The peace process in South Sudan suffers due to postponed elections and rising violence. Post-civil war politics have fostered individual power struggles rather than unity. Juba’s government undermines national institutions, leading to increased fragmentation among armed groups and widespread conflict. Economic exploitation remains a significant barrier to recovery and peace.
The ongoing peace process in South Sudan faces severe stagnation as violence escalates in the Greater Upper Nile region. The government has recently postponed elections to 2026, exacerbating the discord stemming from violations of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The legacy of a brutal civil war has left politicians and communities focused on political power and economic survival, often through violent means.
The central government in Juba continues to undermine national institutions by withholding crucial funding, while both state and rebel forces show no commitment to military unification. Instead, officials exploit their positions to maintain lavish lifestyles and prioritize patronage networks over national reconciliation. Furthermore, continuous plundering of the state-owned oil company, Nilepet, has left the nation economically impoverished despite its rich resources.
Violence in South Sudan has become increasingly dispersed as armed factions fragment, leading to a significant rise in conflict events across the country. Data indicates that between January 2013 and September 2018, conflict was recorded in 718 locations, which surged to 1,720 events from September 2018 to January 2025. Given these realities, the peace process is ill-equipped to resolve various local disputes over resources, borders, and political authority.
In September 2024, South Sudan’s government announced the postponement of elections to 2026 amidst escalating violence and ongoing strife. The country has experienced a civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in deep-seated divisions and a lack of a unified national identity. Following the war, political leaders and military factions have primarily focused on their individual power and interests, exacerbating the conflict and hindering effective governance.
In summary, the peace process in South Sudan is hindered by postponed elections, deep political divisions, and rampant violence. The lack of a unified military and the exploitation of economic resources for personal gain further complicate the situation. As armed groups fragment, the sporadic violence only adds to the challenges of governance and peacebuilding in a nation torn apart by its leaders’ ambitions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
