South Sudan civil society leader Edmond Yakani has welcomed the latest message from the African Union Committee of Five, C5, on the country's peace process. The C5 meeting was held online on September 29, 2026, and was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, CEPO, said the regional intervention reflects concerns raised by civil society and should now be followed by concrete action.
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that elections alone cannot guarantee peace and democracy in South Sudan as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence. He emphasized that credible elections must be supported by a genuine and inclusive political process, adequate security arrangements, and protection for electoral staff, civilians, and the electoral process. Ramaphosa also called for a clear legal framework, adequate financing, and sufficient institutional and operational capacity.
Ramaphosa urged South Sudan's political leaders to use the current moment to overcome their differences and address the challenges facing the country. He assured the country of continued regional support, stating that the people of South Sudan do not stand alone and that their peace, stability, and success are shared interests of the region. Yakani welcomed the message, saying it had raised expectations among civil society.
Yakani noted that the C5 position reflected advocacy efforts by civil society ahead of the meeting. He called for decisions by the African Union Peace and Security Council, the C5, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD, to be translated into practical measures. Yakani emphasized that it is essential that all decisions be translated into concrete practical action in South Sudan.
The implementation of the 2018 peace agreement continues to face delays, largely due to a deficit of trust and confidence among the parties. Yakani called on the AU and IGAD to move beyond communiqués and establish concrete action plans to support the peace process as the country moves towards elections. He stressed that the peace process requires more than just rhetoric.
Yakani's call for concrete action comes as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence. The elections are seen as a crucial step towards consolidating peace and stability in South Sudan. However, concerns have been raised about the country's readiness for the elections, given the ongoing challenges in the peace process.
The African Union and IGAD have been working to support the peace process in South Sudan. The C5's message is seen as a significant development in the region's efforts to promote peace and stability in South Sudan. Yakani's welcome of the message reflects the hopes of civil society for a more concrete and practical approach to the peace process.
Key points
- Edmond Yakani welcomes African Union Committee of Five's message on South Sudan's peace process
- C5 chair Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes need for credible elections and inclusive political process
- Yakani calls for concrete action plans to support peace process ahead of elections
