IGAD reaffirms support for South Sudan peace process
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 18, 2026The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has renewed its support for South Sudan’s peace process and election preparations following high-level talks in Juba with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The meeting, held on June 17, 2026, brought together IGAD’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, Moussa Djama Ali, and the IGAD Head of Mission in South Sudan, Dr Victoria Anib, to review progress on the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
IGAD said the talks focused on political developments, election preparations, and steps towards a democratic transition. The regional bloc also said it wants South Sudan to move towards “peaceful, inclusive and credible elections” under the existing peace framework.
In its official statement, IGAD said the visit formed part of its continued engagement in support of the peace agreement.
“The meeting forms part of IGAD’s continued engagement in support of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the country’s transition towards democratic governance,” the organisation said.
IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to help South Sudan implement the peace deal and create conditions for elections that meet regional and international expectations. It stressed the need for sustained political dialogue and trust-building among political actors.
“The IGAD delegation reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to accompanying South Sudan in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and in creating conditions conducive to peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections,” the statement added.
President Salva Kiir welcomed IGAD’s continued role and said his government remains committed to the peace process. He also pledged to work with regional and international partners to ensure the agreement succeeds.
Regional peace efforts deepen
The Juba meeting comes at a time when South Sudan continues to face pressure to fully implement the R-ARCSS, which remains the main framework guiding the country’s transition after years of conflict. Key provisions of the agreement include security reforms, power-sharing arrangements, and preparations for national elections.
IGAD’s renewed engagement also follows broader regional discussions on conflict mediation in the Horn of Africa. In Nairobi, IGAD leaders recently acknowledged that peace efforts in the region face growing challenges, including political divisions, weak coordination, and the long-running war in Sudan.
At the IGAD Mediation Reflection Conference in Nairobi, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu warned that mediation in the region has become more difficult due to shifting global politics and fragmented conflicts.
He said the region is no longer dealing with isolated crises but a wider system of interconnected instability.
“This is failure. And it must be acknowledged,” Workneh said while referring to stalled peace efforts in Sudan, warning that weak mediation risks undermining confidence in peace processes across the region.
The Nairobi conference also emphasised the need for stronger African-led solutions and better coordination between IGAD and the African Union. Officials said mediation must now adapt to conflicts involving multiple armed groups and external interests.