Eight Western diplomatic missions, including the United States, expressed their “regret and disappointment” on Wednesday over South Sudan’s decision to delay its first-ever elections for two years.
Last week, South Sudan’s transitional government postponed the December 2024 general elections until December 2026, citing a lack of preparedness.
This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, is postponing elections and extending a transitional period that started in February 2020.
The country is going through an economic crisis that has seen civil servants and members of the organized forces go unpaid for almost one year.
In a joint statement issued by the Embassies of the UK, US, Norway, EU, Canada, France, Germany and the Netherlands expressed their disappointment at this decision, saying the timely holding of election is a key element in strengthening stability, democracy and sustainable development in South Sudan.
They underscored that the decision to postpone elections reflects the failure of the transitional government to implement the 2018 peace agreement despite the promises made with the release of the “roadmap” in 2022.
“Peace is our priority, and we remain convinced that peace can best be secured through legitimate and peaceful elections. South Sudan’s leaders bear shared responsibility to act with urgency to create the necessary conditions for such elections to take place. We support both the Tumaini Initiative talks in Nairobi, and consistent leadership-level discussions in Juba,” the joint statement said.
The Western embassies called on all stakeholders to create the conditions necessary for the holding of peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as possible. “There is a need to engage all parties, including the ‘non-signatories’, in a positive process as well as demonstrate how the proposed extension would progress what the last years have failed to deliver. The process of developing this plan must be consultative, inclusive and transparent,” the statement read in part.
It added,” A 24-month extension would mean 24 months more expenditure on the institutions that implement the peace process. We expect the government of South Sudan to come forward with a credible and transparent plan as to how these will be financed.”
The embassies, however, reiterated their commitment to continue supporting the people of South Sudan.