This article critiques the limitations of orthodox liberal peacebuilding models in the context of South Sudan's protracted conflict and complex socio-political landscape. It proposes a novel theoretical framework centred on the concept of Hybrid Political Orders (HPOs), which explicitly integrates indigenous governance structures, customary authority, and localised political economies into the analysis of peace and conflict. The framework is developed through a synthesis of critical peace and conflict studies with African political theory, offering a more nuanced tool for understanding the negotiation, implementation, and sustainability of peace agreements. The article concludes by outlining the framework's theoretical contributions to African Peace Studies and its practical utility for policymakers and practitioners engaged in South Sudan's peace processes.