Amnesty International has called on South Sudan's authorities to protect fundamental freedoms and civic space ahead of the country's upcoming elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. The human rights organization emphasized that a conducive environment is necessary for people to vote and stand in elections, including respect for human rights and freedom from discrimination. This call comes as the country prepares for its first general elections since officially splitting from Sudan in 2011.
Amnesty International's regional director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, stated that South Sudanese authorities must ensure a conducive environment for elections, including respect for and enjoyment of human rights. He urged authorities to take measures to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Chagutah also emphasized the need to cease intimidation of journalists and civil society actors, highlighting that the legitimacy of elections depends on citizens' ability to participate freely and safely.
The upcoming elections in South Sudan have been postponed five times due to various factors, including the outbreak of civil war in 2013. Although a peace agreement was achieved in 2018, the situation continued to deteriorate, with escalating violence. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported intensified clashes between warring parties as the elections approach. This has raised concerns about the country's ability to hold free and fair elections.
In July, President Salva Kiir Mayardit enacted a law amending the 2018 peace agreement, removing conditions for holding elections, such as a national population census and the creation of a constitution. Both processes have been deferred until after the elections. This move has been seen as a way to expedite the electoral process, but it has also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections.
On September 22, President Kiir dissolved the South Sudanese transitional government, citing the need to avoid another extension of the transitional period and to move toward general elections. The UN has issued warnings about the situation, reporting several atrocities perpetrated against civilians. The persistence of violence has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens during the electoral process.
Amnesty International's Chagutah pointed to South Sudan's record of repressive measures and restrictions imposed by authorities to silence dissent and critics. He emphasized that the legitimacy of elections depends not only on their occurrence but also on whether people can exercise their rights freely, safely, and equally. The organization is urging authorities to establish conditions that enable citizens to participate in public affairs without fear.
The international community is watching closely as South Sudan prepares for its historic elections. The country's ability to hold free and fair elections will be crucial in determining its future stability and legitimacy. Key to this will be the government's ability to protect civic space and ensure fundamental freedoms, as urged by Amnesty International.
Key points
- Amnesty International urges South Sudan to protect fundamental freedoms and civic space ahead of December 2026 elections.
- The legitimacy of elections depends on citizens' ability to participate freely, safely, and equally.
- South Sudan's elections have been postponed five times due to various factors, including civil war and logistical challenges.
