The South Sudan Revitalized Peace Agreement 2018: A Crucial Step Towards Stability
After years of conflict and instability, the people of South Sudan had reason to hope for a brighter future on September 12, 2018, when the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and opposition leader Riek Machar, among other parties to the conflict. This agreement, which builds on previous peace accords, provides a roadmap for the establishment of a transitional government, security arrangements, justice and reconciliation, and social and economic development.
The R-ARCSS is a significant achievement that reflects the commitment of the international community, regional actors, and the South Sudanese stakeholders to end the violence and bring peace to the world`s youngest country. The conflict, which started in 2013, has caused immense suffering and displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes, and thousands killed or left without access to basic services and humanitarian aid.
The R-ARCSS includes provisions for a power-sharing arrangement that will see Machar returning to the role of Vice President, and the appointment of four other vice-presidents. It also calls for the formation of a national unity government, the establishment of a hybrid court to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during the conflict, and the integration and training of the forces of the Sudan People`s Liberation Army (SPLA) and opposition groups into a unified national army.
The implementation of the R-ARCSS is complex and challenging, as it requires sustained political will, resources, and support from the international community. Many issues remain unresolved, including the question of the number and boundaries of states, which has been a major source of tension and conflict in South Sudan. There are also concerns about the role of other armed groups and spoilers who are not party to the agreement and continue to engage in violence and human rights abuses.
However, the R-ARCSS represents a crucial step towards stability and the realization of the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for peace, security, and prosperity. It provides a framework for addressing the root causes of the conflict, promoting national reconciliation, and restoring the rule of law and good governance. It also presents opportunities for regional integration and economic development, as South Sudan holds significant natural resources and strategic importance in the Horn of Africa.
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