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20th Anniversary of South Sudan’s Peace Agreement Marked by Renewed Calls for Reform

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the United States, alongside Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands, has issued a joint statement reflecting on the historic accord that aimed to bring lasting peace to South Sudan.

Signed on January 9, 2005, the CPA ended over two decades of conflict and laid the foundation for the 2011 referendum, which led to South Sudan’s independence. The agreement was hailed as a landmark achievement, carrying hopes of peace, human rights, and a responsive government for the South Sudanese people.

However, two decades later, those aspirations remain largely unfulfilled. Despite South Sudan’s considerable natural wealth, the joint statement expressed concern that the country’s resources continue to benefit only a small elite, while the majority of citizens face widespread poverty and limited access to essential services. Corruption and poor resource management have further exacerbated these challenges, hindering progress in the nation.

The statement criticized the transitional government for failing to take sufficient steps to create conditions for peaceful and credible elections. Key concerns included the lack of civic and political space necessary for citizens to actively participate in shaping their country’s future.

“We renew our call on the transitional government to act with urgency to meet its long overdue commitments,” the statement emphasized, urging South Sudan’s leadership to implement reforms that align with the CPA’s original vision of peace and prosperity for all citizens.

The international community’s renewed focus comes at a critical time, as South Sudan approaches key milestones in its political transition. The joint statement underscores the continued importance of accountability, transparent governance, and respect for human rights as central pillars for sustainable peace in the region.

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