The decision has been widely welcomed by civil society and peace advocates as a critical step toward de-escalating the simmering tensions across the country.
By Emmanuel Mandella
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed the decision by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to halt attack of the SPLA-IO bases.
In statement release yesterday, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the SSPDF, Gen Paul Nang Majok ordered an end to military offensives on SPLA-IO cantonment sites.
The decision has been widely welcomed by civil society and peace advocates as a critical step toward de-escalating the simmering tensions across the country.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the CEPO, expressed gratitude and optimism following the announcement.
“This is a long-awaited decision that we have been calling for, it is a specific fulfillment of the Hostilities and Permanent Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2017,” he said.
“I hope this decision will hold, and that all SSPDF and IO field commanders will act accordingly,” said Yakani.
The renewed clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces have plagued the country into conflict in recent months.
In Unity State, fighting in Leer and Mayardit counties led to dozens of civilian deaths and displacement.
Similarly, Upper Nile State has seen recurring violence, including the recent deadly confrontation in Panyikang County that left scores dead and thousands uprooted.
These incidents come amid ongoing political friction that has gripped the country since the establishment of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in 2021.
Delays in implementing key provisions of the peace agreement including unification of the forces, security arrangements, and the permanent constitution have widened mistrust among parties.
“This order by the CDF is not just a military instruction it is the opening window for renewed dialogue. It demonstrates commitment to the best interests of the citizens, which is peace and stability,” Yakani emphasized.
“We hope similar steps will be taken to address the root causes of the conflict and normalize the political transitional process.”
Observers said this development could mark a turning point if both sides adhere to the ceasefire and commit to the path of dialogue. But concerns remain about whether the directive will be implemented effectively on the ground, especially in hard-to-reach areas where communication and control over field commanders is limited.
Yakani told both SSPDF and SPLA-IO leadership that they were optimistic that any political differences in the country can be resolved through dialogue, not through bloodshed.
As South Sudan inches toward the 2024 elections, many are watching closely to see whether this ceasefire can hold and whether political will from all sides will finally translate into lasting peace.
“This is a long-awaited decision that we have been calling for. It is a specific fulfillment of the Hostilities and Permanent Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2017,” said Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the CEPO.