The Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA) has welcomed the South Sudan government’s decision to reverse proposed changes affecting key provisions of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), describing the move as a positive step towards preserving the country’s fragile peace process.

PAPA Executive Director Yoal Gatkuoth praised the government’s decision to retain Articles 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 of the 2018 peace agreement, which are considered fundamental pillars of the country’s peace framework.

According to Gatkuoth, these articles safeguard the R-ARCSS as the supreme legal instrument guiding South Sudan’s transitional process and ensuring that the agreement remains above other legal frameworks in matters relating to the peace arrangement.

He also expressed appreciation to civil society organisations and advocacy groups for their continued efforts and pressure through dialogue, engagement, and international advocacy to ensure the full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement in both spirit and letter.

“The decision by our leaders to remain committed to the agreement is encouraging,” Gatkuoth said. “We now call on all parties to fully recommit themselves to the peace process by ensuring the release of political prisoners and bringing all stakeholders back to dialogue.”

He further emphasised that the 2018 peace agreement remains the highest legal framework governing the country’s transitional arrangements and stressed that meaningful implementation is essential to maintaining stability and advancing peace in South Sudan.

Observers believe the government’s decision may help ease growing concerns over the future of the peace process and reinforce confidence among citizens and stakeholders committed to long-term peace and national unity.