South Sudan’s planned December elections could increase the risk of renewed violence if they are held without an open and inclusive political environment and adequate safeguards for voters, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned.
The warning follows the Commission’s latest fact-finding mission to the country, its 14th visit in a decade. The independent investigators said renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, corruption and a lack of accountability continue to threaten civilians and South Sudan’s political transition.
During the four-day mission, the Commission met government officials, political and security representatives, civil society groups and other stakeholders. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka also travelled to Jonglei State, where she met survivors of recent fighting.
Survivors described killings, sexual violence, displacement and separation from family members. Some also reported a lack of medical, psychosocial and other essential support.
Sooka said civilians continue to bear the consequences of violence and insecurity, while political and security authorities have failed to adequately address the situation.
“The human cost continues to grow. South Sudanese people deserve better than to have their lives shaped by recurring cycles of violence and uncertainty,” Sooka said.
The Commission also raised concerns over attacks on civilians, displacement, disruption of humanitarian operations and increasing risks faced by aid workers.
It called on authorities to urgently protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need and create conditions for genuine and inclusive political dialogue ahead of the elections.
Commissioner Barney Afako said implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement has stalled but remains essential to achieving a peaceful and democratic South Sudan.
“Even as the country heads for elections, political and civic space has narrowed, while many of the safeguards and conditions for peaceful and credible polls are still missing,” Afako said.
He said South Sudanese have the right to vote, but that right must be protected by ensuring citizens can participate freely, candidates can compete fairly and electoral disputes can be resolved through credible legal processes.
The Commission has called for broader political dialogue involving the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Riek Machar, other holdout groups, civil society, women and young people.
The investigators also highlighted corruption as a major obstacle to peace and security, saying the diversion and misuse of public resources continue to undermine human rights.
The Commission further expressed alarm over a recent attack on a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Jonglei that killed two peacekeepers and injured others. It called for an investigation and accountability for those responsible.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 but descended into civil war in 2013 following a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar. Fighting has continued despite the 2018 peace agreement.
