(Juba) – South Sudan’s Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, received a detailed briefing on Tuesday from the Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee, Kuol Manyang Juuk.
The meeting focused on the urgent need to accelerate the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
According to a statement released by the Office of the Vice President, the discussions reflected growing concerns about the slow pace of progress on key elements of the peace deal. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of moving forward without further delays to meet the expectations of the South Sudanese people.
Chairperson Kuol Manyang Juuk informed the Vice President that the Committee is actively engaging with all signatories to the peace agreement. These efforts aim to ensure that each party remains informed and committed to outstanding provisions, particularly following recent reshuffles in political leadership among the signatories.
He noted that the current engagements are aimed at strengthening trust and coordination among the parties, especially on unresolved issues such as the security arrangements, transitional justice, and the permanent constitution making process.
Vice President Bol, in his response, expressed appreciation for the Committee’s work and stressed that South Sudan’s citizens are growing increasingly anxious for lasting peace. He stated that the country’s development and stability depend entirely on the full and timely implementation of the peace agreement.
“The people of South Sudan have been waiting patiently for true peace,” VP Bol said. “Without peace, there can be no development. Without peace, there can be no future. And without peace, there is no country to call our own.”
The Vice President’s remarks voiced a wider sentiment shared by many South Sudanese citizens and civil society groups, who have repeatedly called on leaders to show stronger political will and deliver on the promises made in the 2018 peace deal.
Although the National Transitional Committee plays a central role in coordinating implementation efforts, it continues to face major challenges, including logistical constraints, limited funding, and political disagreements among signatories.
Observers note that with general elections approaching and the transitional period nearing its end, the pace of implementation remains a source of concern. The agreement includes timelines for key reforms, including the unification of forces, the drafting of a new constitution, and the conduct of democratic elections.
While no specific financial figures were disclosed in the meeting, peace implementation activities often require significant resources. For example, costs associated with cantonment, training, and deploying unified forces can run into billions of South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
The Transitional Committee Chair reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to its mandate and said regular updates and open dialogue with national leaders will continue in the coming weeks.
