The United Democratic Front (UDF) has marked its first anniversary since official registration with a strong call for unity among the signatories of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and swift full implementation of the deal ahead of the country’s landmark elections.
Speaking during a press conference held in Juba on Friday, UDF Chairperson Bona Deng Lawrence stressed that the time is now for South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peace, democracy, and national reconciliation.
“As we reflect on our journey, we call upon all signatories to the R-ARCSS to work together in harmony,” Deng declared. “The people of South Sudan deserve a peaceful transfer of power and a democratic transition to a better future.”
She further called on the transitional government to accelerate and adequately support the work of key institutions responsible for steering the country toward elections.
“We urge the government to allocate timely and sufficient resources to the National Elections Commission and the National Constitution Review Commission,” Deng said. “These institutions must be empowered to carry out their constitutional mandates. Power belongs to the people of South Sudan, they must be allowed to choose their leaders.”
The UDF also appealed to regional and international actors for technical and financial support to ensure credible elections.
“We urge the African Union, IGAD, and international partners to support these institutions to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections,” she added. “This is a collective responsibility—everyone has a role to play.”
The party’s acting Secretary-General Regina Massimo Bakheit echoed the call for a people-centered approach to nation-building, announcing a new nationwide campaign focused on transitional justice, reconciliation, and the fight against corruption.
“To move toward a more democratic and just society, we are launching a campaign to advocate for transitional justice mechanisms and truth-telling processes,” Bakheit said. “Corruption must be addressed with urgency and resolve, lasting peace cannot be achieved without genuine reconciliation.”
Bakheit emphasized that the peace process must be inclusive, transparent, and driven by citizen engagement.
“This journey cannot be taken by leaders alone,” she said. “It requires citizens to hold us accountable, to participate meaningfully, and to believe that their voice matters. Together, let us build South Sudan, day by day, policy by policy, and voice by voice.”
The UDF’s anniversary celebration comes at a pivotal time as South Sudan prepares for its first-ever elections, a historic step that will shape the future of the peace process and define the country’s democratic path.
