The African Union (AU) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have welcomed the agreement by all parties in South Sudan's Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) to extend the current transitional period by two years.

Both authorities have however amplified the need to move fast in the implementation of the peace process in order to return the country to lasting peace and stability.

Five political parties signed the extension deal in Juba on August 4 despite reports that some foreign sponsors denounced it.

South Sudan is still clawing its way back to stability from a vicious decade-long conflict that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions more.

Having only gained independence in July 2011, the young nation descended into conflict in December 2013, following irreconcilable tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar.

With regional and international pressure, the warring factions agreed on power-sharing in a unity government inaugurated in February 2020 and scheduled to last until elections are held before 2023.

Last week's extension of this timeline was intended to give the country more time to prepare for the crucial elections.

In its statement on Wednesday, UNMISS urged authorities to bolster efforts to bring on board any other stakeholders.

"The UN Mission urges all the parties and signatories to the Agreement to work together, in an expeditious manner towards the full implementation of the remaining key benchmarks, to ensure that a conducive atmosphere is created for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the extended period," the statement said.

"UNMISS remains committed to supporting an inclusive democratic process and stands with the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability and development."

On his part, the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he "reiterates his calls for the urgent need for the leaders of the Transitional Government to fulfill their pledge to fully implement the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), in order to deliver on the legitimate expectations of its citizens  for peace and stability in South Sudan."

National, regional and international stakeholders hope the peace process in South Sudan will ultimately lead to lasting stability.