-led peace talks, dubbed the Tumaini Initiative, bringing together South Sudan government delegation and the opposition groups who are non-signatories to the 2028 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, to chart a way to a peaceful South Sudan.
While these negotiations have taken a break in what the mediators said was a Christmas break, various bodies have urged for its conclusion, and for the inclusion of other parties.
