Economist Peter Biar urges African countries to pressure Kiir to hold elections in 2023

JUBA – A prominent South Sudanese political activist, Dr. Peter Biar Ajak, has called on African countries to pressure President Salva Kiir Mayardit to conduct general elections in 2023.

According to the timetable agreed in September 2018 pace deal, South Sudan is supposed to go to polls in 2023 after the implementation of keys provisions of the revitalized peace agreement.

But South Sudanese doubt the possibility of the country conducting elections next year as stipulated in 2018 peace deal given the disagreements between the parties over the implementation of crucial provisions.

They include the unification of formerly warring forces, repatriation of refugees and displaced persons, a population census and drafting of a permanent constitution of East African County.

Biar, an activist and former detainee, who sought refuge in the U.S in 2020, said President Kiir should be given pressure to hold free and fair polls in 2023.

“There is need for solidarity among Africans, particularly those in East Africa and Horn of Africa to pressure President Kiir to conduct free, fair and creditable elections in South Sudan next year after failing to do so for the last 10 years,” Biar said in his Facebook post  this morning.

Biar called on President Kiir and his deputy Machar to announce date for polling.

“In highlighted the statement of that Senator Patrick Leahy released yesterday, calling on Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to announce that date of national elections and to declare that they will not contest in elections,” he said.

He claimed that the South Sudanese are ready to reclaim their country from illegitimate and corrupt rulers in order for them to build a democratic and prosperous state.

“Indeed, the people of South Sudan are yearning for a new beginning and after enduring more than 10 years of illegitimate, corrupt rule, they are ready to reclaim their country and build a democratic, and prosperous state,” he said.