AU delegation arrives in Juba to push for dialogue

(JUBA CITY)-A high-level delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council arrived in Juba on Thursday to push for dialogue amid rising tensions over the country’s fragile peace process and political transition.

The delegation, led by Hirut Zemene Kassa, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, was welcomed in Juba by Kureng Akuei Pac, Director General for Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The African Union envoys are in the country to engage government officials and other stakeholders on the status of the peace agreement, while also exchanging views on the current security situation and other pressing national issues.

They are expected to include consultations with senior government figures, civil society actors, and regional partners involved in the country’s peace process.

The visit comes at a time when the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has faced repeated delays and mounting challenges.

Although the 2018 accord ended years of civil war, key provisions, such as security sector reforms, constitution-making, and electoral preparations, remain only partially implemented.

Political tensions within the unity government have also resurfaced in recent months, with clashes between the government and opposition forces reported in parts of the country. This has raised concerns among regional and international observers.

South Sudan is expected to hold its first post-independence elections in December 2026, but preparations remain bumpy.

The government has insisted that the elections would be conducted at the end of 2026, but without the permanent constitution-making and the census as required by the agreement.

 However, regional bodies, including the African Union, have repeatedly urged authorities to create conditions conducive to free and fair elections, warning that delays or disputed outcomes could trigger instability.

This Month, the C5 group on South Sudan, a coalition of African countries tasked with supporting the peace process, visited South Sudan to deliberate on the way forward.

The group had called for renewed commitment by the country’s leaders to fully implement the agreement, de-escalate political tensions, and ensure inclusive dialogue among all parties.

The African Union delegation is expected to present its findings and recommendations following the consultations, which could shape the next phase of regional and international support for South Sudan’s transition.