Canada is contributing $1.3-million to a UN-managed fund to support electoral preparedness in South Sudan, including voter education and community peacebuilding. The country is set to hold its first election since achieving independence in 2011. Global Affairs Canada says it is deeply concerned about the election, citing unresolved security problems, delays in the country’s peace agreement, and restrictions on civic and political space.
The much-delayed election, planned for December, has raised concerns among human rights groups. United Nations human-rights commissioner Barney Afako warned that many safeguards and conditions for peaceful and credible polls are still missing. He noted that political and civic space has narrowed, which could fuel renewed conflict and increase the risk of atrocity crimes if the election goes ahead without necessary conditions.
South Sudan has been plagued by conflict since 2013, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. A 2018 peace agreement aimed to bring stability, but clashes have continued. The country's President Salva Kiir and his rival, Riek Machar, have been at the center of the conflict. Mr. Machar was arrested, suspended from his post, and charged with treason last year and remains on trial.
The government is pushing ahead with the election despite the absence of a national census or a permanent constitution, both listed as electoral requirements in the 2018 peace deal. There is also no voter registry, casting further doubt on the election. Researchers at the Africa-based Institute for Security Studies have warned that endorsing the election under current conditions would be counterproductive.
Canada has spent over $1.1-billion in foreign aid supporting South Sudan since its independence. However, the country's government has continued to jail opponents and entrench power in the hands of President Kiir and his family. Global Affairs spokesperson Renelle Arsenault said Canada is deeply concerned about the election and its potential impact on the country's stability.
The international community has been closely watching the developments in South Sudan. Western governments strongly supported the country's independence but have expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict and human rights situation. The country's election has been repeatedly postponed, allowing President Kiir to remain in power.
Canada's future support for the election will depend on the country's progress in addressing the concerns raised by human rights groups and the international community. The Canadian government will need to balance its support for the electoral process with its concerns over the country's human rights situation and the risk of renewed conflict.
Key points
- Canada is funding South Sudan's election prep despite concerns over repression
- The election has raised concerns among human rights groups
- The country's government has continued to jail opponents and entrench power
