By Alan Clement
The Ambassadors of Ethiopia and Japan in South Sudan have met to review progress in implementing the country’s peace agreement and called for coordinated international support as preparations continue for elections expected in 2026.
During the discussion between Delil Kedir, Ambassador of Ethiopia to South Sudan, and Odagiri Toshio, Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, both envoys underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic cooperation while supporting South Sudan’s fragile transition.
According to a statement released after the meeting by the Ethiopian Mission, the two diplomats highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Japan and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in areas that contribute to peace, stability and development in South Sudan.
Ambassador Kedir said the progress made in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) remains central to the country’s path toward stability.
He stressed that continued engagement from regional and international partners is essential as South Sudan navigates the final stages of its transitional period.
“The successful implementation of the peace agreement requires genuine and coordinated support from partners,” the Ethiopian envoy said, noting that South Sudan’s transition has significant implications for stability in the wider region.
His Japanese counterpart, Ambassador Toshio, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of sustained international cooperation as the country moves closer to holding elections expected in 2026.
The two diplomats also exchanged perspectives on regional developments and reviewed ongoing efforts to support South Sudan’s peace process, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening institutions and ensuring a stable environment for the anticipated democratic exercise.
Both envoys acknowledged that the upcoming electoral process will be a critical milestone in the country’s political transition and reiterated the need for collaborative efforts among international partners to assist South Sudan in meeting the necessary conditions for credible elections.
South Sudan has been undergoing a fragile political transition since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) in 2018.
The agreement ended years of civil war and established a transitional unity government tasked with implementing key reforms, including drafting a permanent constitution, restructuring security forces and preparing the country for democratic elections.
Despite some progress, the implementation of the agreement has faced repeated delays due to political disagreements, logistical challenges and funding constraints.
Several critical provisions such as security sector reforms and the unification of armed forces remain incomplete, raising concerns among observers about the readiness of the country to conduct elections.
Regional and international actors have continued to play a significant role in supporting the peace process.
Ethiopia has historically been involved in diplomatic mediation efforts related to the South Sudan conflict through its participation in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the regional bloc that brokered the peace agreement.
Japan, on the other hand, has maintained a strong development partnership with South Sudan, providing humanitarian assistance, infrastructure support and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening governance and community resilience.
Diplomatic engagement such as the meeting between the Ethiopian and Japanese envoys reflects growing international attention on South Sudan’s transition as the country approaches the next phase of its political process.
Some experts said coordinated support from international partners will be crucial in addressing the technical, financial and security challenges associated with organizing elections in a country still recovering from years of conflict.
As preparations continue, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation and supporting South Sudan’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
They expressed optimism that strengthened collaboration among international partners could help the country consolidate the gains of the peace agreement and move closer to sustainable development and democratic governance.