By Matik Kueth
The outgoing European Union Ambassador, Timo Olkkonen, has called on the South Sudanese leaders to stop violating the peace agreement, end solo decisions, and return to dialogue, or risk losing both legitimacy and the country’s chance for democratic transition.
In an exclusive interview with King Media on Monday, Olkkonen expressed deep concern about the country’s stalled political progress and the growing uncertainty around elections scheduled for 2026.
“To reach that kind of election, and time is again running dangerously short, requires significant concrete measures,” Olkkonen stated.
He added, “This might require compromises, or if there is an alternative way of going forward, we need consensus.”
Despite repeated appeals from regional actors, the African Union, and international stakeholders for the full implementation of the peace deal, violations continue to mount.
One major reason for the current violations is the ongoing political maneuvering and manipulation by the SPLM-IG, which has violated the agreement’s provisions through unilateral decisions.
Such moves, including reshuffles without consultation and the failure to reconstitute key transitional institutions, have undermined the trust essential for the agreement’s success.
Another challenge lies in the lack of political will to prioritize national interests over personal or party ambitions.
Olkkonen said the peace deal requires a delicate balancing act, power-sharing, transitional justice, security reforms, and constitutional making, all of which remain either delayed or partially implemented.
“We’ve seen the peace agreement violated recurrently, especially since March this year. This is of extreme concern because it sends the wrong message, that agreements, commitments don’t need to be adhered to,” he said.
He emphasized that the peace deal, although complex, is the only legitimate basis for governance and should not be abandoned.
“The peace agreement is a complicated document. It’s challenging to implement. But now it’s the instrument that gives legitimacy for the governance structures in South Sudan. So, we from the European Union need to see it respected,” he stressed.
Growing uncertainty
With only a year and a half left before the 2026 elections, the roadmap remains unclear. There is no unified vision from political leaders on how to meet the preconditions for credible, free, and fair elections, including a permanent constitution, unified armed forces, and functioning institutions.
“We don’t know what is the way forward. There is this expectation of elections in 2026. But to get there, we need clarity, consensus, and a mutual understanding of how South Sudan moves forward,” he emphasized.
The Ambassador further stressed the need for leaders to end the culture of unilateralism, return to the negotiating table, and recommit to dialogue.
“This might require compromise. But if we don’t have dialogue and a mutual understanding, there will be no way to get to elections with legitimacy,” he warned.