CEPO Seeks South Sudanese Owned Dialogue Ahead of 2026 Elections

(JUBA) – A South Sudanese civil society group has called on President Salva Kiir to authorise local stakeholders and faith leaders to lead an inclusive political dialogue aimed at resolving the country’s ongoing political deadlock. The appeal comes amid growing concern that without dialogue, South Sudan risks a return to violence ahead of the 2026 elections.

Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), noted that a UN Security Council briefing on Monday highlighted a unified international call for political dialogue. Yakani said the briefing warned that continued stalemate could deepen instability rather than advance peace.

“We still have the opportunity to sit down as South Sudanese to hold an inclusive political dialogue that will help us sort out our differences,” he said.

He added that civil society and religious leaders are ready to lead a South Sudanese owned process if the government and political parties allow it.

During Monday’s Security Council session, Martha Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, urged South Sudanese leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement. She called for an end to hostilities, the release of political detainees, and engagement in high level talks on transitional security, justice, constitution-making, and elections.

George Owinow, interim chair of the Regional Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), warned that the peace deal could collapse if the political deadlock continues, raising the risk of renewed armed conflict.

South Sudan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sabino Edward Nyawella, reiterated Juba’s commitment to international cooperation but insisted on respect for national sovereignty. He said the recent detention of opposition leaders was linked to incitement and “unlawful activities,” rejecting claims that the detentions were politically motivated.