The South Sudanese People Need Peace Now

South Sudan’s path to peace has been marked by setbacks. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has endured civil wars in 2013 and 2016, causing immense loss and displacement. Although the 2018 peace agreement aimed to end the violence, the situation remained volatile, particularly in the Upper Nile region, where clashes between government forces and militias are ongoing. There’s ongoing violence in areas in Unity, Central, Western and Eastern Equatoria.

The failure to implement an inclusive peace deal effectively without sufficiently dealing with past conflicts, are key factors in ongoing violence amidst a traumatized population. Power-sharing arrangements have failed to address critical issues like inclusivity, with women and local communities sidelined. Moreover, the peace process has been dominated by military elites focused on maintaining power rather than fostering reconciliation.

Root causes of violence

Compounding these challenges, Sudan’s conflict worsened instability in South Sudan. Root causes of violence in South Sudan are linked with competing regional interests. The war in Sudan has fueled insecurity, with armed groups crossing into South Sudan, further escalating tensions. Immediate focus must remain to support the South Sudanese internal struggle for lasting peace. Lack of political will with the international community’s inadequate engagement allowed issues to worsen, leaving the population vulnerable to escalation. Regional and international actors like IGAD, AU, Trojka and the UN must make work of the immediate protection of civilians from violence irrespective of the source and location and adopt a more proactive approach in facilitating security arrangements, monitoring violations and holding all parties accountable.

‘People are tired of war. It is peace they longed for with a people-centered constitution and free, fair, and credible elections.’
Sara Ketelaar, PAX program lead South Sudan

PAX’s Support

As the violence continues, peacebuilders play a crucial role. Church leaders and local community groups have been at the forefront of peace efforts, promoting reconciliation and healing. However, these efforts are increasingly overstretched. Urgent support is needed.

PAX advocates for scaling up church-led initiatives that foster dialogue and long-term peace. Empowering local peacebuilders—particularly women and youth activists—is essential for achieving an inclusive, sustainable peace. The international community has a role to play by supporting home-grown initiatives and ensuring that South Sudan’s peace process is inclusive and represents all its people.

Regional and international actors, including the UN, African Union, and IGAD, must engage directly with South Sudan’s leaders to facilitate dialogue. Support should focus on reversing senseless war, immediate protection of civilians from violence irrespective of source and location, promote political tolerance to hold free and fair elections and implement a permanent, people-centered constitution.

Stop Ignoring the South Sudan Crisis

The South Sudanese people have been calling for peace for years, but their pleas often have been ignored. The international community must listen to those most affected by the violence—women-led peace movements, community leaders, and church activists who have tirelessly worked toward peace.

PAX calls for a concerted effort by regional and international actors to support the peace process in South Sudan. This includes encouraging dialogue, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that peace agreements are inclusive and comprehensive. Key principles like constitutionalism, justice, and equality must guide the peace process, with unification of a professional army that represents all communities.

The time for peace is now. The people of South Sudan cannot wait any longer. The global community must act to ensure that South Sudan’s future is one of stability, reconciliation, and democratic change.