South Sudan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Cecilia Adut Manyok, addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. She stated that the country's political journey must now shift from years of conflict and transition toward democratic governance. This comes as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December. The minister emphasized the need for democratic means to settle political competition.
Cecilia Adut Manyok, also the designated South Sudan Foreign Affairs Minister, stressed that "the ballot must replace the bullets." She noted that conducting peaceful elections requires security and strong institutions. The government, she added, bears the primary responsibility for protecting its citizens, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the electoral process. This statement reflects the government's commitment to ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition.
The minister highlighted President Salva Kiir Mayardit's vision to create conditions that allow the world to see the people of South Sudan as a resilient people who aspire to peace, dignity, democracy, and prosperity. For far too long, South Sudan has been seen internationally through the lens of conflict, humanitarian needs, and political crisis. The president's vision is to change this narrative and showcase the country's true potential.
Cecilia Adut Manyok also emphasized that South Sudan's experience of internal conflict after independence should not determine the country's political future. She stated that President Salva Kiir Mayardit's message remains clear: South Sudan must not return to war, and political disagreements should be addressed through dialogue. The minister stressed that political competition must never again become armed confrontation.
The government of South Sudan called for constructive engagements with the Security Council over restrictive measures imposed on the country, including the arms embargo. Cecilia Adut Manyok stated that South Sudan's objective is not militarization but to develop professional, unified, disciplined, and accountable security forces operating under civilian authority and the rule of law. The country seeks the lifting of all restrictive measures, believing that accountability and national capacity should reinforce each other.
Cecilia Adut Manyok said that the vote should give South Sudanese an opportunity to choose their leaders democratically. She noted that the country's journey continues from liberation struggle to comprehensive peace agreement, to the referendum, to independence, from conflict to peace, and now from transition towards democratic governance. The minister emphasized that the people of South Sudan must increasingly speak for themselves, and they must speak through the ballot.
In conclusion, Cecilia Adut Manyok reaffirmed South Sudan's commitment to democratic governance and peaceful elections. The country seeks international support in lifting sanctions and engaging in constructive dialogue. The minister's statement reflects the government's determination to move away from conflict and toward a brighter future for its citizens.
Key points
- South Sudan's government is committed to democratic governance and peaceful elections.
- The country seeks the lifting of restrictive measures, including the arms embargo.
- Political competition in South Sudan must be settled through democratic means, not armed confrontation.
