NEWS STORY : Statement on 20th Anniversary of South Sudan Peace Agreement
STORY
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that paved the way for the independence of South Sudan. However, the occasion is marked by disappointment as the hopes and aspirations enshrined in the agreement remain largely unfulfilled. The CPA, signed on 9 January 2005, promised peace, human rights, and a responsive government for the people of South Sudan. Yet, two decades later, the country is mired in conflict, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Despite its vast natural resources, South Sudan’s wealth has been concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. The transitional government has failed to utilise public funds effectively, leaving essential services such as healthcare and education severely underfunded.
“The transitional government has not taken the steps necessary to create the conditions for peaceful and credible elections,” said a spokesperson for the Foreign Office. “We renew our call on the transitional government to act with urgency to meet its long overdue commitments so that South Sudan can finally realise the CPA’s promise of peace and prosperity for all its citizens.”
The international community has expressed growing concern over the lack of progress in South Sudan. The transitional government’s failure to implement key provisions of the CPA has led to renewed calls for greater accountability and transparency. As South Sudan enters its third decade of independence, the need for urgent action to address the country’s deep-seated challenges is more critical than ever. The anniversary of the CPA serves as a stark reminder of the unfulfilled promises made to the people of South Sudan, who continue to endure hardship and uncertainty.
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