UN pledges support for South Sudan peace, 2026 elections

JUBA – The United Nations is committed to supporting South Sudan’s unity government in implementing its peace agreement and holding elections in 2026, a senior UN official said on Monday.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said his visit to South Sudan aimed to reaffirm the UN’s continued support as the country entered its latest extension of the transitional period.

“The latest extension commenced on the 22nd of February, just a few days ago, and we felt it critical to emphasize the message of UN commitment at a time when the country is striving to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement and hold its first elections, which are due to occur by November 2026,” Lacroix told a press conference in Juba.

During his four-day visit, Lacroix assured the government of UN support for the peace agreement, including assistance with the 2026 elections. He also urged political parties to resolve ongoing political deadlocks.

He highlighted the “serious challenges” facing South Sudan, including a “dire economic and humanitarian situation,” rising sub-national violence, and the impact of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

“Clearly, the conflict in Sudan is exacerbating the existing domestic challenges in South Sudan. We must take that into account,” he said.

Lacroix noted that global crises were straining international humanitarian assistance, and urged South Sudanese authorities to partner with the UN to advocate for needed resources.

The UN’s efforts are focused on assisting the government to hold “credible, fair, and peaceful elections” in December 2026, he said.

Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative for South Sudan and head of the UN mission in the country, said South Sudan “cannot afford another extension.”

“We must complete the preparations for elections during this extension period, and we are committed to working closely with our South Sudanese partners to ensure that the elections take place,” Haysom said.

“The reason I say this is that it is clear to us that the South Sudanese people themselves have little appetite for a further extension,” he added.