By Kidega Livingstone
United Nations has reaffirmed its support for the sovereign right of the government and people of South Sudan to conduct credible elections.
South Sudan is scheduled to conduct elections at the end of the transitional period in December 2024.
Speaking at the occasion of the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said the UN has been providing technical assistance to ensure the electoral process is free, fair, and peaceful.
“The UN supports the sovereign right of the government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” Haysom stated.
“Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly, peaceful, and do not become a driver of conflict.”
Haysom’s remarks come after South Sudanese President Salva Kiir voiced his commitment to holding elections, emphasizing that the lack of elections could potentially lead to violence in the country.
Kiir, who is the leader of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), said elections would serve as a solution to mitigate potential conflicts, rather than being a catalyst for them.
Speaking also during the event, the Minister of Federal Affairs, Losuba Ludoro Wongo, commended the work of the UN agencies in South Sudan, particularly in the areas of peace processes and development.
He said the government has supported and appreciated the continued support from the international and regional UN agencies in the country.
“As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavor and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” Wongo said.