The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has applauded the government of South Sudan's approval for the establishment of the AU Hybrid Court of South Sudan as per the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, (R-ARCSS).

The government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth after a cabinet meeting last Friday in Juba announced the decision to establish the long-awaited court to try war crimes committed during more than six years of conflict. International observers have severally accused the government of delaying and obstructing the process of establishing the court.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani hailed the decision and said it shows the government’s willingness to fully implement the agreement.

“This is the beginning of the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. Chapter 5 is very important as a tool that will contribute to transitioning our country from violence to peace and also obtaining sustainable peace. So, we would like to appreciate the cabinet and would like to appreciate the leadership of the unity government for approving the establishment of the Hybrid Court,” he said.

Chapter 5 of the R-ARCSS calls for establishing a Hybrid Court, the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority for transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation, and healing institutions for sustainable peace.

“As CEPO, now with this, we will take the opportunity to sensitize our citizens to understand what is meant by the Hybrid Court. And also this has opened for us a window to start asking AU to deliver their responsibility with regards to the establishment of the Hybrid Court. And we are aware that it is not only chapter five; Hybrid Court. We have the commission for Truth, Healing, and reconciliation, we have the authority for compensation and reparation,” he added.

The African Union (AU) Commission on Sunday also welcomed the decision to establish the AU Hybrid Court of South Sudan.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the 55-member pan-African bloc said in an AU statement, "the Chairperson notes with appreciation that this decision puts an end to the delays in establishing the Court, transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation, and healing institutions to bring justice and healing to all South Sudanese.”

He also reiterated the commission's commitment to supporting the government in ensuring the early finalization and signing of the memorandum of understanding on the establishment and reaffirmed the bloc's continued support in pursuit of lasting peace and security in South Sudan.

Activist Yakani also called on the government in the spirit of implementing the agreement to also expedite the establishment of the national legislature, state governments, the commission for truth, healing and reconciliation, authority for reparation and compensation.