IGAD emphasizes the importance of supporting reconciliation initiatives in South Sudan, calling on religious and civil leaders to engage in grassroots dialogues. Concerns about escalating violence prompted discussions on the urgent need for collaborative efforts to foster peace and support the Tumaini Initiative, aimed at involving all community stakeholders. Faith leaders play a key role in these efforts, promoting hope despite skepticism about past peace agreements.
In a recent statement from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) following their 43rd Extraordinary Assembly on March 12, 2025, members emphasized the necessity for faith-based leaders and civil society to support reconciliation initiatives in South Sudan. They praised the ongoing grassroots peace dialogues as essential for fostering unity and peaceful coexistence in the nation, which became independent from Sudan in July 2011.
The IGAD Heads of State, representing members from the Horn of Africa, the Nile Valley, and the African Great Lakes, urged religious and traditional leaders to advocate for the inclusion of women, youth, and underrepresented groups in reconciliation efforts. This call to action comes amid concerns regarding the escalating security situation, highlighted by recent violence and violations of ceasefire commitments.
During the assembly, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu discussed the deteriorating security condition in South Sudan, including significant clashes involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and the white army combatants. Notably, on March 4, 2025, significant casualties occurred due to an attack on an SSPDF encampment, followed by tragic events during a UN Mission operation on March 7.
The IGAD report warned of a potential return to widespread hostilities in South Sudan, urging immediate collaboration to promote reconciliation. It emphasized the need for additional support to the Tumaini Initiative, which focuses on engaging non-signatories to peace agreements and fostering comprehensive strategies to rebuild trust and counter divisive narratives.
Religious leaders have been pivotal in peace-building efforts in South Sudan. On December 20, 2024, Cardinal Ameyu of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba expressed hope for the Tumaini Peace Initiative, which aims to mediate issues within the civil war context. Despite skepticism surrounding past peace agreements, he cautioned against hopelessness, stressing, “The Church is there to help people come together. If we address these conflicts, peace will prevail in South Sudan.”
In conclusion, the call for support towards reconciliation initiatives in South Sudan highlights the critical role of grassroots dialogues and active participation from religious, civil, and traditional leaders. Despite the challenges posed by ongoing violence and instability, the commitment to inclusive strategies and the promotion of peace initiatives, such as the Tumaini Initiative, are essential to addressing the conflicts and fostering long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
