South Africa says South Sudan not ready for December elections

JUBA, South Sudan – South Africa has warned that South Sudan is inadequately prepared for elections scheduled for December 22, citing gaps in funding and technical capacity identified in an African Union assessment.

Addressing the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday, South Africa’s Permanent Representative, Mxolisi Sizo Nkosi, said significant shortcomings remained in the country’s preparations for the polls.

Nkosi said the gaps raised concerns about South Sudan’s readiness to conduct the elections, while also expressing concern over worsening humanitarian conditions, restricted aid access and pressure from refugees fleeing neighbouring Sudan.

He reaffirmed South Africa’s support for South Sudan’s sovereign right to determine its electoral process but said the country needed to meet legal, financial and operational requirements and ensure wider participation by political parties, women and young people.

South Africa has offered technical assistance and electoral equipment, Nkosi said. He added that South Sudanese electoral officials had been invited to observe South Africa’s local government elections held on November 4.

South Sudan defended its decision to proceed with the elections, saying the country could not remain indefinitely under transitional arrangements.

Deputy Permanent Representative Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey told the Council that elections were necessary to consolidate stability and allow citizens to choose their leaders.

“Elections are not an obstacle to peace,” he said.

Nyawella criticised what he described as disproportionate attention to political actors accused of obstructing implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. He also rejected what he called unverified allegations and politically charged reporting, urging the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and human rights mechanisms to strengthen consultations with national authorities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating UNMISS operations, saying obstruction of the mission “has never been, and is not, a policy” of South Sudan.

Denmark warned that holding elections without political consensus, adequate preparations and meaningful participation could deepen divisions and trigger renewed violence.

Denmark’s Ambassador to the UN, Christina Markus Lassen, urged President Salva Kiir and other political leaders to recommit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, uphold the ceasefire and pursue inclusive dialogue.

She condemned continued fighting and attacks on humanitarian workers, saying at least 39 aid workers had been killed this year. She also raised concerns over displacement and worsening food insecurity.

Lassen reaffirmed Denmark’s support for UNMISS, condemned restrictions on its operations and called for accountability for attacks on peacekeepers. She urged South Sudan’s leaders to choose “peace over political self-interest”.

Russia, however, cautioned against making premature judgments about South Sudan’s readiness for the December elections, urging Security Council members to respect the government’s authority over the electoral process.

Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Anna M. Evstigneeva, supported African Union mediation efforts and UNMISS, stressing the importance of a strong central government and unified national armed forces.

She also called for the easing or lifting of the arms embargo, arguing that it remained a major obstacle to strengthening South Sudan’s security institutions.