The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) take note of the decision by the Presidency and the Council of Ministers to extend the transitional period of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) by 24 months until February 2027. 

We note with concern that it has been necessary to extend the transitional period of the R-ARCSS for a second time due to the failure to implement outstanding critical benchmarks. Regrettably, none of these extensions, since the R-ARCSS was signed on 12 September 2018, have helped to achieve their objectives.

However, we also recognize that the decision was reached through dialogue and consensus and expect this same approach to continue to ensure the full implementation of the R-ARCSS that is required in order to give the people of South Sudan the opportunity they deserve to elect their own leaders.

It is imperative for  South Sudan’s leaders to put the interests of the nation and its people first; rebuild public trust and confidence; engage and accommodate all voices and viewpoints, including non-signatory parties who continue to participate in the Tumaini Initiative, with a view to break the perpetual cycle of transitions in South Sudan, and pave the way towards an inclusive and sustainable peace. In this regard, it is important that the Parties and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) should commit and put the necessary mechanisms, guarantees and resources in place that can ensure the timely and full implementation of outstanding tasks.

Finally, AUMISS, IGAD and UNMISS underscore their ongoing commitment to work together and support all efforts to avoid a return to widespread violence, by completing a peaceful transition towards durable peace and inclusive governance through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.