Western embassies warn against amending the peace deal without Dr. Machar

(JUBA)-Western embassies have cautioned leaders against making unilateral changes to the peace agreement, warning that any amendments to the 2018 agreement must strictly follow agreed procedures and include key stakeholders such as opposition leader Riek Machar.

In a joint statement issued by the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, alongside the European Union delegation, diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to supporting South Sudan’s transition toward lasting peace.

“The 2018 peace agreement remains the only basis for legitimacy of the South Sudanese transitional government,” the statement read in part.

The envoys stressed that any proposed changes to the agreement must adhere to its established mechanisms.

They are aligning with a recent position by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, which on April 20 also called for procedural compliance in any amendment process.

The diplomatic group rejected claims that recent consultations on the peace process had been inclusive, describing such assertions as illogical in the absence of Riek Machar, who leads the second-largest political movement in the country.

Machar, a key signatory to the 2018 accord and First Vice President in the transitional government, remains central to the implementation of the agreement. He is currently in court facing treason charges.

His exclusion, the embassies implied, risks undermining both the credibility and viability of the peace process.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over political manoeuvring ahead of South Sudan’s planned transition marks, including preparations for the delayed elections.

The Western partners reiterated that inclusive dialogue and adherence to the peace deal are essential to maintaining legitimacy and preventing a relapse into conflict.

They urged all parties to recommit to the full and faithful implementation of the agreement, stating that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation among all signatories.