By Ajah Jennifer

President Salva Kiir has called on all holdout groups outside the (2018) peace process to join the path of reconciliation, unity, and nation-building.

The President made the remarks during the reopening of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday 16 July after a six months recess where the head of state emphasized that the doors of peace remain open to all parties. “I extend my hand for peace once more. The suffering of our people must not be prolonged by continued rejection of dialogue,” President Kiir said

The President urged that opposition forces committed to peace to be welcomed and integrated immediately to ensure the formation of one national army. He also announced the reconstitution of the High-Level Standing Committee for the implementation of the Peace Agreement to closely coordinate with electoral and transitional justice institutions, and ensure timely execution of responsibilities ahead of elections in 2026. “The task before us is urgent. Our people are watching and they expect action, not promises,” he stated

The President also stressed on the need for peace, security, and national unity, as top priorities of his government. “I have said this before, and I say it again with absolute resolve that South Sudan will not go back to war,” he exclaimed.

He urged all parties to the Peace Agreement to recommit without setting preconditions, to complete the remaining transitional tasks in time for free, fair, and credible elections in 2026.

President Kiir noted the achievements made by the country thus far, including the establishment of revitalized institutions and the graduation and deployment of unified forces, but highlighted that critical tasks remain incomplete.

He reiterated South Sudan’s foreign policy stance of peaceful coexistence, regional cooperation, and mutual respect, thanking partners including the Troika, EU, IGAD, and the African Union for their continued support.

However, he renewed calls for the immediate lifting of sanctions and the arms embargo, stating that these measures now hinder the country’s security and reform agenda.

“These measures have served their purpose; they now hinder our progress and security reform,” he said.

President Kiir concluded with a call on all political leaders, civil society, religious institutions, and citizens to stand against tribalism, hate speech, and division. “We are one nation—rich in diversity, bound by a shared destiny. Let us uphold the values that unite us: dignity, peace, justice, and a common vision for a better tomorrow,” he said.