In South Sudan, the political situation remains fragile, with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) yet to be fully implemented and ongoing conflict between the parties to that agreement.
The Political Affairs Division (PAD) monitors, assesses and advises mission leadership on political developments in South Sudan, including identifying early warning signals and analyzing trends that may represent potential threats against civilians. It leads engagement to help protect civilians and secure durable peace.
Working with partners, including the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, political parties, civil society, women, youth, faith-based communities, regional, international, and other stakeholders, PAD works to advance political space through regular engagement and forums.
The Section supports efforts to advance the peace process, alongside partners such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union (AU), and Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), including providing support to implementation mechanisms.
It engages with national and subnational authorities, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, and civil society to enhance the political and civic space through facilitating leadership dialogues, roundtable discussions, and political party forums and supports mission leadership interactions with the diplomatic community and international non-governmental organizations.
PAD also provides technical expertise and advice to institutions on good governance, including elections.