South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently met with his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who was on an official working tour of South Africa. The meeting, which took place in Pretoria, focused on the ongoing conflict in South Sudan and efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCSS) to advance the peace process.
During their discussions, President Ramaphosa and President Kiir Mayardit also touched on the need for an inclusive electoral process in South Sudan, which is crucial for addressing outstanding challenges and creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the peace agreement. The two leaders reaffirmed the significance of sustained regional engagement and collaboration in support of peace, stability, and political progress in South Sudan. This includes electoral capacity support from the C5 countries.
Prior to his meeting with President Ramaphosa, President Kiir Mayardit had held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi. The South Sudanese leader's visit to Kenya and South Africa is part of his efforts to engage with regional leaders and promote peace and stability in his country. Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been working to bring together community members from areas around Nyirol County to address long-standing disputes and identify peaceful solutions.
The UNMISS-organized forum, which involved around 50 community members, provided a platform for women and youth representatives to share their perspectives on peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Nyakoang Lam Bath, a women representative, emphasized that sustainable peace requires collective efforts from authorities, traditional leaders, women, youth, and other groups alike. She highlighted the importance of dialogue, forgiveness, and cooperation in rebuilding trust and promoting peace.
Tut Maluok Chop, a youth leader, appealed to his fellow youth and elders to reject violence, cattle theft, and road ambushes and participate in peacebuilding activities. He proposed concrete solutions, including the establishment of early warning systems to prevent violence before it starts. Matuom Majuet Thoan, a cattle camp youth representative, stressed the need for communities to listen to each other's concerns, report them to authorities and security forces, and engage those on the verge of conflict in peaceful conversation.
Paramount Chief Mabil Hoth cited an example of a conflict prevention mechanism, a recently formed peace committee within his Gaatbal community that coordinates peace-building activities, monitors tensions, and facilitates dialogue. He proposed forming similar committees in neutral places where conflict-prone parties from all over the State could come together in a safe space and benefit from impartial peace mediations.
The UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Beverly Mac-Ocloo, reiterated the mission's commitment to supporting peace initiatives, while stressing that the primary responsibility for peacebuilding rests with the Government and affected communities. The meeting between President Ramaphosa and President Kiir Mayardit underscores the importance of regional cooperation and engagement in promoting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Key points
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCSS) to advance the peace process.
