The 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in South Sudan highlights the failures of the transitional government and international partners in achieving lasting peace and governance. Both parties are urged to take tangible steps towards reform, transparency, and community empowerment to fulfill the CPA’s promise of a stable and prosperous nation.
As of January 9, 2025, South Sudan marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), a significant milestone that once inspired hope amid a history of turmoil and oppression. Unfortunately, the promise of peace, prosperity, and effective governance remains largely unfulfilled. The transitional government faces accusations of neglecting its citizens, while the international community, which was expected to provide support, also shares some culpability. A deeper examination suggests that both entities play a critical role in steering the nation towards a better future.
International partners, particularly the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands, have been vocal in their criticisms of South Sudan’s transitional government for its failure to establish a conducive environment for fair elections. Their joint statement cited limited civic space, widespread corruption, and poor management of resources as significant concerns. Nevertheless, these nations are not without blame themselves. Their inconsistent engagement and failure to effectively tackle systemic issues have often resulted in a perpetuation of aid dependency rather than fostering self-sufficiency.
To better assist South Sudan, international partners must refocus their strategies, emphasizing long-term capacity-building efforts and ensuring active involvement from civil society in decision-making processes. Concurrently, the South Sudanese government has attributed its challenges to post-independence hurdles, including ongoing conflict and economic difficulties, asserting that the CPA’s objectives were overly ambitious considering the prior devastation. While the government has initiated some measures, including the revitalized peace agreement of 2018, significant mismanagement and lack of political commitment mar its reputation.
For the government to regain the trust of its citizens and international allies, it must undertake essential reforms. These reforms should prioritize transparency in governance, empowering civil society by creating a conducive environment for participation, enhancing essential public services, and ensuring credible electoral processes to restore public confidence.
Since the enactment of the CPA, some advancement has occurred, such as independence in 2011 and the formation of a transitional government in 2020. However, the journey continues as the nation prepares for elections and seeks to finalize a new constitution. This path forward hinges upon collaborative efforts between both the government and its international partners who must recognize their shared responsibility for achieving lasting peace and prosperity. They must demonstrate accountability, provide sustainable support, and foster community empowerment to align with the ideals envisioned in the CPA.
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2005, aimed to end the protracted civil conflict in Sudan and establish South Sudan as an independent nation. Following the CPA’s signing, South Sudan successfully gained independence in 2011, becoming the world’s youngest country. Despite these significant steps, the subsequent years have been fraught with challenges, including internal conflicts, governance issues, and economic instability that have hindered the fulfillment of the CPA’s promises. The transitional government, formed to guide the nation towards democratic governance and stability, faces scrutiny for its perceived failures, and the role of international partners in supporting this process is now being questioned.
In conclusion, the 20th anniversary of the CPA serves as a critical juncture for South Sudan, highlighting the failures of both the transitional government and the international community. To fulfill the promises of peace and governance, a dual commitment to reform and engagement is necessary. For the government, this means enhancing transparency, empowering civil society, and delivering essential services. For international partners, it entails providing consistent and meaningful support while holding the government accountable. Together, they must embrace their shared responsibility to foster a prosperous and peaceful South Sudan for all its citizens.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
