A civil society entity has urged South Sudanese leaders to utilize the post-transitional period roadmap, saying it is a chance to renew pledge for successful political transition of the country from violence to peace through genuine implementation of the peace accord.
Last week, South Sudan President Salva Kiir received a roadmap that guides the country towards the end of the transitional period to pave way for the conduct of peaceful and democratic elections in the young nation.
A roadmap was presented by a four-member committee appointed by Kiir.
“Our leaders should show the rest of the world that they are ready to exercise their primary responsibility for peace and stability to prevail in South Sudan. The nation needs peace and political stability for growth, development and a better future,” said Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).
Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar also agreed to fast-track the implementation of the peace accord based on the proposed roadmap.
The commitment from the two leaders followed a visit by the Senegalese President, Macky Sall to the South Sudanese capital, Juba on Monday.
Sall, also the African Union (AU) chairperson, held talks with Kiir and Machar, encouraging them to work for peace and stability in the young nation.
He urged both leaders to work together to implement the 2018 peace deal.
The Senegalese leader assured South Sudanese leaders of the continental body’s support towards peace and stability in Africa’s newest nation.
“It takes time to build a nation. I came to let you know that we are available and at your disposal as African Union to help build peace,” he stressed.
Yakani, however, explained that the country’s citizens are hoping their leaders will respect and honor promises made before the AU chairperson.
“Our leaders demonstrated that they always reach consensus for transitioning the situation to peace and stability through external pressure,” stressed the activist.
He added, “CEPO is urging the AU to be pro-active in lobbying our political leaders to give peace a chance. The mechanism of African Union adhoc committee, consisting of Nigeria, South Africa, Chad, Rwanda and Algeria should have regular field visits to South Sudan to encourage our leaders to genuinely implement the peace deal”.
Last week, the United States announced it was ending its assistance for peace process monitoring mechanisms in South Sudan, pointing to the failure of the country’s leaders to implement the revitalized peace accord.