African Union and United Nations officials say the December vote needs stronger security guarantees and wider political participation

JUBA, South Sudan — International News Service – International envoys are warning that South Sudan’s planned December 22 election could deepen the country’s political and security crisis unless authorities improve security and create space for all parties to participate.

The vote would be South Sudan’s first national election since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Elections have been repeatedly delayed, and the country has never completed a peaceful democratic transfer of power.

Jakaya Kikwete, the African Union’s top envoy for South Sudan, appealed to the United Nations Security Council for help ensuring that the election proceeds without violence. He called for security reforms and political dialogue, warning that a poorly managed vote could produce an even greater crisis.

The election is taking place under conditions that have weakened the 2018 peace agreement. That accord ended a five-year civil war in which about 400,000 people were killed and established a power-sharing government led by President Salva Kiir and longtime rival Riek Machar.

Kiir dissolved the transitional government, legislature and state administrations in September and installed a caretaker administration. Machar remains under house arrest and is being tried on charges including treason over an attack on a military garrison. His allies deny the allegations and say his release is necessary for meaningful dialogue.

UN envoy Kiki Gbeho told the Security Council that Kiir’s party was holding primaries but other political groups had shown little electoral activity. The National Elections Commission has not announced when parties can begin registering for the vote.

South Sudan’s government says further delays would deny citizens the chance to choose their leaders. Its deputy UN ambassador argued that elections are essential to consolidating peace, while the election commission pledged impartial treatment of all parties.

The political uncertainty comes amid a worsening humanitarian emergency. About 10 million people need assistance, according to UN figures, including approximately 7.5 million facing food insecurity.

Sources: United Nations Mission in South Sudan | African Union Peace and Security Council