UN says South Sudan is not yet ready for elections

JUBA – The United Nations raised serious concerns about South Sudan’s readiness for elections slated for December 2024.

UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom told the Security Council that the country currently lacks the necessary conditions for “free, fair, or secure” polls.

Haysom acknowledged time remains to address these issues, but outlined crucial prerequisites that must be met by April 2024.

These include finalizing a permanent constitution, completing voter registration, implementing a comprehensive security plan, unifying, and equipping security forces, and establishing a dispute resolution mechanism.

“A critical mass of these prerequisites is necessary for credible and acceptable elections,” Haysom stressed. “With political will, urgency, and compromise, South Sudan can still create the conditions for December 2024 elections.”

However, Haysom warned that the dire economic situation, exacerbated by climate shocks and political instability, could fuel tensions during the electoral process.

“If these risks are not mitigated, the threat to civilians remains real,” he cautioned.

UNMISS, he assured, remains committed to civilian protection. Proactive measures are being implemented, including increased presence in potential hotspots, rapid deployment of peacekeepers, extensive patrolling, and boosted community engagement.

Haysom also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis, with two-thirds of South Sudanese facing food insecurity and over nine million reliant on aid.

The influx of refugees from Sudan further strains resources.

“The humanitarian caseload is only growing,” Haysom noted, urging the government to guarantee safe access for aid workers and hold accountable those who attack them and steal supplies.

Concluding his briefing, Haysom acknowledged the challenges ahead: “2024 will be a challenging year for all involved.” UNMISS, he reiterated, “will discharge its mandate to the best of its ability.”