IGAD Reaffirms Support for South Sudan's Peace Agreement and 2026 Elections

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has pledged its continued support for South Sudan's peace agreement and the preparations for national elections scheduled for December 2026. This reaffirmation came after a high-level meeting between IGAD representatives, including Special Envoy Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba. Discussions covered political developments, the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and efforts for a peaceful transition.

Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali underscored the importance of ongoing political dialogue, confidence-building measures, and adherence to the provisions of the peace agreement to ensure peace, stability, and national cohesion in South Sudan. He stated IGAD's commitment to assist South Sudan in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and in establishing conditions conducive to peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. President Salva Kiir, in turn, reiterated his government's dedication to advancing the peace process and collaborating with regional and international partners to restore stability.

This meeting is strategically timed as South Sudan works to implement the 2018 peace agreement and prepare for its first post-independence elections in December 2026. South Sudan has not held elections since gaining independence in 2011, with previous attempts postponed due to conflict, political disagreements, insecurity, and delays in implementing the peace deal. The transitional government extended its mandate to December 2026 to allow more time for critical tasks like drafting a permanent constitution, unifying armed forces, and conducting a national census. However, concerns persist among civil society and international partners regarding the slow progress, with warnings that delays could erode public confidence in the peace process.