By Matik Kueth
President Salva Kiir has reaffirmed his commitment to securing peace and stability in South Sudan, despite ongoing political hurdles.
Speaking during a meeting with Norwegian Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Endre Stiansen, in Juba on Friday, Kiir underscored the government’s dedication to fostering unity and addressing national concerns.
Stiansen commended the president for his openness in discussing the country’s current challenges and for articulating a clear vision for a peaceful, cohesive South Sudan. He highlighted the value of dialogue in healing political and social divisions, particularly with national elections on the horizon.
Akuei Bona Malual, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, echoed the envoy’s sentiments, describing Norway as a longstanding ally of South Sudan.
He noted that the meeting addressed key issues, including the political and security landscape, as well as electoral preparations.
However, the path to long-term peace remains uncertain, as the implementation of the 2018 peace accord has experienced significant hurdles, particularly with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s detention on March 26, 2025.
His detention, along with that of other political figures, has stalled dialogue efforts despite appeals from international mediators and regional partners urging President Kiir to release the detainees; no resolution has been reached.
Compounding the crisis, internal divisions have emerged within the SPLM-IO, with a leadership fracture emerging between supporters of Dr. Machar and those aligned with Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Phar Kuol, who has assumed interim leadership of the party after allegedly betraying Machar, a tactical move supported by the government.
Clashes between armed factions loyal to the rival leaders continue to erupt in various regions, including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Upper Nile States.
The violent confrontations threaten to derail the fragile peace process and hinder progress toward national reconciliation and democratic governance.