The African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, and IGAD leaders have called on South Sudan's political leaders to accelerate the remaining processes necessary for the successful conduct of the planned December 2026 general elections. This appeal was made during a virtual meeting attended by representatives of the AU C5 member states and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The meeting aimed to assess South Sudan's preparedness for the elections.
The virtual meeting was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who encouraged South Sudan's leaders to seize the opportunity to reach a political consensus through the ongoing Inter-Party Dialogue on Elections Related Matters. The meeting also evaluated South Sudan's overall level of electoral preparedness, focusing on the political and institutional challenges that need to be swiftly addressed before the elections can take place.
President Kiir of South Sudan addressed the meeting, expressing gratitude to the C5 and the AU Peace and Security Council for their continued support for the electoral process. He highlighted that his administration had taken concrete steps to prepare for the December polls, including the establishment of a legal framework intended to facilitate the successful conduct of the elections.
The C5 member states, comprising South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, serve as an African Union mechanism supporting efforts to advance peace, stability, and the implementation of the peace process in South Sudan. The committee's involvement underscores the international community's commitment to ensuring that South Sudan's elections are conducted in a peaceful and credible manner.
Despite the progress made, the meeting identified several challenges that need to be addressed urgently. These include the need for a political consensus on key electoral issues and the resolution of institutional challenges that could hinder the smooth conduct of the elections. The C5 and IGAD leaders emphasized the importance of overcoming these hurdles to ensure the success of the electoral process.
The UK has indicated that there is no practical funding available for South Sudan's December elections, adding another layer of complexity to the preparations. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health system in South Sudan, which is crucial for the overall stability and success of the country.
As the deadline for the elections approaches, South Sudan's leaders face mounting pressure to ensure that the necessary preparations are completed. The African Union's engagement and support are seen as critical in helping South Sudan navigate the challenges and achieve a successful electoral process. Key steps include finalizing the electoral legal framework and addressing the outstanding issues through the Inter-Party Dialogue.
Key points
- The African Union's C5 and IGAD leaders have urged South Sudan's political leaders to expedite the remaining processes for the December 2026 general elections.
- President Kiir has thanked the C5 and AU Peace and Security Council for their support and highlighted the establishment of a legal framework for the elections.
- The C5 member states include South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, and they serve as an African Union mechanism supporting peace and stability in South Sudan.
