The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu arrived in Juba, South Sudan, on Wednesday to begin a two-day official visit to the country.
The visit, according to IGAD, is focused on assessing progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Akuei Bona Malwal, South Sudan’s deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, received Gebeyehu.
Immediately after landing, Gebeyehu convened a series of high-level meetings in Juba. The meetings aimed to assess progress made thus far and chart a course forward in supporting efforts toward peace in South Sudan.
In his initial engagements, the executive secretary met with Monday Semaya Kumba, South Sudan’s minister of foreign affairs, followed by consultations with other key ministers involved in the peace process.
IGAD Secretary-General Gebeyehu underscored the critical importance of full and timely implementation of the R-ARCSS and called on all signatory parties and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward sustainable peace.
“He reaffirmed IGAD’s steadfast support to the people and government of South Sudan during this pivotal phase of their peace journey,” IGAD said.
It remains unclear whether Gebeyehu will be allowed to meet detained First Vice President Riek Machar.
For its part, South Sudan’s ministry of foreign affairs confirmed the arrival of the IGAD executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, in Juba for an official mission.
According to the ministry, the visit underscores ongoing collaboration between South Sudan and IGAD and reaffirms the country’s commitment to working closely with regional bodies on matters of mutual importance.
Prominent South Sudanese civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech called on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to urgently facilitate the release of First Vice President Riek Machar, warning that political tensions threaten the country’s fragile peace process.
“While the peace agreement may appear weakened in spirit, its legal framework remains intact, and some government institutions under the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) continue to function,” Manyang said.
He cautioned that the political impasse, including restrictions on Machar, risks undermining the peace process and stalling progress toward stability.
Manyang urged IGAD, the African Union (AU), and the East African Community (EAC) to renew efforts to support South Sudan’s transition.
The visit of the senior IGAD official comes as South Sudan faces months of security and political tensions after President Salva Kiir moved to sideline his first vice president and long-time rival, Riek Machar, who was placed under house arrest in March.
Kiir and Machar fought a five-year civil war that cost some 400,000 lives until a revitalized power-sharing agreement was signed in 2018. It was brokered by regional bloc IGAD.
However, the agreement faces challenges in implementing critical tasks, including security arrangements, drafting a permanent constitution, preparing for elections, and poor working relations between Kiir and Machar, the agreement’s principal signatories.
The Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan prescribes essential tasks necessary for advancing solid democracy and sustainable political transition in the country.
General elections are scheduled to be held in December 2026.