South Sudan Commits to December Elections, Urges Respect for Sovereignty

The government of South Sudan has reiterated its determination to conduct elections in December, cautioning international actors against meddling in the country's internal affairs.

In an official statement from the presidency, South Sudan emphasized that the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement should not be used to justify an indefinite extension of the transitional government. The statement highlighted the country's progress in establishing transitional institutions and addressing key provisions of the peace deal.

Key Points from the Presidency Statement

• South Sudan welcomes continued support from international partners including the United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
• Partnerships must respect South Sudan’s sovereignty; political decisions belong to its people and institutions.
• The peace agreement remains vital but should not delay the democratic process.
• Dialogue on outstanding issues will continue without assuming no progress has been made.
• The planned elections are essential for citizens to exercise their political rights and choose their leaders.
• Judicial processes must be respected and allowed to proceed without external interference or political bias.
• Constitutional, judicial, security, and economic reforms should be led by South Sudanese institutions and citizens.

The government further stressed that while international expertise and support are appreciated, they must not translate into external directives. It called for mutual respect and partnership grounded in the country’s sovereignty.

"The measure of peace should not be how long South Sudan remains in transition, but whether it can move toward a stable political order in which its people freely determine their future," the statement concluded.