Today, October 8, 2026, marks the sixth anniversary of the Juba Peace Agreement in Sudan. The agreement was signed to bring peace to the country, particularly in the Darfur region. However, many have expressed concerns about its effectiveness. According to Nihar Osman Nihar, former minister and negotiator in the Darfur peace talks, the agreement has failed to achieve its objectives due to several shortcomings.
Nihar Osman Nihar stated that the agreement had fundamental flaws from the beginning. One of the main issues was the limited number of parties that signed the agreement. Key factions, such as the Sudan People's Liberation Movement led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu and the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid Nur, were not part of the agreement. This limited the agreement's scope and effectiveness.
The agreement primarily focused on power and wealth sharing, but it failed to adequately address security arrangements. This oversight has led to renewed conflicts and unfortunate incidents in the region. The negotiators also failed to provide adequate representation for internally displaced persons, refugees, and other stakeholders. Their representation was largely symbolic.
The recent war in Sudan has further complicated the situation. Many signatory movements have taken sides, abandoning their neutral stance. This development has raised concerns about the agreement's long-term viability. According to Nihar, the success of peace agreements should be measured by the level of stability achieved in conflict zones and improvements in the lives of displaced persons and refugees.
The agreement's shortcomings have been highlighted by many stakeholders. They argue that the agreement's success should not be measured by the positions held by movement leaders but by the level of stability and improvements in the lives of affected communities. Unfortunately, these goals have not been achieved.
The review and evaluation of the agreement are crucial in addressing its shortcomings. This process should involve all stakeholders, including those who were not part of the initial agreement. A comprehensive review will help identify areas for improvement and provide a roadmap for future peace efforts.
The situation in Sudan remains complex, with many challenges to peace and stability. The international community is closely watching developments in the country. A successful review and evaluation of the Juba Peace Agreement could provide a new impetus for peace efforts in Sudan.
Key points
- The Juba Peace Agreement in Sudan marks six years, with many questioning its effectiveness in achieving peace and stability.
- The agreement's shortcomings include limited signatory parties and failure to address security arrangements.
- A comprehensive review and evaluation of the agreement are necessary to identify areas for improvement.
