Norwegian diplomat urges dialogue as pressure mounts for elections

Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan Linken Nymann speaks at a Women’s Day event in Juba on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (Radio Tamazuj photo)

The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Linken Nymann Berryman, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving differences instead of resorting to violence.

The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Linken Nymann Berryman, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving differences instead of resorting to violence.

Speaking during a Women’s Day event organized by UN Women in Juba on Wednesday, Ambassador Berryman highlighted that dialogue is crucial for addressing election-related disputes and achieving sustainable peace and well-being in South Sudan.

 She urged South Sudanese leaders to act urgently and inclusively, following the guidelines set by IGAD, AU, and UN, to ensure credible and peaceful elections in December this year.

Expressing concern for the long-standing suffering of the South Sudanese people, Ambassador Berryman emphasized the need for leaders to reject violence as a means of competition. She noted that Norway has supported South Sudan for over 50 years, hoping for improvements in the lives of its citizens, particularly women and girls. However, she lamented that the situation has not significantly improved since the nation’s independence in 2011.

“In many ways, the situation for them has worsened. Early and forced marriages, along with dowries, are hindering girls and women from fully participating in South Sudan’s development. Addressing these root causes is essential for sustainable change,” she emphasized.

“Women’s peace and security remain a priority for Norway’s engagement in South Sudan, highlighting our commitment to democracy and human rights. Women should be recognized as critical links, especially in their potential roles in conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict reconstruction,” Nymann stated. “While the peace agreement includes provisions enabling women’s meaningful participation and representation in public life, implementation has been lacking.”

Meanwhile, Rukaya Mohamed, UN Women Country Representative in South Sudan, addressed the concerning lack of female representation in parliament. Currently, out of 550 parliamentarians, only 172 are women. Moreover, women constitute a mere 1% in the transitional national legislative assembly and 26 out of 100 members in the council of states, highlighting a significant gender disparity.

“It is imperative for the development of any society that women’s voices are heard at decision-making levels,” Mohamed emphasized. “Decisions affecting women and girls often differ from those affecting men and boys. On this basis, we have to work very closely with the government, UN system, civil society, private sector, with young people, and the media. All hands are needed to advance gender equality.”

“When we have more women in leadership, we see increased investment, peace, justice, and stability. Women often prioritize investments in critical areas for gender equality and women’s well-being, such as health, education, and reproductive health. These investments are essential for building a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous nation,” Rukaya concluded.

A revitalized peace agreement was reached in September 2018, but South Sudan has never held elections as government officials have postponed them multiple times. Elections are scheduled for December 2024, but the United States, United Kingdom and Norway say the government hasn’t built up the structure necessary to hold free and fair elections.

Over the past few weeks, the State Department has imposed visa restrictions related to South Sudan’s political instability and repression of activists and dissidents.