Call for Peaceful Transition in South Sudan

A prominent civil society activist has urged the visiting African Union Panel of the Wise to focus on reviving the 2018 peace agreement and supporting the Tumaini Peace Initiative to ensure a democratic transition, rather than allowing the country to slide back into conflict.

The AU panel arrived in Juba on Wednesday following directives from AU Commission Chair Ali Youssouf Mahmoud to help reduce tensions between South Sudan’s peace parties.

Citizens Yearn for Peaceful Elections

Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, emphasized that citizens are exhausted by violence and hope for peaceful elections to choose their leaders. He criticized what he described as external forces encouraging South Sudanese leaders to return to war.

“Today’s visit of the African Union’s Panel of the Wise has come at a time when the hope for a peaceful settlement of the current tension is dwindling among us South Sudanese,” Bol stated.

He added: “We want R-ARCSS to be revived, an immediate resumption of the Tumaini peace initiatives, and an end to the transitional government through a democratic election in 2026.”

Comprehensive Engagement Needed

The activist called for the panel to engage with all key stakeholders including:

• President Salva Kiir
• First Vice President Riek Machar
• Other vice presidents
• Civil society organizations
• Faith-based groups
• Women’s organizations
• Academic institutions

Bol made a strong appeal: “A wise thing that the panel of the wise can do now is to never leave Juba until the leaders accept to place their grievances on a round table.”

About the AU Panel of the Wise

The African Union Panel of the Wise represents a crucial component of the AU’s Peace and Security Architecture. Comprising five highly respected African personalities, the panel supports the Peace and Security Council and AU Commission in conflict prevention and resolution efforts across the continent.