The United Nations announces that South Sudan is not ready to conduct its scheduled elections in December, citing concerns over preparedness.
On Wednesday, the top diplomat for the United Nations in South Sudan stated that political leaders are deliberating whether voting should take place later this year as the country is not yet prepared to conduct its inaugural post-independence elections scheduled for December.
“The consultations have made it challenging for the election date of Dec. 22, which was disclosed by the National Elections Commission last month, to be regarded as an absolute catalyst independently from other crucial elements,” stated Nicholas Haysom during his address to the U.N. Security Council.”
The upcoming election marks South Sudan’s initial poll since gaining independence from Sudan back in 2011, following an extended conflict. Its purpose is to serve as the climax of a peace accord that was signed five years ago and aimed at lifting this planet’s freshest country out of civil warfare grounded predominantly on ethnic factionalism. In excess of 400,000 people died during clashes amid President Salva Kiir’s allied troops versus those supportive of Vice-President Riek Machar.
Haysom had stated in December that certain requirements were essential for credible and non-violent elections. In April, he informed the Security Council that the concerned parties failed to carry out a significant number of necessary measures needed for impartial and just voting – reiterating his evaluation during Wednesday’s address to the U.N.’s most influential entity.
He mentioned that the Elections Commission has initiated an evaluation of “the necessary infrastructure and amenities required for a favorable atmosphere to conduct elections,” which is encouraging. Additionally, 29 political parties have completed their registration process.
According to Haysom, the UN peacekeeping operation is persisting in their efforts “to facilitate a conducive atmosphere for future elections in South Sudan,” with particular emphasis placed on fulfilling its duty of safeguarding civilians.
According to him, the bill recently passed by South Sudan’s parliament that enables the National Security Service to arrest individuals without a warrant has raised concerns among significant portions of civil society, political parties, as well as both the Commission on Human Rights and international community.
He explained that opponents of the security bill argue that it goes against their desire for a transparent civic and political arena in order to establish a democratic community. Furthermore, they claim it conflicts with both the transitional constitution as well as South Sudan’s human rights commitments.
Haysom observed that the president holds authority to send the law back to Parliament for addressing raised criticism. He stated this as a notable chance for showcasing dedication towards creating an open political environment, essential in conducting South Sudan’s initial democratic polls.
Expressing grave apprehension, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield informed the council that not only is the United States but also numerous diplomatic missions worryingly perceive that the security law may deteriorate “the nation’s political and civic atmosphere” even more in due course.
Haysom cautioned that the nation’s humanitarian and economic future is at risk as a “perfect storm” looms.
He indicated various factors including persistent food scarcity, the adverse effects of the neighboring Sudan conflict spilling over, a swiftly worsening economy due to an oil pipeline rupture and loss in earnings, as well as the possibility of unprecedented flooding occurring in September.
According to Haysom, each of these elements poses a formidable difficulty individually. However, when combined, they have the potential to bring the country dangerously close to a tipping point – all while South Sudan is in the midst of constructing their nation during an exceedingly delicate phase.
The operations director of the U.N. humanitarian office, Edem Wosornu, provided grim statistics to the council regarding South Sudan’s situation: over 9 million individuals – comprising 76% of its population- necessitate aid while approximately seven-point-one million suffer from acute food insecurity which marks a rise of one and half-million since last year.
According to Wosornu, UN food security experts’ mid-year predictions implied that conflicts and floods may lead to isolated incidents of famine from June 2024 till January 2025.
According to her, the worsening economic crisis in South Sudan is exacerbating its humanitarian situation. The pipeline rupture has caused a cessation of most oil exports since February. Additionally, the value of the South Sudanese pound plummeted by over 70% during H1 2024, resulting in basic necessities being unaffordable for many people; this was confirmed by data from the National Bureau of Statistics which showed that inflation reached an annual rate as high as 97% in June.
Outlook on Humanitarian and Economic Matters
On Wednesday, the leader of the UN’s Mission in South Sudan informed the Security Council that there is a dangerous combination of factors developing within South Sudan concerning its economic and humanitarian situation.
During his virtual speech to the UN, Nicholas Haysom emphasized that there is a limited amount of time left and the consequences of not taking action at this critical moment are excessively high.
According to Haysom, the basis of the current humanitarian crisis within South Sudan can be attributed to multiple factors. These include long-term food insecurity issues, a direct impact from conflicts with neighboring country Sudan leading to an influx of refugees and internally displaced persons numbering at 750,000 thus far. Additionally adding on top are political events that remain uncertain which hinders any chance for peaceful cooperation among those involved. The economy quickly spirals downwards due in large part by disrupted oil infrastructure and revenue streams causing increased strain further worsening economic challenges overall finally resulting in risks such as once-in-a-lifetime flooding set to take place during September.”
He stated that if all the necessary factors of a perfect storm come together, it would place an enormous strain on both the United Nations and jeopardize the political progress in his country. This could have significant consequences for East Africa as a whole.
Council members were informed by Haysom that UNMISS is still committed to facilitating an environment conducive for elections in South Sudan.
Edem Wosornu, who serves as the Director of Operations and Advocacy Division at OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), also spoke to the Council.
As many as 300,000 people have been impacted by floodwaters triggered by intense rainfall and the deliberate discharge of water from Lake Victoria. These factors caused a rise in levels along the Nile River.
Wosornu stated that during the highest point of flood season, flooding has the potential to affect 3.3 million people, including those communities still struggling from previous floods between 2019 and 2022 which resulted in more than a million individuals being displaced.
During her address to the Council, she highlighted South Sudan’s deepening food insecurity crisis, economic hardships and climate emergency. The country is also struggling to tackle the consequences of its ongoing conflict with Sudan while grappling with a shortage of funds for humanitarian aid. Nonetheless, insufficiency in funding remains an obstacle towards achieving a satisfactory response.
Retired Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, the Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, stated that 29 political parties had been registered and a code of conduct had been adopted by the Political Parties Council to prepare for elections.
There are concerns about the procedures followed and registration fees, according to his statement.
He stated that, while the National Elections Commission has formed high committees at the state level, worries persist regarding their selection criteria and inclusion of genders.
In spite of the progress South Sudan has achieved, such as allocating funds to various groups like the National Election Commission and Political Parties Council among others, Cecilia A.M. Adeng – an ambassador for South Sudanese affairs declared that they still need to fully meet certain standards before holding elections. She stated their commitment towards overcoming said challenges diligently so as to achieve a seamless inclusive electoral process in future statements made recently about this matter.
The Secretary-General’s report on South Sudan was reviewed by the Council during their meeting.
