The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that the country's planned first elections may trigger a wider war. Chair of the commission, Yasmin Sooka, expressed concerns about the country's fragile peace process, citing recent political developments that threaten the transition. Sooka made the remarks at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She highlighted the government's abandonment of the permanent constitution and the dissolution of the transitional government as major concerns.
Sooka described the changes as a "constitutional coup through legislative means," expressing concern that the new administration is answerable only to President Salva Kiir. She questioned whether the political environment would allow for an inclusive process and credible elections. The opposition and other stakeholders have raised concerns about the exclusion of key figures from the political process, including former First Vice-President Riek Machar, who remains detained. Sooka also noted that tens of thousands of fighters remain outside a unified command structure.
The resumption of fighting and the concentration of political power ahead of the polls are major concerns, according to Sooka. She warned that "de facto one-party rule" had emerged before a single vote had been cast, which could undermine democratic competition. Sooka also cautioned that the elections could risk "giving democratic cover to the destruction of the peace agreement." The commission's concerns are shared by humanitarian agencies, which have reported a significant impact on civilians and humanitarian access due to renewed military operations.
Sooka cited orders for civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian agencies to leave Akobo ahead of planned military operations as a major concern. The town hosts an estimated 270,000 people, according to the figures cited in her remarks. She stressed that the effects of violence continue long after an attack ends, citing the 2025 attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Old Fangak, which killed seven people. Sooka also highlighted the recruitment of children by armed groups and conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls.
The commission's chairperson criticised appointments involving individuals subject to United Nations Security Council sanctions, warning that such decisions could undermine accountability and efforts to protect civilians. She called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, safeguards to ensure credible elections, continued humanitarian assistance, and accountability for serious human rights violations. Sooka also urged progress towards establishing the African Union Hybrid Court, envisaged under South Sudan's peace agreement to address serious crimes committed during the conflict.
Sooka expressed that the people of South Sudan want to live without fear and determine their own future. She emphasised the need for the international community to support the country's transition to peace and stability. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has been monitoring the situation in the country, providing recommendations to the government and the international community on how to address human rights concerns.
The situation in South Sudan remains fragile, with the country's first elections planned amidst deepening political tensions and strain on the fragile peace agreement. The international community is urged to support the country's transition to peace and stability. Sooka's remarks highlight the need for urgent action to address human rights concerns and ensure credible elections.
Key points
- The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that South Sudan's first elections may trigger a wider war.
- The concentration of political power ahead of the polls could undermine democratic competition.
- The commission calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and credible elections.
