By Sabri Dibaco
A civil society activist has called for urgent political reforms and inclusive dialogue among South Sudan’s key stakeholders to revive the country’s fragile peace process.
Speaking to the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper about the need for a credible, results-oriented dialogue, Edmund Yakani emphasised that the process must begin by restoring trust among the principal signatories to the peace agreement.
Yakani said that genuine dialogue cannot take place without the participation of all key actors, including Riek Machar, whom he said should be released from ongoing legal proceedings to actively engage in discussions.
He noted that excluding critical figures undermines the legitimacy of the process, stressing that Machar remains “part and parcel” of the peace agreement and a central figure in shaping its implementation both in spirit and letter.
He highlighted internal divisions within opposition groups as a major obstacle to progress.
According to Edmund Yakani, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) is currently split into rival factions led by Josephine Lagu and Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, raising questions over which faction holds legitimate representation in any national dialogue.
“The internal crisis of the parties must be resolved first; political groups must reconcile their differences before engaging in broader negotiations,” Yakani said.
He also pointed to divisions within other opposition blocs, including the Former Detainees (FDs) and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, calling for unity among these groups to present a common position.
The activist expressed that reconciliation among political factions would create a stronger foundation for inclusive engagement with the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), other political parties, and stakeholders.
Yakani proposed that once internal disputes are resolved, all parties, including opposition political parties (OPP) and other movements, should come together for a comprehensive dialogue aimed at delivering tangible outcomes for the country.
The chairperson of one citizen network for democracy, Emmanuel, also raised concerns that South Sudan’s upcoming December 2026 elections may not be free and fair without an inclusive national dialogue involving all warring parties.
On his part, Emmanuel emphasised that the exclusion of key signatories to the peace agreement could lead some groups to boycott the elections, increasing the risk of instability.
He acknowledged that the peace agreement still shows signs of commitment from both the government and opposition.
The activist described its current status as fragile, citing a lack of strong political will among leaders to fully implement its provisions and the outstanding issues that remain unresolved, undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Emmanuel said the continued detention of some political actors is raising tensions, with calls for their release to allow full participation in dialogue.
“Inclusive engagement and genuine commitment to the agreement are essential to creating a peaceful environment and ensuring credible elections,” Emmanuel said
The civil society activists were making this call after the country is heading closer to the general elections in December 2026, and this call has come at a critical time.