An analysis of the challenges to the implementation of the revitalised agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan from 2018 to 2022

South Sudan has signed many peace agreements to ensure law and order, peace, and freedom after many years of political unrest and conflict. The most recent and promising agreement, the Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in September 2018, has seen the implementation of some aspects of the peace deal. However, despite its promising content and stakeholder participation, the full implementation of the peace agreement is yet to happen on schedule. This study examined the factors that have led to the delay in implementing the R-ARCSS agreement. The study used interviews with participants across various professional fields, including academics, researchers, and Civil Society Organizations. The study outcome showed five main factors hindering the agreement's implementation: i) The history of unresolved misunderstanding between the key signatories, Reik Machar and Salva Kiir, resulting in lackadaisical attitudes in fully committing to the peace deal; ii) Unstable and inadequate state institutions in South Sudan, iii) Low regional and international support for the implementation, iv) Lack of funding, and v) an elite-centred peace process catering for high-level actors and stakeholders. Based on the study's findings, some policy recommendations were made to facilitate the implementation of the R-ARCSS peace agreement to ensure a return to law and order and economic and political stability in South Sudan.

Grantor

Department of Political Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Osei, Lois Ewuraesi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Akokpari, John

• political studies

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41223

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/41223