A Comparative Analysis of Peace Agreement Implementation: The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan

This comparative study critically examines the implementation trajectories of South Sudan's two principal peace accords: the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). It argues that structural flaws in power-sharing arrangements, coupled with the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms and the persistent political economy of conflict, have systematically undermined durable peace. The analysis employs a structured, focused comparison to evaluate key provisions on security sector reform, transitional governance, and wealth-sharing. The findings reveal that while the R-ARCSS learned from certain CPA shortcomings, it replicated critical vulnerabilities, leading to a cyclical pattern of fragile peace and renewed instability. The study concludes that sustainable peace requires moving beyond elite-centric pacts to address foundational issues of state legitimacy and inclusive political community.