South Sudan’s Vice President Josephine Lagu used her debut speech at the United Nations General Assembly to defend the country’s fragile peace agreement, insisting it remains “on track” despite serious delays and the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar.
Representing the South Sudan Opposition Alliance in the power-sharing government, Lagu told delegates that “about 60%” of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement has been implemented, and that her government is “accelerating key benchmarks” to meet a December 2026 election deadline.
The peace accord ended a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people and displaced millions. It paved the way for a unity government, but key provisions—such as integrating rival forces and drafting a permanent constitution—remain incomplete.
The situation worsened after Machar, the first vice president and Kiir’s longtime rival, was arrested on charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity over a deadly militia attack in March. Supporters call the charges a political ploy. Lagu denied this, saying the case is “being handled legally with assurances of a fair trial.”
Despite setbacks, she highlighted progress including the deployment of joint forces, creation of electoral bodies, and renewed dialogue on reviving the Tumaini Initiative talks with armed groups excluded from the original deal.
Lagu also spotlighted urgent challenges outside the peace process. She described worsening climate shocks—floods, droughts, and food insecurity—and called for predictable climate financing. South Sudan plans to plant 100 million trees by 2030, she said.
On social development, Lagu reported a surge in primary school enrollment from 300,000 to 2.1 million, with gender parity nearly achieved at the entry level. She also emphasized women’s empowerment, noting South Sudan has surpassed its 30% female representation quota at the presidential level.
Appealing for global backing, Lagu called for lifting sanctions, debt cancellation, and reforming international financial institutions to give developing nations a stronger voice. She also endorsed expanding the U.N. Security Council to include permanent African representation.
“South Sudan must conclude its transition with credible general elections,” Lagu said. “This will allow our people to elect their leaders democratically, for the first time.”
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