Activist calls for 36-month extension of transitional period

JUBA – A South Sudanese civil society group has urged the unity government to extend the transitional period for at least 36 months to ensure the implementation of crucial tasks necessary for conducting free and fair elections.

South Sudan descended into civil war in December 2013, leading to widespread devastation. A peace agreement was signed in 2018, which was meant to end the five-year conflict and pave the way for elections scheduled for December 2023.

However, doubts have arisen about the feasibility of holding the elections on time, as key provisions of the 2018 peace deal remain unimplemented. Some parties are now pushing for a 24-month extension of the transitional period.

In an interview with Sudans Post on Monday, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), criticized the government and opposition parties for their lack of political will to implement the key tenets of the peace agreement.

“The 2018 revitalized peace agreement has failed to fulfill its main goals of improving the lives of the people and creating an enabling environment for holding free, fair, and credible elections,” Gatwech said. “It is important to note that there will be no elections unless a miracle happens by October 2024.”

Gatwech emphasized the connection between peace and human rights, stating, “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of harmony. By recognizing the importance of peace and working towards its promotion, we can build a better future for generations to come and that can be done in 36 months.”

He added that conflict and violence disrupt economic activities, hinder growth, and impose enormous socio-economic costs. “Therefore, promoting peace is vital for sustainable economic development,” Gatwech noted.

Despite the peace agreement, the parties have yet to graduate the 83,000 unified forces, enact the permanent constitution, and pass electoral laws.

Additionally, transitional justice and accountability mechanisms outlined in Chapter 5 of the agreement, aimed at compensating war victims and fostering healing and reconciliation, have not been implemented.