Yakani welcomes C5 warning, calls for concrete action on S. Sudan peace process

South Sudan civil society leader Edmond Yakani has welcomed the latest message from the African Union Committee of Five, C5, on the country’s peace process, saying the regional intervention reflects concerns raised by civil society and should now be followed by concrete action.

Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, CEPO, was speaking following the C5 meeting held online on September 29, 2026, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa warned that elections alone cannot guarantee peace and democracy in South Sudan as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence.

He said credible elections must be supported by a genuine and inclusive political process, adequate security arrangements and protection for electoral staff, civilians and the electoral process.

Ramaphosa also called for a clear legal framework, adequate financing and sufficient institutional and operational capacity.

He urged South Sudan’s political leaders to use the current moment to overcome their differences and address the challenges facing the country, while assuring the country of continued regional support.

He told the people of South Sudan that they do not stand alone, saying their peace, stability and success are shared interests of the region.

Yakani welcomed the message, saying it had raised expectations among civil society.

“The messages that we are getting from the AUC5 and specifically the message of the Chair, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, is impressive.”

He said the C5 position reflected advocacy efforts by civil society ahead of the meeting.

“It has made our expectations as per our advocacy and lobby that we carried out prior to the meeting.”

Yakani called for decisions by the African Union Peace and Security Council, the C5 and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD, to be translated into practical measures.

“It is essential that all the decisions of AU Peace and Security Council, AUC5 and IGAD need to be translated into a concrete practical action in South Sudan to help South Sudanese parties renew their political pledge for transitioning the country from violence to peace through the 2018 peace agreement.”

Yakani said implementation of the 2018 peace agreement continues to face delays, largely because of what he described as a deficit of trust and confidence among the parties.

He called on the AU and IGAD to move beyond communiqués and establish concrete action plans to support the peace process as the country moves towards elections.