IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais [Photo by IGAD/GETTY IMAGES
By Wanderi Kamau
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais, and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), led by its Chairperson General Thomas Cirillo, held a high-level consultative meeting in Rome on March 19–20, 2025.
The discussions were facilitated by the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic organization that has played a crucial role in mediating South Sudan’s peace efforts.
Also present at the meeting was Fredrick Matwang’a, Kenya’s Ambassador to Italy, underscoring Kenya’s continued commitment to the South Sudan peace process.
Background: A nation in search of lasting peace
South Sudan has been struggling with political instability and violent conflict since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Despite the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018, peace has remained elusive, with SSOMA—a coalition of opposition groups—remaining outside the agreement.
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The alliance, which includes the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Cirillo, has consistently called for a more inclusive and comprehensive peace process.
For years, IGAD has played a central role in peace mediation efforts, working closely with regional and international partners. However, the stalled negotiations between SSOMA and the South Sudanese government have left key issues unresolved, particularly regarding governance, security arrangements, and the inclusion of armed opposition groups in the political transition.
Key outcomes of the Rome meeting
During the Rome consultations, SSOMA reaffirmed its willingness to engage with the Government of South Sudan in pursuit of an inclusive and sustainable peace. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the alliance expressed readiness to enter into formal dialogue with the government under the facilitation of IGAD and the Community of Sant’Egidio.
“We are committed to ensuring that South Sudan moves towards a peaceful and democratic future. Our engagement in this process is guided by the aspirations of the South Sudanese people who yearn for justice, equality, and a government that represents all citizens, not just a select few,” said General Thomas Cirillo, the SSOMA Chairperson.
In response, Ambassador Wais welcomed SSOMA’s renewed commitment to dialogue, emphasizing that IGAD remains fully engaged in supporting peace efforts.
“This meeting is a significant step forward. A durable peace in South Sudan cannot be achieved without addressing the concerns of all political and armed actors. We are pleased that SSOMA is now prepared to engage with the government to find a peaceful solution to longstanding grievances,” the IGAD Special Envoy stated.
To build on this momentum, SSOMA and IGAD agreed to organize a pre-consultative meeting with the Government of South Sudan at the earliest possible opportunity. The meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for substantive negotiations, focusing on security arrangements, governance reforms, and broader political inclusion.
A glimmer of hope for South Sudan
The Rome talks come at a critical juncture for South Sudan, which is set to hold its first-ever general elections in December 2025. Many fear that unresolved tensions between the government and opposition groups could lead to renewed violence, threatening the fragile gains made under the 2018 peace deal.
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Ambassador Matwang’a, representing Kenya’s diplomatic interests, emphasized that regional stability depends on an inclusive peace process.
“South Sudan’s future hinges on dialogue and compromise. The IGAD-led process provides an opportunity for all parties to come together and forge a peaceful path forward. Kenya remains committed to supporting these efforts,” he said.
As South Sudan prepares for its next chapter, the world is watching to see whether this renewed push for dialogue will finally bring an end to years of conflict and suffering
