By Yiep Joseph
Faith-based leaders say political leaders in the revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity do not have the political will to implement the 2018 peace agreement.
In a joint press statement delivered by Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin, Deputy Chairperson of the South Sudan Council of Churches and head of the Catholic Church, the clerics emphasized that political leaders are failing to prioritize peace efforts.
Cardinal Ameyu highlighted that the repeated extensions are rooted in a lack of commitment among political parties, calling for renewed dedication to the peace process.
“The Church realized that, because of a lack of political will, all the key important provisions in the roadmap remained unimplemented,” he said.
Their comments came in response to the recent two-year extension of the government’s mandate until 2026, following the inability to execute the peace roadmap.
The cardinal added that the current excuses being given by political leaders, justifying the extension of the transitional period were the previous reasons that resulted in the roadmap.
“The Church has been keenly following the implementation of the roadmap, for all the reasons highlighted for this extension were all stated during the previous extensions,” he said.
Cardinal Ameyu urged politicians to stick to their promises.
“The political elites and parties to the agreement should not continuously exploit the resilience of the people of South Sudan; they should stick to their promises,” he said.
The faith-based leaders, however, appealed to the political leadership to focus on peace and avail humanitarian assistance to those affected.
“As a church, we urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace, healing, and reconciliation and ensure that the affected people in the flooded areas, refugees, and IDPs are assisted,” he said.
In regards to the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the church leaders called on the government to put measures in place to control the crisis and ensure that civil servants are paid.
The clergies promised to continue to utilize all avenues to ensure peace is achieved in the country.
Last week, the Presidency extended the transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections, which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026.
The decision was reached after the Presidency headed by President Salva Kiir and leaders of parties to the 2018 revitalized agreement reviewed the recommendations of the High-Level Committee.
Presidential Adviser on National Security, Hon. Tut Gatluak said the extension is an opportunity to implement the critical remaining protocols in R-ARCSS, such as the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro cited pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections, necessitating the delay, saying there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls.
The Presidency also emphasizes that the remaining months of the current transitional period will be utilized to mobilize funds, aimed at the effective implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.