By Alan Clement
The United Kingdom and Norway have warned against further extension of the transitional period, warning that continued delays and violations of the 2018 peace agreement risk plunging the nation back into conflict.
Speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom and Norway during the RJMEC extraordinary plenary in Juba on Tuesday, British Ambassador David Ashley said the international community’s patience is wearing thin, noting that “enough is enough” after years of unfulfilled commitments and political setbacks.
“No one wants more war or yet another extension of the transition. To avoid both will require urgent dialogue, compromise and responsible leadership,” Ashley declared.
The envoy lamented that instead of progress, South Sudan has witnessed a reversal of earlier peace gains citing repeated breaches of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, including renewed fighting between SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO in at least four states, which he said has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The ambassador’s remarks come amid growing concern over the legitimacy of the transitional government, which he said is “tied to that Agreement.
“The permanent, nationwide ceasefire to which all parties committed is no longer holding,” Ashley remarked emphasizing that both of the largest parties are engaged in regular armed clashes and are publicly referring to each other as enemies. “This must stop now if South Sudan is to avoid renewed war,” he added.
He emphasized that political dialogue at the highest level, including between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, remains the only viable path to salvaging peace.
“The only solution is renewed dialogue between the leaders, including at the level of the Presidency. Vice President Machar’s position is stipulated in the peace agreement and he and his party cannot be excluded if peace is to be achieved,” the envoy stated.
Ashley further condemned arbitrary dismissals and detentions of political opponents, saying such unilateral actions undermine the legitimacy of the transitional government and the spirit of the peace accord.
Ambassador Ashley also urged South Sudan’s leadership to heed calls from civil society, religious leaders, and international partners including RJMEC, IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations. “We urge President Kiir, all the Vice-Presidents and other leaders to listen to the appeals they have received,” he said.
Ashley also announced that the UK and Norway’s continued participation in the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee (PFM-OC) will depend on tangible reforms. “It has never been more important that South Sudan uses its resources and revenues effectively and transparently to address the essential needs of its people,” he said.
“Seven more months have been wasted since February,” Ashley concluded. “Enough is enough. The people of South Sudan deserve peace, not promises.”