The government was formed as part of a power-sharing agreement aimed at securing lasting peace after years of conflict. This milestone coincides with the nation’s preparations for its first general elections which were originally scheduled for December 2024, now set for 2026. However, challenges persist, with concerns over security, political stability, and the full implementation of the peace agreement.

A major hurdle is the lack of a new constitution, which has yet to be enacted. In addition, the National Unified Forces, comprising 83 000 soldiers who graduated in August 2022, have not been deployed to the country’s 10 regions. Martin Elia Lemuro, South Sudan's Minister of Cabinet Affairs, explained that the delay is due to the lack of arms needed to fully equip the forces. "We don’t have the weapons necessary to deploy them effectively," he stated.

The arms embargo also remains a significant challenge, with the government seeking the lifting of sanctions in order to meet the country’s military needs. The delay in finalising the constitution is another critical issue. Senior figures, including Vice President Riek Machar, have warned that failure to complete the constitution by September 2026 could jeopardise the election process.

The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial opportunity for the people of South Sudan to elect their leaders. However, the success of this process depends on the completion of vital tasks such as unifying the armed forces and finalising the constitution. Political leaders have called for honest dialogue and serious reflection to ensure that the extension of the transitional period is used effectively.

This five-year anniversary also comes as peace talks, which have been held in Nairobi for almost a year, are expected to resume next month, with developments from these talks set to play a key role in shaping the nation’s future.

--ChannelAfrica--