The UK urges South Sudan to ensure credible elections slated for 2026 amid escalating humanitarian crises following the conflict in Sudan. Ambassador Kariuki emphasized the urgent need for a work plan from the Transitional Government and highlighted concerns regarding political limitations and the need for adequate election funding. The UK remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s efforts toward stability and humanitarian assistance.
During his address at the UN Security Council, Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, voiced concerns over recent violent attacks that affected civilians in Wad Madani, Sudan, between January 11 and 15, and subsequent unrest in South Sudan on January 16 and 17. He emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, where over one million displaced individuals have entered from Sudan since the onset of conflict.
Ambassador Kariuki acknowledged South Sudan’s efforts to assist those fleeing violence and praised the facilitation of humanitarian aid by UNMISS, while highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in 2025. He reassured that the UK remains committed to supporting South Sudan, particularly through enhanced humanitarian assistance to its neighboring countries.
On the political front, the situation in South Sudan is still unstable. There are ongoing concerns regarding restrictions on political and civic freedoms and insufficient advancement towards the unification of security forces, which is crucial for achieving sustainable peace and conducting elections. The Transitional Government has yet to deliver its promised election work plan for the 2026 elections, putting the electoral schedule at risk.
The UK welcomes the initiatives undertaken by UNMISS to strengthen electoral institutions’ capacity and urges the Transitional Government to provide adequate funding for these elections, including civil servant salaries and security personnel. It is essential for these efforts to align with the new timeline for elections.
In conclusion, the UK calls upon South Sudan’s Transitional Government to publish a credible work plan for election preparations and to take proactive steps to ensure that the upcoming elections in 2026 are peaceful, inclusive, and credible.
The current political climate in South Sudan is fraught with unrest and violence, exacerbated by conflicts in neighboring Sudan. The country grapples with a humanitarian crisis resulting from this turmoil, leading to massive displacement. The international community, including the United Kingdom, is closely monitoring South Sudan’s progress, particularly in terms of its electoral processes scheduled for 2026, which are essential for establishing a stable governance structure.
In summary, the UK urgently calls for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to swiftly develop a credible plan for the upcoming elections and to undertake necessary measures to facilitate a peaceful, inclusive electoral process. Immediate action is vital to avoid further delays and to ensure that the elections in 2026 meet international standards of credibility and inclusivity.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
