By Sabri Dibaco
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on all political parties and armed groups to renounce violence and embrace dialogue as the only means of resolving political differences.
Kiir reaffirmed that achieving lasting peace remains the highest priority of his leadership and the priority of the party SPLM.
Speaking during a meeting of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), President Kiir said the party that led the country’s liberation has a historic responsibility to ensure peace and stability for future generations.
“The SPLM liberated this nation. It is our historic responsibility to restore lasting peace and stability so that our citizens can enjoy the fruits of the freedom we fought for. Achieving peace has always remained the top priority of my leadership,” Kiir said.
He urged all South Sudanese political forces to reject violence, stressing that national unity and dialogue are essential for addressing disagreements and preventing further conflict.
“I therefore call upon all South Sudanese political forces to denounce violence. We must embrace dialogue as the only mechanism to resolve our differences,” Kiir explained.
The president’s remarks come at a critical political moment as South Sudan prepares for its long-awaited elections while implementing key provisions of the revitalised peace agreement.
His appeal follows growing concerns over political tensions and recurring security incidents in parts of the country.
Kiir emphasised that the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle should inspire leaders to prioritise peace and stability, saying citizens deserve to enjoy the benefits of the independence that was achieved through years of struggle.
The president’s call is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts by the government, regional partners, and peace stakeholders to encourage dialogue among political actors and maintain stability ahead of the country’s democratic transition.
On the other hand, the Vice President and SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman Wani Igga also emphasised the importance of party unity, constructive dialogue, and investing in future leadership during the seminar.
“Our seminar today, Comrade Chairman, is not just another meeting. It is about serious party and national issues. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on where we have come from, where we are today, and where we intend to go as a united, disciplined ruling party, the SPLM,” Wani Igga said.
The vice president encouraged members to view differing opinions as a source of strength rather than division.
“Differences in opinion should become learning opportunities, rather than a reason for getting divided,” Wani Igga explained.
He also called for greater investment in leadership development, particularly among young people.
“We must invest in leadership development and training capacity. Today’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in leadership today,” Wani Igga added.
The meeting comes just days after the National Legislature passed amendments to the revitalised peace agreement, removing the requirement to complete a permanent constitution and a national population census before elections can be held.
The government says the amendments will enable South Sudanese to elect their leaders through the ballot while implementation of other provisions of the peace agreement continues.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of armed struggle led by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army. However, the country descended into conflict in December 2013, leading to years of violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
The 2018 peace agreement established a roadmap for ending the conflict through power-sharing, security reforms, constitution-making, and elections.
In recent days, the National Legislature approved amendments to the peace agreement, allowing the electoral process to proceed without first completing the permanent constitution-making process and a national population census.
President Kiir’s latest appeal underscores his administration’s position that peaceful dialogue and political engagement remain central to preserving stability as South Sudan moves toward elections.