Faith Nyasuguta
South Sudan is facing increasing pressure to organize credible elections as time runs out, according to international delegates at a three-day forum in the country. The warning comes amid repeated delays and growing concerns over political will and resources.
The Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), formed in 2020 as part of a peace agreement, has already postponed elections three times. With the transition period nearing its end, leaders are under mounting pressure to fulfill their commitments and hold long-overdue polls.
The forum, co-hosted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the African Union, brought together key political, security, and civil society figures to discuss electoral preparations. The discussions centered on finalizing security arrangements, drafting a permanent constitution, and ensuring that elections can proceed as planned.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, made it clear that international funding for the elections would not be provided unless South Sudanese leaders demonstrated political commitment.
“There are many who argue that the failure so far is due to the lack of international funding,” Haysom said. “I have to make it absolutely clear, there is not one penny coming if South Sudanese leaders don’t show the political will to implement this electoral program.”
Haysom warned that failure to make progress would deepen public frustration. “Every delay erodes confidence in the country’s political future,” he said. “People will be watching closely to see what steps are taken to exit this long-overdue transition.”
Joram Biswaro, head of the African Union Mission in South Sudan, echoed these concerns, saying the time for “business as usual” had passed. He stressed the need for real change, urging leaders to break the cycle of inaction.
Despite these warnings, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Chair of the National Transitional Committee, assured the gathering that elections would take place at the end of the current transitional period, though he acknowledged the challenges ahead.
With political instability and security concerns still unresolved, South Sudanese leaders face a tough road ahead. The international community is watching to see whether they will take the necessary steps to finally hold the country’s first elections since gaining independence in 2011.
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