July 30, 2026 (Juba, Republic of South Sudan): IGAD successfully conducted and concluded the Workshop on Enhancing the Role of South Sudanese Stakeholders in the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The workshop brought together representatives of R-ARCSS signatories, civil society organisations, women’s and youth groups, faith-based organisations, academia and think tanks, professional associations, the private sector, business community and other peace actors. It provided a consultative platform for participants to assess progress in implementing the peace agreement, examine persistent challenges and identify practical opportunities for accelerating implementation.
The opening ceremony featured statements from H.E. Luther Laschkle, Representative of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC, H.E. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of UNMISS, and H.E. Amb. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of AUMISS.H.E. Amb. Hassan Robleh, Ambassador of Djibouti and Chair of the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors in South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Moussa Djama Ali, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, also delivered statements. The Director General for Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Dr. Riek Pouk officially opened the workshop.
During the substantive sessions, participants examined the political, institutional and societal challenges affecting the implementation of the peace agreement and explored opportunities for accelerating progress. Discussions emphasised the importance of strengthening national ownership, rebuilding trust and expanding the participation of stakeholders beyond formal political institutions. Participants also shared their respective experiences in supporting the peace process and considered policy and strategic response options for enhancing stakeholder engagement. Particular attention was given to strengthening and cascading the roles of stakeholder groups at the national and subnational levels, including their contributions to dialogue, mediation, conflict resolution, public awareness and community-level peacebuilding.
The workshop further explored partnership opportunities between IGAD and South Sudanese stakeholder groups. Participants identified priority areas for continued collaboration and developed practical actions and commitments aimed at supporting implementation of the R-ARCSS, promoting accountability and strengthening inclusive participation in the peace process.
During the concluding sessions, participants prioritised and validated key recommendations and agreed on a way forward for sustaining engagement. The recommendations emphasised stronger coordination among stakeholders, improved communication with communities, greater inclusion of women and young people, and enhanced collaboration between IGAD and South Sudanese peace actors. The workshop recognised that community-rooted actors are uniquely positioned to connect formal political processes with citizens’ lived experiences and aspirations. By strengthening their knowledge, networks and engagement, these stakeholders can serve as effective peace agents, build public confidence and promote a more inclusive and nationally owned peace process.
The successful conclusion of the workshop reinforces IGAD’s role as a guarantor of the R-ARCSS and its commitment to supporting both high-level political engagement and grassroots participation. It also establishes a foundation for continued collaboration with South Sudanese stakeholders to advance peace, stability, and a peaceful democratic transition.
The activity was implemented by IGAD and funded by the European Union under the project, ‘EU Support for Facilitating Regional Stabilization in the Horn of Africa.’
