Peace Agreement Day in South Sudan
Peace Agreement Day is listed as a South Sudan public holiday on January 9, the anniversary of the 2005 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The agreement set out an interim political framework that led to a referendum on Southern Sudan’s future and, later, independence.[1][2]
Why January 9 matters
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Nairobi by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. It provided for an interim period and a referendum in which Southern Sudan’s people would decide whether to remain part of Sudan or secede.[2][3]
That link to the country’s path to independence gives the day its South Sudan significance. South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011, following the referendum process provided for by the agreement.[3]
Public holiday and time off
The East African Community’s South Sudan country profile lists Peace Agreement Day on January 9 among the country’s public holidays.[1] South Sudan’s Labour Act says public holidays are observed on their calendar dates and gives employees paid leave on days the Ministry declares public holidays. If an employee is required to work on such a day, the Act provides for twice the regular hourly rate or one day of paid leave as compensation.[4]
The law’s calendar-day rule means there is no automatic move of the holiday to a weekday when January 9 falls on a weekend. Check directly with places you plan to visit for opening hours and transport schedules.[1][4]
Commemoration and practical planning
Do not assume a particular public event will take place; check for local announcements if you want to attend a commemoration.[1][2]
For residents, the statutory paid-leave provisions are the clearest practical guide for covered employees. For travelers, confirm opening hours and transport schedules locally.[1][4]
Questions about Peace Agreement Day
When is Peace Agreement Day in South Sudan?
Is Peace Agreement Day a public holiday?
Yes. The East African Community’s South Sudan profile lists it among the country’s public holidays.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
The Labour Act provides paid leave on public holidays declared by the Ministry. Employees required to work are entitled to twice their regular hourly rate or one day of paid leave as compensation.[4]
Is there a substitute day when January 9 falls on a weekend?
The Labour Act says public holidays are observed on calendar days, so it does not provide for an automatic weekday substitute.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Peace Agreement Day in South Sudan:
- Republic of South Sudan- East African Community
- 2005 Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement- United Nations Peacemaker
- Referendum in Southern Sudan- United Nations Mission in the Sudan
- Labour Act, 2017- Ministry of Labour, Republic of South Sudan