President Salva Kiir at the State House in Juba. Photo credit: Office of the President

The Office of the President says South Sudan’s peace process must remain anchored in national ownership and sovereignty, while maintaining a clear path toward elections and an end to prolonged political transition.

In a press statement titled “South Sudan’s Peace Process: Sovereignty, National Ownership and the Path to Elections,” the Office of the President said it welcomes continued support from international partners, including the United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada.

However, it said international support should not amount to external direction of the country’s political affairs.

“South Sudan is a sovereign nation, and its political decisions belong to its people and institutions,” the statement said.

Peace process and elections

The Office of the President said implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains an important national commitment but should not become a basis for what it described as “perpetual transition.”

It said political compromises have been made and transitional institutions established since the peace agreement was signed, while differences that remain should continue to be addressed through dialogue.

The statement linked peace with citizens’ ability to exercise their political rights and said the country should move toward a democratic process in which people can choose their leaders.

It described the planned elections as essential to citizens’ right to choose their representatives and determine the country’s direction.

“The measure of peace should not be how long South Sudan remains in transition,” the statement said, “but whether it can move toward a stable political order in which its people freely determine their future.”

National ownership

The Office of the President said constitutional, judicial, security and economic reforms should be owned and driven by South Sudanese institutions and citizens.

It said international partners can provide expertise, technical assistance and other forms of support, but political decisions should remain with South Sudanese institutions.

The statement said effective international engagement should strengthen national institutions, encourage dialogue rather than dictate outcomes, and support democratic development.

Judicial process

The statement also called for respect for existing judicial processes.

It said proceedings that have already been initiated should be allowed to follow their proper course and argued that judicial processes should not be pre-judged from outside the courtroom.

The Office of the President said political commentary should not substitute for due process and that institutional reforms should strengthen existing judicial institutions.

Security reform

On security-sector reform, the Office of the President said it recognizes the importance of professionalizing and unifying the country’s security institutions.

It said reforms should be undertaken through South Sudanese institutions and in accordance with national laws and political agreements.

The statement said the objective should be “a professional, unified and nationally representative security sector” rather than one dictated from outside.

Economic reform and accountability

The Office of the President also called for stronger public financial management, transparency and accountability.

It said South Sudan has significant potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism and that international partners can support capacity building and investment.

At the same time, it said South Sudan should retain ownership of its economic transformation and determine how its resources benefit its people.

The statement specifically acknowledged Germany’s humanitarian and development assistance and welcomed continued partnership.

International partnership

The Office of the President said international engagement remains welcome but should be based on mutual respect, partnership and sovereignty.

It said South Sudan remains committed to peace, dialogue, reform and democracy, with the peace process ultimately owned by South Sudanese institutions and citizens.

“South Sudan wants peace, reform and democracy; and it wants to build them through a process owned by the South Sudanese people,” the statement said.

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