The United States Embassy in South Sudan has cautioned that any forthcoming elections in South Sudan risk lacking credibility unless key political conditions are met, particularly the resumption of inclusive dialogue among parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
In a statement released on Monday, the Embassy said it would view successful and peaceful elections as a positive step toward strengthening peace and democratic accountability.
However, it stressed that elections alone are not sufficient and must be grounded in a stable political environment that supports long-term peace.
“If the transitional government truly means to hold elections, we urge that it first create conditions to ensure that the elections are both peaceful and advance the objective of sustainable peace,” the statement said.
The Embassy underscored that a key prerequisite for credible elections is the immediate return to dialogue among signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, warning that ongoing political tensions and detentions undermine the process.
“This requires an immediate return to dialogue among the parties to the 2018 peace agreement.
Genuine dialogue cannot happen when key leaders are imprisoned, including when the head of the second largest party to the agreement is under arrest and on trial,” the statement added.
While the Embassy did not name individuals, the remarks point to growing international concern over the detention and trial of senior opposition figures, which observers say could further complicate the fragile peace process.
On the issue of financing, the United States made clear that responsibility for funding the electoral process lies squarely with the transitional government.
It emphasized that public resources should be used not only for elections but also for essential services and civil servant salaries.
“We expect the transitional government to fund elections with its own public resources, just as we expect it to start funding public services and government salaries,” the statement noted.
The Embassy further indicated that future U.S. support for the electoral process including assistance channeled through the United Nations would depend on whether the government demonstrates a clear commitment to financing the elections.
“We will base future decisions on U.S. support for elections, including through the United Nations, on whether the transitional government demonstrates that it will fund the process,” it said.
At the same time, the United States reiterated that it does not intend to impose any political or ideological system on South Sudan, but remains focused on promoting peace, accountability, and responsible governance.
“We do not seek to impose a political or ideological model on South Sudan. We do seek peace, appropriate use of public revenue, and an end to assistance abuse,” the statement said.
The Embassy concluded by renewing its call on the transitional government to fulfill its commitments under the peace agreement and respond to the long-standing aspirations of the South Sudanese people.
“The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace,” it said, urging leaders to deliver on their promises and prioritize stability ahead of the anticipated elections.
The statement comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the timeline and preparedness for elections, with analysts warning that unresolved political disputes and limited progress in implementing key provisions of the peace agreement could undermine the credibility of the process if not addressed.
