Despite the promise of full implementation of all the provisions contained in 2018’s Revitalized Peace Agreement, South Sudan’s ongoing bid to build durable peace across this young nation is flagging.

In a bid to reinvigorate the stagnant peace process, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently organized a three-day leadership forum in Kuajok, Warrap state. The main aim: to bring together executive members of the state government and focus on ways to work together as a true coalition.

“We must remember that the South Sudanese have formed a transitional government of national unity,” said Anastasie XX, Head of the UNMISS field office in the state. “The words ‘national unity’ are very important since they signify that different political parties have joined together to achieve a singular objective—a lasting peace and a prosperous future for all communities across South Sudan.”

Facilitated by the mission’s Political Affairs Division and supported by the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the three days witnessed considered interactions and discussions among all participants from the newly formed government.

Apart from being sensitized on the UNMISS role and mandate as the country’s partner for peace, attendees delved into the details of the Peace Agreement, security and economic conditions affecting Warrap’s ability to provide services to its citizens and, most importantly, joint ownership to achieve the benchmarks set out for peace and development within the Agreement.

““This retreat is very important for the government and the people of Warrap state, because it gives us a chance, especially as partners to the Agreement to come together and address issues that can sometimes cause misunderstandings and conflict,” said Aleu Ayieny Aleu, the Governor of Warrap, at the end of the three-day forum.

“We are lucky to have have consultants who are well-experienced, especially from IGAD, AU, the UN, people with vast experience in other countries who have witnessed the kind of system we have here in South Sudan elsewhere. They have come here to help us form a working team that can deliver services to the people. Our people need to be guided, and that guidance needs leadership that is cohesive,” continued Governor Aleu.

For his part, State Minister of Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Piol Buoi Ariath urged participants to take into practice knowledge gained.

“We have learned how to coexist politically despite differing views and opinions, in order to yield better result for the communities we serve. It is incumbent upon us to utilize and apply what we have learnt in the months ahead, as we endeavor to meet basic needs of our people.”

Participants were equipped with tools needed to deal with political tensions through consultations, including to fully implement the peace agreement at the sub-national level. The retreat also provided a platform for non-confrontational engagements and interactions among different political parties.

Civil wars in South Sudan have killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 4 million people from their homes. The peace process, therefore, needs to be owned and led by South Sudanese if it is to lead to a sustainable harmony in this troubled young nation.