South Sudan’s Catholic bishops have warned that holding the country’s planned December elections without political dialogue, mutual trust and full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement could plunge the country into a constitutional and transitional crisis.
In a communiqué issued after their annual plenary meeting in Juba from 15 to 17 July, the bishops said the country’s political, security and economic challenges raise serious concerns about its preparedness for the 22 December 2026 general elections.
They stressed that while elections are an important milestone in the democratic transition, they should be conducted only under conditions of dialogue, legal certainty, constitutional compliance and adequate preparation.
“The election date coincides with the Christmas season. Any decision concerning the elections should be based on dialogue, mutual trust, respect for the Constitution, legal clarity and adequate preparedness,” the bishops said.
They urged political leaders to accelerate implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), describing it as the country’s best framework for achieving lasting peace and democratic governance.
The bishops also expressed concern over worsening insecurity, citing communal violence and clashes between government forces and armed groups, while highlighting the impact of the country’s economic crisis, including soaring prices, currency depreciation and delayed salary payments.
They further appealed for greater support to communities affected by drought, floods and food insecurity.
The Church concluded by calling on South Sudanese to reject violence, tribalism, hate speech and misinformation, and instead embrace reconciliation and national unity.
The bishops’ position was welcomed by Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Executive Director Edmund Yakani, who described the statement as an honest reflection of the country’s political reality.
“What the Catholic bishops have raised is genuine, honest and reflects the real situation. They have suggested the best pathway,” Yakani said.
He urged President Salva Kiir to meet the bishops and discuss their recommendations, while calling on the African Union, IGAD, the AU High-Level Representative for South Sudan Jakaya Kikwete, and the UN Security Council to engage with the Church’s proposals.
Yakani warned that South Sudan is “at a crossroads” and risks returning to widespread conflict if the current political stalemate is not resolved through dialogue and implementation of the peace agreement.
“We do not want to open the doors to war again,” he said, urging all parties to seize the opportunity for peaceful engagement before the country heads to the polls.
