This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
The African Union's (AU) success in brokering a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan is a significant achievement, but it highlights the organization's failure to address the ongoing civil war in South Sudan.
On September 13, 2019, the AU was praised for its efforts in Sudan, including public condemnation of the use of force against protesters, suspension of Sudan from its activities, and the appointment of a special envoy to mediate between protest leaders and the military junta in Khartoum.
However, the AU's inaction in South Sudan is a stark contrast. The civil war in South Sudan, which began in 2011, has left a scar on the continent and exposed the vulnerability of the AU's peace and security architecture.
The conflict in South Sudan has been characterized by sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, jailing of journalists and dissidents, and the massive plunder of public resources by the elite.
Despite the signing of a Revitalised Peace Agreement nearly a year ago, the deadline for the formation of a Revitalised-Transitional Government of National Unity was pushed to November, and the AU has yet to take decisive action to address the challenges facing the peace process.
It is time for the AU to elevate the South Sudan peace process to its highest decision-making level and make it clear to President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar that they bear the greatest responsibility for the implementation of the agreement.
