Bol Mel Briefed on Delayed Peace Implementation

(Juba) – Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel has received a comprehensive update from the Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), Hon. Kuol Manyang Juuk, regarding progress on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

In the briefing, Hon. Kuol Manyang outlined the NTC’s ongoing efforts to engage with all signatory parties of the peace accord to ensure coordinated and inclusive advancement of unresolved provisions.

The focus, he noted, remains on building consensus among political actors and aligning their actions toward sustainable peace.

The Chairperson also reported on strengthened cooperation between the NTC and new political leaders, particularly in light of recent leadership changes among some signatory groups.

According to Hon. Kuol, these transitions have opened opportunities for renewed unity and common purpose among stakeholders.

One of the encouraging developments shared during the meeting was that all key actors are now in agreement on urgent national priorities.

These include critical institutional reforms, promotion of inclusive governance and the complete unification of the country’s armed forces under a single command structure, headed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel commended the NTC’s efforts and stressed the need for immediate action. He noted that the people of South Sudan have waited too long for lasting peace and that leaders have a moral and constitutional obligation to fulfil the agreement without further delay.

“Without peace, there can be no development. Without peace, there can be no future. And without peace, there is no country to call our own,” said the Vice President in closing, urging all leaders to stay focused on the peace agenda.

While the meeting did not disclose budgetary details, past implementations of peace related activities have been heavily reliant on donor contributions and limited national funding.

With the South Sudanese Pound currently trading at about SSP 6,600 per USD in parallel markets (approximately SSP 4,650 per USD officially), the financial sustainability of peace processes remains a challenge in the broader political and economic landscape.