The United Nations has warned that South Sudan’s upcoming elections must support lasting peace and political stability. The country is preparing for its first national vote since independence in 2011.
The elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026. However, political disagreements, security concerns and funding shortages have raised questions about the transition.
According to Africanews, UN officials and regional representatives raised these concerns during a Security Council briefing on November 10.
UN urges leaders to protect peace agreement
Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said the country’s political transition must remain connected to the 2018 peace agreement.
She warned that holding elections alone would not guarantee lasting stability.
Instead, Gbeho stressed the importance of protecting earlier peace gains and maintaining political cooperation after the vote.
She also said the success of the transition should be measured by whether South Sudanese citizens become safer.
Her remarks came amid growing concerns about the future of the country’s power-sharing arrangements.
Political tensions increase before vote
South Sudan has faced renewed political disagreements ahead of the elections.
In September, President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and removed all vice-presidents.
The changes included the removal of First Vice-President Riek Machar.
Kiir then appointed a caretaker administration.
However, opposition groups rejected the decision. They argued that the changes violated the power-sharing arrangements established under the 2018 peace agreement.
The dispute has increased uncertainty about the political transition.
Meanwhile, the elections remain scheduled for December 22.
Funding shortages threaten preparations
The African Union has also raised concerns about the financial resources available for the vote.
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, warned that the government may lack sufficient funding.
His comments highlighted the challenges of organising nationwide elections in a country facing economic and security pressures.
In addition, the International Crisis Group warned about the risks of holding elections without adequate preparation.
Its representative, Murithi Mutiga, said a rushed process could weaken the 2018 peace framework.
He also warned that renewed political tensions could increase the risk of wider violence.
Security and humanitarian concerns continue
South Sudan’s security situation remains fragile in several regions.
According to the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, fighting in Upper Nile displaced more than 35,000 people.
Meanwhile, an attack on a UN patrol in Jonglei in August killed three peacekeepers.
US diplomat Jennifer Locetta also accused South Sudanese authorities of restricting UNMISS operations.
She said the government had blocked patrols, delayed approvals and harassed UN personnel.
However, South Sudan’s deputy ambassador, Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, urged international partners to recognise the country’s progress.
He called for cooperation with the government and warned against outside involvement that could appear politically biased.
The humanitarian situation also remains serious.
The UN estimates that 2.5 million people face emergency levels of hunger. Another 73,300 are experiencing catastrophic conditions.
South Sudan faces critical political test
The December elections represent an important stage in South Sudan’s political transition.
However, UN officials say the country’s future will depend on more than holding a vote.
Political cooperation, public safety and respect for the peace agreement remain central concerns.
For now, the international community is urging South Sudanese leaders to protect the transition and prevent further instability.
The coming weeks will be important as the country prepares for its first national elections since independence.