South Sudan Government Unveils Six-Point Peace Strategy, Seeks SPLM-IO Clarity

Juba, South Sudan – April 26, 2025

The South Sudanese government has announced a comprehensive action plan to accelerate implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict (R-ARCSS), including measures to resolve leadership disputes within the SPLM-IO faction.

Government Commits to Peace and Democratic Transition

During a press briefing on Saturday, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro emphasized the government’s commitment to peace and democratic transition. “We want to establish a democratic system and move the country toward elections, because we believe it is only through elections that the country will have stability,” Lomuro stated.

The minister outlined plans for security sector reform, including creating a unified national army and disarming civilians. “We want to have one national army and ensure that the police and other organs are in control,” he added.

Resolving SPLM-IO Leadership Dispute

Dr. Lomuro announced that the High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) will urgently convene to resolve the leadership dispute within the SPLM-IO. The committee will determine which of the four recognized factions should be considered legitimate for continued peace implementation.

“There are 42 political entities in this transitional government,” Lomuro noted. “The absence of one SPLM-IO faction does not nullify the peace agreement. We must be clear about this.”

Six-Point Strategic Peace Plan

The government presented a detailed six-point strategy to expedite peace implementation:

1. Leadership Representation

The HLSC will determine the legitimate SPLM-IO faction and submit candidate nominations for key government structures.

2. Reconstitution of Agreement Structures

Recognized parties will nominate representatives to national commissions, with appointments made by the President.

3. Electoral Budget Review

The HLSC will work with the Ministry of Finance to adjust budgets for electoral institutions to ensure credible 2026 elections.

4. Revised Electoral Timeline

A new electoral roadmap will be developed in coordination with the National Transitional Committee.

5. Security Sector Reform

The government will expedite unification of forces into a cohesive national army and security organs.

6. Roadmap Part Two

A revised implementation roadmap will focus on pending tasks while removing completed provisions.

Call for National Unity

In closing, Dr. Lomuro urged all citizens and political actors to focus on peace and national unity. “We are taking concrete steps toward a united, democratic South Sudan. The time to act is now,” he concluded.

Source: Eye Radio