The head of the UN Mission in South Sudan has reiterated doubts
about preparedness of the government to conduct elections.
South Sudan is expected to hold its first-ever general
elections this December.
“There is, however, widespread ambivalence about the
adequacy of preparedness of electoral institutions and processes, as well as
the security environment to endure a robust political competition without a
relapse into conflict,” Nicholas Haysom told African Union Peace and Security
Council in a briefing on Tuesday.
Haysom argued that the current security environ would not allow
for a “political competition without a relapse into conflict”.
These include, he said, the intercommunal conflict and unimplemented
key provisions in the September 2018 peace agreement.
Since last year, there have been reports of intercommunal violence
in parts of the country, notably in Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Jonglei,
and Eastern Equatoria.
In addition, the peace parties have been accused of dragging
their feet to implement the security measures, especially the “deployment of
the Necessary Unified Forces, as a cornerstone for peace before, during and
after the elections”.
Haysom stated: “We are aware that this fragile region, the
Horn of Africa, would be devasted if it were required to endure two wars at the
same time—in Sudan and South Sudan—and we are required to take all steps to
avoid this possibility.”
He called upon the political leaders to “increase momentum
towards democratic elections as agreed and sought” by the citizens.
“It must do so by simply taking the political decisions
which are required of it and backing them with financial resources,” he added.
In November 2023, expressed doubts in holding free, fair and
credible elections in South Sudan in December 2024 given a work that is yet to
be done in preparation.