U.S. Official Issues Warning: South Sudan Elections Lack Credible Path
A senior U.S. State Department official warned on Friday that the upcoming elections in South Sudan, scheduled for December, are at risk of not being a credible process without immediate intervention. The official, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns that the government is lagging in its preparations for the elections and, when asked if the process could turn into a sham, responded affirmatively, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
South Sudan is gearing up for national elections later this year to select leaders for the post-transitional government, currently led by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Initially expected to hold elections in 2022, the transitional government extended its tenure by an additional two years, further delaying the scheduled polls.
The U.S. official expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the elections proceeding as planned in December, giving it a 50/50 chance. They cautioned that if the elections face delays or violence erupts, the U.S. might consider options such as sanctions and adjustments to its diplomatic stance in South Sudan.
The official underscored that South Sudan has not fulfilled commitments made two years ago, including conducting a census, drafting a constitution, and establishing necessary democratic institutions for a credible electoral process. Despite formal peace since a 2018 agreement that ended a five-year conflict, localized violence between communities remains a concern.
While acknowledging President Kiir’s apparent desire for legitimate elections, the official noted opposition from figures like Machar, who may stand to lose in a political contest. Machar and others argue that the commitments from the extended peace agreement cannot be completed in time for the elections.
The U.S. official highlighted Kiir and others’ use of Machar’s position as an excuse for not taking additional actions, such as providing a list of names for unified forces. Civil society in South Sudan shares concerns about insufficient preparations, expressing a high appetite for elections and awareness that the government has not fulfilled requirements. The warning comes amid fears that the situation could escalate into violence if the electoral process is not adequately addressed.
