Yakani warns of ‘dangerous’ two-month window for S. Sudan transition

2026-01-30 - 10:59

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — A civil society activist, Edmund Yakani, has issued a stark warning to South Sudan’s leadership, stating that the mismanagement of the transition over the next two months—February and March—could place the nation in a “very dangerous position.” The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) stressed that time is rapidly running out for those pushing for elections, urging a shift from military tactics to an inclusive political roundtable. Yakani’s remarks follow a high-level briefing from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently demanded an immediate end to military operations in Jonglei State. Yakani praised the UN chief’s message as both timely and necessary, echoing the call for warring parties to abandon violence as a strategy for resolving political disputes. “Military solutions to political crises benefit nobody,” Yakani told Eye Radio. “They only cause harm to the civilian population and force citizens to pay an expensive price with their lives and livelihoods.” With the transitional period reaching a critical juncture, the CEPO leader emphasized that the opportunity for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue is now, not tomorrow. He warned that as the clock ticks toward the end of the transition, the space for peaceful resolution is shrinking. “Those who opt to use a military solution to find a political solution... the chance for you to have a ceasefire is now,” Yakani stated. “Resume political dialogue now, and the country will succeed.” Yakani concluded by appealing to leaders to de-escalate violence and reconsider their approach, maintaining that only a consensus-based political roadmap can offer a viable path forward for the country.