The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) has rejected proposed amendments to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), citing a lack of consensus among parties to the agreement. In a statement dated September 20, 2026, SSOA described the amendments as a unilateral move that undermines the peace process. The alliance warned that such actions could have far-reaching consequences for the country's stability and progress.
According to SSOA, the proposed amendments were considered during an Expanded Meeting of the Presidency held on December 10, 2025. The meeting agreed in principle to the changes but recognised that implementing the decision would require amendments to relevant provisions of the R-ARCSS and the Transitional Constitution. However, SSOA claimed that the agreed-upon process has not been followed, and the amendments appear to be proceeding without required consultation.
SSOA referenced Presidential Order No. 01/2026, issued on January 10, 2026, which established a leadership body tasked with conducting dialogue on electoral-related issues. However, the alliance argued that the body had not met, and the proposed amendments seem to be moving forward without necessary dialogue. SSOA emphasised that any amendments to the R-ARCSS should be undertaken with the participation of all signatories to the agreement.
The opposition alliance stressed that the R-ARCSS is a political agreement among its signatories, and its implementation, amendment, and interpretation should be approached in accordance with provisions agreed upon by the parties. SSOA warned that actions taken outside the established framework could undermine the mechanisms created under the peace agreement. The alliance called for a common understanding and consensus among signatories before any amendments affecting the peace agreement and the country's electoral and constitutional framework are implemented.
SSOA's statement carries signatures from representatives of several SSOA-affiliated political parties, including the FDP, NAS, NDM, PDM, SSNMC, SPM, SLM, SSUM, and UDRA. The listed SSOA leadership includes Josephine Lagu Yanga, Chairperson; Dr. Costello Garang Ring, Deputy Chairperson; and Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, Secretary General, among others.
The disagreement is part of a broader debate over how changes to South Sudan's peace agreement, constitution, and electoral laws should be made ahead of the country's planned political transition. SSOA's position is that any such changes should follow the consultation and consensus mechanisms agreed upon by the parties to the R-ARCSS rather than being pursued unilaterally.
The rejection of the amendments by SSOA highlights the challenges facing South Sudan's peace process and the need for consensus among parties to the agreement. The country's stability and progress depend on the successful implementation of the R-ARCSS, and any actions that undermine the agreement could have far-reaching consequences.
Key points
- SSOA rejects amendments to R-ARCSS due to lack of consensus among parties.
- Proposed amendments were considered during Expanded Meeting of Presidency in December 2025.
- SSOA emphasises need for consultation and consensus among signatories before implementing amendments.
