President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar of the tumultous young nation of South Sudan have reached a critical agreement on establishing a unified armed forces command, marking a pivotal step in resolving key issues lingering from the country’s devastating five year civil war, which ended in 2018.
The peace deal signed in 2018 aimed to address various challenges, but the prolonged implementation has led South Sudan into a precarious position, facing the likelihood of extending the transition period once again. This possibility emerges from ongoing delays in fulfilling crucial aspects of the peace agreement, threatening the nation’s path towards stability and democracy.
However, the debate over extending the transition period and the feasibility of holding elections remains contentious and divisive. While Vice President Riek Machar advocates for an extension to address unresolved issues, including electoral preparations, he faces mounting opposition within the unity government. Some senior figures within the government express skepticism towards further prolonging the transition, highlighting growing discord among key stakeholders.
Dr. Machar’s recent correspondence with the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) underscores his call for revising the existing roadmap and fostering dialogue among signatory parties. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to navigate complex challenges and chart a course towards a credible and inclusive electoral process.
Central to the debate is the roadmap agreed upon in August 2022, which extended the transition period by 24 months to December 2024. The delay in meeting pivotal provisions, such as enacting electoral laws, unifying armed forces, and establishing an electoral body, underscores the intricate nature of South Sudan’s peacebuilding process.
Voter registration and the method of conducting elections emerge as critical points of contention. Dr. Machar’s insistence on addressing these issues underscores the urgency of establishing a credible electoral framework. However, critics accuse him of “election phobia,” highlighting broader concerns about political maneuvering and democratic principles.
President Kiir’s resistance to extending the transitional period reflects weariness with prolonged transitions and a desire for constitutional legitimacy through popular elections. His rejection of further delays underscores the complex dynamics within the unity government and differing visions for South Sudan’s future.
The impasse surrounding electoral prerequisites, including the unification of rival forces and constitutional enactment, underscores the formidable challenges facing South Sudan’s democratic consolidation. Amidst these challenges, voices advocating for comprehensive security sector reforms and enhanced electoral preparations resonate, emphasizing the importance of laying a robust foundation for sustainable peace and democratic governance.
However, logistical hurdles, such as limited funds for electoral operations and uncertainties surrounding refugee registration and census implementation, further complicate the electoral landscape. These challenges underscore the urgent need for dialogue and consensus-building among signatory parties to address systemic issues and uphold commitments to the South Sudanese people.
In the face of mounting pressure and international scrutiny, South Sudan’s leaders must navigate complex political terrain and demonstrate their commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. The failure to uphold these values would not only represent a setback for South Sudan but also undermine regional stability and international partnerships crucial for the nation’s development and prosperity.
