By Yiep Joseph
Concerns rise over tensions that threaten stability of peace agreement in South Sudan and a called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) has expressed June 20, 2025, in a statement.
The group also called on the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to release political detainees to pave way for dialogue.
“Key points from the forum included an urgent call for de-escalation. The R-TGoNU was urged to cease hostilities, release political detainees, and refrain from hate speech,” the statement read in part.
Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), along with several allies, including Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol, has reportedly been detained without charge since March.
Despite multiple calls for peace, there have been ongoing armed confrontations between Dr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in various parts of the country.
To ensure dialogue and progress on the peace agreement, the group emphasized the need for all parties to cease hostilities and focus on inclusive dialogue.
“Parties should engage in inclusive dialogue in line with the spirit and letter of the R-ARCSS, creating a conducive environment for implementing transitional justice mechanisms and other key provisions of the R-ARCSS,” the statement added.
The group highlighted that without concrete progress on truth-seeking, accountability, and reparations, South Sudan’s journey toward sustainable peace remains fragile and uncertain.
Some key points from the forum included an urgent call for de-escalation of the ongoing conflict. Participants expressed deep concern over the rising tensions that jeopardize the stability of the peace agreement.
The group urged all parties to avoid politicizing the transitional justice process. “Political parties and affiliated entities were called upon to refrain from politicizing the transitional justice process, with clear and enforceable consequences recommended for any interference.”
The working group urged all peace partners in South Sudan to commit to supporting the implementation of the peace agreement. “We urge them to honor their commitments and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor compromised,” the statement read.
Recently, a watchdog group called on President Salva Kiir to order a cessation of hostilities and ensure inclusive dialogue.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress, urged both SPLA-IO and government forces to stop the armed confrontations.
The TJWG is a civil society platform focused on promoting transitional justice in South Sudan and supports the implementation of Chapter V of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).
Recently, the Transitional Justice Quarterly Forum convened in Juba amid heightened concerns regarding the implementation of the peace deal.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, and international partners, including representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The forum aimed to assess the current status, challenges, and future directions for advancing transitional justice in the country.