By Dibaco Sabri
Members of the civil society have called on the parties to the peace agreement to stop all forms of violence and embrace peace.
The civil society group made the statement as the country prepares for the independence celebration.
The executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, has called on South Sudan’s political leaders to use the country’s 15th Independence Day anniversary to promote peace, reconciliation, and political dialogue instead of deepening divisions amid the current political tie.
In a statement released ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on July 9, Yakani said the country is marking 15 years of independence while facing a serious political crisis that requires urgent commitment from both the government and opposition leaders.
“As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of our Independence Day, we are appealing to our political leaders that your speeches should speak towards reconciliation and forgiveness and should speak towards creating a political space for addressing the underlying factors that have generated the current political instability,” Yakani said.
He urged leaders to reaffirm their commitment to implementing the African Union’s AUC5 Declaration, which seeks to facilitate an inclusive political process and transition the country from violence to lasting peace.
“We hope that the political leaders will commit themselves to a genuine and timely implementation of the resolution of the AUC5,” Yakani said.
He made a direct appeal to President Salva Kiir to use his Independence Day address to announce measures aimed at rebuilding confidence in the peace process, including the release of political detainees.
“We hope that all political detainees should be free and join the political transitional process as required by the AUC5 Declaration, which is an inclusive political dialogue that leaves no one behind,” Yakani stated.
The CEPO executive director also called on the president to ensure renewed observance of the 2018 ceasefire and cessation of hostilities agreement, warning that continued armed confrontations place civilians at risk.
“Ceasefire and cessation of hostilities are very important for the safety and protection of our innocent civilians. Matured and disciplined politicians resolve their political differences through dialogue, not through the barrel of the gun,” Yakani emphasised.
In addition, the Civil Society Network called on the parties to the peace agreement to embrace the spirit of consultation and political will.
The group expressed their views according to the statement extended to the media.
With general elections expected in December 2026, Yakani said political leaders must create the minimum conditions necessary for credible, peaceful, and non-violent polls.
He concluded by urging all political actors to return to an inclusive dialogue that would help end the country’s political deadlock and restore stability.
“The best interest of the South Sudanese citizen is peace and stability. This should be the content of your speeches during the commemoration of our 15th anniversary of independence,” Yakani said.
South Sudan will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its independence on July 9, 2026, amid growing political tensions and concerns over the implementation of the peace agreement.
The country has experienced renewed insecurity in several areas, raising concerns among civil society organisations and international partners about the political environment ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.
The African Union’s AUC5 initiative has been promoted as a framework for encouraging inclusive political dialogue and preventing further escalation of violence.
Civil society groups, including CEPO, have consistently advocated for the release of political detainees, full implementation of peace agreements, protection of civilians, and the creation of conditions necessary for free, fair, and peaceful elections.