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Despite deep divisions among South Sudan’s political parties, the United States, Britain and Norway all hope that South Sudan can hold elections in December.
Under South Sudan’s roadmap for completing the transition to elections and a new government, which was extended in August 2022, the parties agreed to hold general elections 24 months later, in December 2024.
Observers believe that South Sudan faces the prospect of a second extension of the transition period due to Delays Implement key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement.
Three countries call for elections to be held as scheduled is a coalition of major donors to the world’s youngest country operating under the auspices of the Troika.
Lars Petter Henie, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in Juba, speaking on behalf of the organization at the 37th Standing Board Meeting of RJMEC in Juba on Thursday, urged the transitional government to implement the 2018 peace agreement and fulfil its promises to the people.
“I once again urge the transitional government to deliver on its promises to the people of South Sudan and implement the peace agreement,” Henie said.
He said that according to the road map, with only five months left until the elections, the transitional Government and all parties must step up efforts to create conditions for truly peaceful elections and promote peace, human rights and democracy.
Norwegian diplomats called on all parties to engage in dialogue, including Juba and Kenya’s Tumani Initiative talks.
“Willingness to engage in dialogue is a key indicator of the political will to take the necessary steps to build a better future for the people of South Sudan.
“We reiterate our call for a cross-party dialogue at the leadership level, including the President, the First Vice-President and other leaders. The goal of the dialogue should be to achieve truly peaceful elections. All parties must work together to find ways to achieve this goal, including by addressing the 10 key issues identified by UNMISS, the African Union and IGAD. The Toumani Initiative lays the foundation for the participation of non-signatory groups in peacekeeping and should complement the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement,” Henie explained.
It has been more than 30 days now. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly passed The legislation gives the National Security Agency the power to arrest and detain without a warrant.
Heni expressed concern that the controversial provisions could come into effect, noting that the enactment of the bill would undermine the transitional government’s claim that there is a political and civic space.
“All South Sudanese should have the right to freely participate in political and civic expression without fear of arbitrary arrest or intimidation by security agents,” he said.
The diplomat also expressed concern that security sector reforms were not proceeding as agreed, which he said were necessary to address the impact of growing intercommunal violence and to create a conducive environment for political campaigning.
He said the coming months would be extremely challenging, noting The difficult economic situation has a negative impact on politics and security.
More than 3 million people may be affected by the floods, and around 750,000 Sudanese returnees and refugees have sought shelter in South Sudan, many in need of assistance. Teachers and civil servants are seriously unpaid.
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