Beyond the Signatory: A Policy Analysis of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and its Implementation Challenges

This policy analysis article critically examines the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the cornerstone of the nation's peace process. It employs a structured policy assessment framework to evaluate progress against key benchmarks, including security sector reform, transitional justice, and constitution-making. The analysis draws on primary data from policy documents, implementation timelines, and institutional reports to identify systemic bottlenecks. The article argues that the technocratic implementation of the R-ARCSS is fundamentally undermined by a lack of political will, persistent elite fragmentation, and a failure to address localised conflict drivers. It concludes with targeted policy recommendations aimed at revitalising the peace process and fostering sustainable political stability.