Ex-foreign minister acknowledges ‘enormous’ obstacles to credible South Sudan elections

JUBA – South Sudan’s former foreign minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin has acknowledged concerns raised by opposition groups over the country’s readiness for elections, citing widespread insecurity, ongoing conflict and economic difficulties, but said the vote should proceed despite the challenges.

Marial, a senior member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), said he agreed with some opposition concerns that conditions for holding free and credible elections were not favourable, but argued that the country’s problems should not prevent citizens from choosing their leaders.

“We know there are many challenges in regards to having a free and credible elections. We are aware of those challenges,” Marial said in statements following a community function in Juba on Thursday.

“Despite all that we want people like you and the people of South Sudan to choose your own leaders so that you hold them accountable. They explain to you how they are running the country. Of course they say the environment may not be ready.”

South Sudan is preparing to hold its first general elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. The vote, scheduled for December 2026, has been repeatedly postponed because of delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.

Opposition groups have questioned whether credible elections can be conducted amid renewed fighting, political tensions, economic hardship and incomplete security arrangements stipulated under the peace deal.

Marial said he understood some of the opposition’s objections, particularly those relating to the security situation and the country’s economic difficulties.

“I agree with some of the opposition opinion that they say that the ground is not credible in a way because there are challenges, there’s conflict, there is economic problems, you see there are security problems which are enormous. But what do we do? Let us tell our people choose your leaders. So I would ask the members of the opposition they should also join in this scenario so that we give our people a chance to elect.”

His remarks reflect differences between the government and opposition groups over whether elections should take place before outstanding provisions of the peace agreement have been fully implemented.

South Sudan’s political transition has been repeatedly extended since the signing of the peace agreement in September 2018, with disagreements over security reforms, constitutional arrangements and electoral preparations contributing to delays in holding the vote.

Despite acknowledging those obstacles, Marial said he intended to contest a parliamentary seat in Jonglei State, arguing that the country’s deteriorating conditions made continued political participation necessary rather than less important.

“I’m telling my people yes there are a lot of problems and challenges right now. But do I run away from these problems? I need to face them squarely in the face,” he said.

“Yes, there are problems. You elected me because they elected me because they thought I was the son capable to solve some of these problems. Do I run away at a time when things are so bad? Then what am I for?”

Marial said his constituents had asked him to stand again, expressing confidence that he could continue serving them despite the country’s political and economic problems.

“So I agree with you yes there are and that’s why I think they have asked me to stand again and that they want me to continue in my constituency which is in Uror South, Uror County, Jonglei State.”

Marial has held several senior government positions since the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended more than two decades of civil war between Sudan’s government and southern rebels and paved the way for South Sudan’s independence.

He served as State Minister of International Cooperation in Sudan’s Government of National Unity before taking up ministerial positions in the then autonomous Government of Southern Sudan, including regional cooperation, commerce and industry, and information.

Following independence in July 2011, he continued serving as Minister of Information and Broadcasting and government spokesperson before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in July 2013.

He held the foreign affairs portfolio until March 2016 and subsequently served as a presidential adviser and government representative in peace negotiations.

In April 2021, President Salva Kiir appointed him Minister of Presidential Affairs, a position he held until November 2023, when he was replaced by Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro.

Reflecting on his involvement in South Sudan’s liberation struggle, Marial said the goal had been to establish an independent country where citizens could live in dignity and have access to basic services.

“That I joined in the beginning based on principles and based on the fact that we must have a country of our own and that is very very important. The country where there is no tribulation, the country where our ordinary people, the living standards can be quite human, having clean water and all that. That’s the country we fought for.”

The veteran politician also defended his long record in public office, pointing to the different government positions he had held over the years.

“I took so many ministries. ORNFS, presidential affairs, information, government spokesperson, commerce and industry, international cooperation, representing SDLM and cartoon government. So yes I am occupied and I will do my thing.”

Asked whether he intended to retire from politics, Marial suggested that he was not preparing to leave public life.

“Yes, when I retire I will let you know,” he said.