The Juba Peace Agreement and Its Impact on South Sudan`s Future

The Juba Peace Agreement is a historic event that took place in September 2018 between the South Sudanese government and the Sudan People`s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO). The agreement marked an end to five years of civil war, which cost the lives of over 400,000 people and displaced over four million. The accord provided a framework for a sustainable peace in the country and set out a roadmap for the formation of a revitalized transitional government of national unity (TGoNU).

The Juba Peace Agreement was brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional organization composed of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. It was the second peace agreement signed between the two parties, following the first agreement in 2015 that failed to end the conflict.

The agreement addressed the key root causes of the conflict, including power-sharing, security arrangements, economic reforms, and transitional justice. It also included provisions for the integration of the opposition forces into the national army, the establishment of a hybrid court to try war crimes, and the return of displaced persons to their homes.

The Juba Peace Agreement has had a significant impact on South Sudan`s future, as it has brought an end to the violence and created a pathway for political stability and economic prosperity. The agreement has led to a reduction in violence and an increase in humanitarian access, which has enabled the delivery of vital aid and support to the people of South Sudan.

The implementation of the agreement, however, has been slow, and there have been several challenges to its success. The parties have failed to meet some of the deadlines stipulated in the agreement, and there have been some violations of the ceasefire.

Overall, the Juba Peace Agreement remains a crucial milestone in the journey towards peace in South Sudan. The agreement has brought the parties to the negotiating table, and it has created a framework for the sustainable peace and development of the country. The international community must remain committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement and helping South Sudan build a stable and prosperous future for its citizens.