UNMISS has urged South Sudan to provide tangible evidence of progress towards democratic elections, slated for 2026. During discussions at the UN Security Council, emphasis was placed on the urgency of political commitment amidst ongoing internal conflicts. Key stakeholders, including citizens and activists, express skepticism regarding their leaders’ intentions, highlighting the need for actionable reforms to ensure stability and genuine democratic processes.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged for substantial evidence of progress leading toward democratic elections in the nation. During a briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, reminded South Sudanese leaders that “the clock on the extension is already ticking.” Notably, since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan is currently navigating through its fourth extension of the transitional government period, now with elections rescheduled for 2026. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, U.N. South Sudan acting spokesperson Rabindra Giri stated that tangible evidence of commitment to a democratic future from the country’s leaders is crucial. The ongoing internal conflict in South Sudan, coupled with delays in implementing democratic reforms, has hindered the prospects for peace and stability, affecting not only South Sudan but the broader East African region. UNMISS officials have pressed that time is dwindling for political leaders to fulfill their roles as outlined in the peace agreement. Giri further commented, “We must collectively seize the opportunity to make this extension the last and deliver the peace and democracy that the people of South Sudan deserve.” Citizens in Juba echo this sentiment, expressing skepticism about their leaders’ dedication to the nation’s welfare as they witness executions of the peace agreement. Notable voices such as Nunu Diana, a women’s rights advocate, and Data Gordon, an advocate for peace and gender equality, emphasized the waning morale and the need for concrete actions rather than mere political statements. Gordon asserted, “The time for political statements without tangible and time-bound action is over; for elections to take place as scheduled, the government needs to walk the talk.” In a bid to promote electoral readiness, UNMISS is enhancing its support for the National Elections Commission. Haysom pointed to critical areas requiring immediate attention, including civic education, voter registration preparations, the establishment of a code of conduct among political factions, as well as civil society and media associations regarding election security. He emphasized that the time available to South Sudan is finite and that sustaining international support is essential while ensuring that the leaders are held accountable to their commitments.
The background of this discussion lies in South Sudan’s tumultuous journey since gaining independence in 2011. The government has frequently faced challenges in establishing a stable political environment, requiring repeated extensions of transitional governance. This situation has been compounded by escalating internal conflicts, resulting in delays in adopting necessary democratic reforms, which are vital for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The call by UNMISS reflects growing concerns from both international and local stakeholders regarding the South Sudanese leadership’s commitment to democracy and the successful realization of an electoral process scheduled for 2026.
In conclusion, the urgency communicated by UNMISS regarding democratic elections in South Sudan underscores the critical need for genuine commitment from the country’s leaders. With the elections currently postponed to 2026 and a backdrop of escalating internal discord, it is imperative to secure tangible evidence of progress. The voices of citizens, advocates, and UNMISS alike reflect a collective hope for peace and democratic governance, marking this moment as pivotal for South Sudan’s future.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
