AU, IGAD Chiefs Urge Salva Kiir to Speed Up Peace Deal Implementation in Juba Visit
Juba, South Sudan — May 6, 2025 | A high-level delegation from the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has conducted a joint mission to South Sudan, urging President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his cabinet to accelerate implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohammed Abdi Were met with Kiir, Foreign Affairs Minister Monday Semaya Kumba, and senior government officials to address stalled progress on the 2018 peace accord, which remains largely unfulfilled seven years after signing.
In a joint statement, the delegation emphasized the urgent need to address obstacles hindering the peace process, especially the lack of progress on drafting a permanent constitution, organizing national reconciliation, and preparing for long-overdue elections.
Delayed Transition Fuels Concern
The 2018 R-ARCSS was designed to stabilize the country after years of civil war, establishing a transitional unity government with clear timelines for reforms. However, key milestones have remained unmet, and the transitional period has stretched with no elections in sight.
The AU and IGAD representatives called for “sustained momentum toward inclusive dialogue, national reconciliation, and democratic transition” to prevent backsliding into violence and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for South Sudan.
AU Chair Appeals for Leadership Toward Elections
In particular, AU Chair Youssouf called on President Kiir to take decisive leadership in finalizing the transitional roadmap and delivering credible elections, viewed as a critical benchmark for stability and legitimacy.
The diplomatic intervention comes amid rising international pressure and growing concerns that failure to honor the peace deal could reignite tensions in the fragile state.
The mission concluded with a strong appeal to all stakeholders in South Sudan to prioritize peace, uphold the agreement, and ensure full implementation in the shortest time possible.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTiQ1hVepNo
