By Philip Buda Ladu
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has voiced deep concern over the rising political tensions in South Sudan, particularly in light of the reported house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
In a statement released on Thursday, IGAD warns that these developments threaten to derail the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and could plunge the country back into violent conflict.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, reiterated the bloc’s commitment to peace in the region, recalling the Communiqué of the 43rd Extraordinary IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government on March 12, 2025.
He called on all parties to immediately refrain from unilateral actions that violate the spirit and letter of the R-ARCSS, which he notes remains the only viable framework for sustainable peace in South Sudan.
“The current trajectory, if unchecked, could lead to a collapse of the transitional process and a relapse into full-scale war, with devastating consequences for the people of South Sudan and the region at large,” Dr. Workneh warned.
The IGAD executive secretary further urged all signatories to the agreement to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize dialogue, and seek peaceful resolutions to their differences.
He reaffirmed IGAD’s readiness to facilitate mediation efforts and called on regional and international partners to reinforce the need for preserving peace in South Sudan.
“The people of South Sudan deserve lasting stability, not a return to conflict,” Dr. Workneh emphasized.
Religious and Civil Society Leaders Call for Peace
In response to the escalating crisis, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Diocese of Juba and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), Dr. Justine Badi Arama, issued a heartfelt appeal for peace.
Addressing the country’s leadership, the cleric warned against jeopardizing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and expressed sorrow over the ongoing conflict in Upper Nile and other regions.
“My message to the National Government is clear: Let us not destroy the Revitalized Peace Agreement. As a Church, we are deeply saddened by the ongoing crisis in Upper Nile and other parts of the country” Badi stated.
I urge you to come to your senses and prioritize the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement to restore peace and foster better relations among the South Sudanese people.
The ECSS primate called on political leadership to act swiftly and restore peace so that citizens can live in harmony stating that “We are exhausted from witnessing our people fleeing to displacement camps and enduring immense suffering.”
Meanwhile, human rights activist Grace John Kenyi has also added her voice to the calls for peace, urging the international community to take concrete action.
“We call on the diplomatic missions in South Sudan to use their influence to promote peace, encourage accountability, and uphold human rights” she echoed.
Ms. John urged the friends of South Sudan to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict and work with international partners to ensure lasting peace and stability.
“This can be achieved through political and economic pressure on the parties involved in the crisis,” Ms. John reiterated.
Call for de-escalation
With tensions at an all-time high, IGAD and key stakeholders are calling for immediate de-escalation and adherence to the R-ARCSS to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the peace agreement and urged all parties to act responsibly in the interest of peace and national unity.
As the situation continues to unfold, both regional and international actors are expected to intensify their efforts to prevent a relapse into conflict, ensuring that the people of South Sudan can move towards a future of stability and development.