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Juba: Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Government of South Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s sovereignty and the right of its people and national institutions to make political decisions and determine the country’s future. It stressed that international support for the peace process must be based on respect for national sovereignty, rather than imposing directives or positions from abroad.
In a statement issued by the Office of the President, the government said South Sudan welcomes the continued support and interest of international partners, including the United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada, in promoting peace, stability and development.
The statement stressed that international partnership does not mean relinquishing the country’s right to make its own political decisions, noting that decisions concerning South Sudan’s future must remain in the hands of its people and national institutions.
Peace Does Not Mean Permanent Transition
The government said implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains an important national commitment, but the agreement should not be used as a justification for prolonging the transitional period indefinitely.
It said the country has made significant progress since the signing of the peace agreement through political compromises, the establishment of transitional institutions and efforts to address outstanding issues. It called for continued dialogue on matters that remain unresolved.
The statement emphasized that genuine peace requires creating conditions that enable citizens to exercise their political rights and choose their representatives through free and legitimate elections. It described the planned elections as essential to enabling the people to determine the country’s future.
National Decision-Making Must Remain Independent
The government stressed that international partnerships must not turn into external interference or direction of national policies, noting that constitutional, judicial, security and economic reforms should be led by South Sudanese institutions and citizens.
It said international partners can provide expertise and technical support, but political decisions remain the responsibility of the people and institutions of South Sudan.
Government Calls for Respect for Judicial Processes
Regarding the judiciary, the government affirmed that South Sudan has functioning judicial institutions and legal procedures, calling for cases in which proceedings have already begun to be allowed to follow their proper legal course.
It warned against prejudging judicial cases or allowing political commentary to replace due legal process, stressing that respect for the rule of law requires respect for judicial independence and the outcomes of completed legal proceedings.
The statement emphasized that reforms should seek to strengthen and develop existing institutions rather than weaken or abolish them.
Security Sector Reform Is a National Responsibility
The government underscored the importance of security-sector reform, professionalization and the unification of security institutions, while stressing that security arrangements are directly linked to national sovereignty.
It said security reform must be carried out through national institutions and in accordance with national laws and political agreements, with the aim of building a professional, unified and nationally representative security sector, free from arrangements imposed from outside.
Call for Stronger Economic Management and Accountability
On the economic front, the government acknowledged the need to improve public financial management and strengthen transparency and accountability. It also highlighted the country’s significant potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism.
It said achieving peace and stability would help pave the way for a stronger economy, while welcoming international support in capacity building and investment.
The government stressed that South Sudan’s economic transformation must remain nationally led and that the country’s resources should be managed in a way that benefits its people.
International Support Should Strengthen National Institutions
The government expressed appreciation for Germany’s humanitarian and development assistance and reaffirmed its welcome for continued international partnership.
However, it stressed that effective international support should strengthen national institutions, encourage dialogue and support democratic development, rather than impose political outcomes or prolong uncertainty.
The statement concluded by reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, reform and democracy, emphasizing that the country’s future must be built on national ownership and the sovereign will of its people.
The government said the success of the peace process should not be measured by how long the country remains in transition, but by its ability to move toward a stable political order that allows the people of South Sudan to freely determine their future.
It stressed that peace, reform and democracy must be built through a process led and owned by the people of South Sudan.
