Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 11 hours ago
Activist Edmund Yakani [
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Activist Edmund Yakani welcomed the government’s new election dialogue committee today but warned that the process must strictly follow the “spirit and letter” of the 2018 peace deal to protect national stability.
The initiative follows a letter from the Minister in the Office of the President requesting stakeholders and signatories to implement “Resolution Number Three” from a recent presidency meeting. This resolution mandates an inclusive committee to steer dialogue on election-related issues.
Yakani confirmed that most stakeholders have already accepted the invitation, noting that the move aligns with years of advocacy for dialogue as the only viable path for South Sudan. However, he criticized “power-hungry attitudes” among some political elites, urging them to prioritize citizen security over personal ambition.
As the country prepares for elections in December 2026, Yakani reaffirmed that CEPO will act as a watchdog to ensure the process remains transparent and consistent with the 2018 agreement.
“It is good that the Office of His Excellency the President is now taking action,” Yakani said. “We have been advocating for dialogue to resolve the political stalemate for a long time, and this is a step in the right direction.”
While welcoming the progress, the CEPO chief cautioned that the dialogue must strictly adhere to the “spirit and letter” of the 2018 peace deal. He warned that any attempt to undermine or bypass the agreement’s provisions could jeopardize national stability.
Yakani was particularly critical of internal divisions and “power-hungry attitudes” within signatory parties. “We urge our political elites to abandon immature attitudes,” he stated. “They must prioritize the peace, stability, and security of the common citizens over personal political ambitions.”
Yakani reaffirmed CEPO’s commitment to ensuring the process remains transparent and representative.
He issued a stern warning against amending or deleting key provisions of the peace agreement—specifically Articles 8.2 and 8.3—before the formation of a post-election government. Such moves, he argued, would strip the peace process of its legitimacy.
As the country looks toward the elections scheduled for December 2026, Yakani urged all parties to seize this opportunity to foster a stable environment.
He concluded by commending the government for its responsiveness to civil society, calling on all stakeholders to ensure the conditions are set for a credible and peaceful vote.
