U.S. slams Kiir and Machar for failing to meet election prerequisites

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of State has issued a statement expressing concern over the failure of President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, and other South Sudanese political leaders to fulfill critical prerequisites for credible elections.

In response to UN Secretary-General Guterres’ communication outlining essential preconditions for genuine and peaceful elections in South Sudan, Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, emphasized the gravity of the situation.

“UN Secretary-General Guterres’ April 8 letter, in which he enumerated over a dozen critical preconditions necessary to hold genuine and peaceful elections that the South Sudan transitional government has yet to meet, is a clear message to the Security Council,” said Miller in a statement.

“Despite significant international support, including identification of key election issues by the United Nations, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the letter demonstrates that President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, and other South Sudanese political leaders have thus far collectively failed to meet the standards necessary for genuine and peaceful elections to take place in December,” her added.

Despite significant international support and guidance, including directives from the United Nations, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, South Sudan’s leadership has yet to address key issues vital for conducting credible elections by December.

Miller highlighted ongoing concerns over reports of human rights violations and insufficient investment in democratic institutions. He stressed the urgent need for the transitional government to rectify these deficiencies promptly. This includes safeguarding civic space, establishing politically neutral security forces, fortifying electoral institutions, and engaging in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding electoral decisions.

“The United States remains concerned about ongoing reports of human rights violations, as well as inadequate investment in key democratic institutions.  Transitional government leaders should act with urgency to address these deficiencies and create the necessary preconditions for a genuine and peaceful electoral process, including by protecting civic space, standing up politically neutral security forces, strengthening electoral institutions, and holding dialogue among leaders to resolve outstanding election decisions,” he said.

He cautioned that continued inaction by South Sudan’s leaders heightens the risk of further violence. With an estimated 75 percent of the population requiring humanitarian assistance due to ongoing conflicts, the stakes are high.

“UN electoral support should focus on establishing these preconditions.  The longer South Sudan’s leaders avoid taking these steps, the greater the risk of additional violence.   An estimated 75 percent of the country’s population will require humanitarian assistance this year alone as a result of ongoing violence,” he said.

The statement further reaffirmed that U.S. commitment to the people of South Sudan is rooted in shared values of peace, democracy, and human rights. American advocacy for the necessary preconditions for genuine and peaceful elections aims to prevent a resurgence of civil war.