In the light of South Sudan’s impending post-independence elections slated for December 2024, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom has issued a string of suggestions to secure public confidence. Stressing the necessity for governmental stability, Haysom emphasized the importance of these elections being carried out in a peaceful manner. The statement was made during a strategic conference held last Thursday.
Among the recommended changes, Haysom focussed on the enhancement of gender and political representation. His advice includes reconstituting key government bodies such as the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission, and the National Constitutional Review Commission. It is anticipated that such changes could augment public faith in the electoral process and drive national unity amidst rising conflict.
The Special Representative also underscored the crucial role of fair and transparent elections, stating, “[T]he honest assessment of many observers and stakeholders is that the current political and civic operating space does not offer a level playing field … it is imperative for the parties to agree on a code of conduct around free, fair, and transparent competition.”
Alongside this, UNMISS has urged against the temptation towards unilateral actions, identifying the potential deterioration of the undeveloped trust among the stakeholders of South Sudan.
Haysom has also amplified a call for South Sudan to address its ongoing humanitarian crisis. It has been noted that assaults on aid workers stationed in South Sudan have disrupted humanitarian aid distribution. These setbacks, along with limited funding, have resulted in UN agencies facing notable hurdles when responding to the country’s neediest.
The administration of South Sudan has faced stern criticism for its record on human rights. In March, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights asked South Sudan to halt human rights violations within the nation, citing incidence of armed conflicts and conflict-related sexual violence. Moreover, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two officials from South Sudan for participating in sexual violence.
As Haysom’s guidance suggests, the path towards peaceful elections, fair representation, and the resolution of South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis clearly requires diligent and immediate attention in the run-up to the 2024 elections.