Djibouti President and IGAD Chairperson Ismail Omar Guelleh has emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for South Sudan's political transition. Speaking at the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, C5 meeting, Guelleh urged continued efforts toward elections scheduled for December 2026. He stated that the country is at a critical juncture amid renewed violence, political tensions, and uncertainty over the implementation of the peace agreement.
Guelleh noted that previous efforts by IGAD, the African Union, and international partners had helped halt a devastating conflict and contributed to the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The agreement has provided the country with its longest period of ceasefire and remains an important framework for stability and lasting peace. However, recent developments have placed those gains under pressure, including the March 2025 Nasir incident and subsequent violence.
The IGAD chairperson expressed concern over the persistence of active violence in several states, resulting in growing internal displacements and cross-border movements that have caused dire humanitarian crises. He also cited political decisions taken following the violence, including initiatives to amend key aspects of the peace agreement and uncertainty over the sequencing of the transition. Guelleh warned that this state of affairs undermines the credibility and confidence in the peace process.
Guelleh emphasized that the primary responsibility for determining the way forward rests with South Sudanese leaders, while IGAD would continue to support the political process. He stated that IGAD cannot substitute itself for that political will but can accompany it, support it, and wherever necessary, firmly recall it. The IGAD chairperson reiterated the need for sustained, coordinated, and reinvigorated engagement to address the country's challenges.
In a call for a transition roadmap, Guelleh said IGAD is urging a clear and definitive roadmap for the transition, alongside efforts to hold elections by December 2026. He stressed that neither South Sudan nor the region can afford another delay. The IGAD chairperson did not set out specific conditions under which the December elections should or should not proceed, focusing instead on the need for political will and continued regional and international engagement.
Guelleh reaffirmed IGAD's commitment to working with the African Union, the United Nations, and other partners to support peace efforts in South Sudan. He urged regional and international actors to work together to ensure that South Sudan's future is shaped by peace, development, and national unity. The IGAD chairperson emphasized the need for collective action to secure lasting peace in South Sudan.
The situation in South Sudan remains critical, with ongoing violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. The country's leaders face a significant challenge in implementing the peace agreement and preparing for elections. The international community, including IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations, is working to support peace efforts and ensure a stable transition.
Key points
- IGAD Chairperson Ismail Omar Guelleh calls for a clear roadmap for South Sudan's transition and elections by December 2026.
- The country faces renewed violence, political tensions, and uncertainty over the implementation of the peace agreement.
- IGAD reaffirms its commitment to working with partners to support peace efforts in South Sudan.
