By Matik Kueth
The United States said on Monday that South Sudan’s transitional government must create the conditions necessary for peaceful and credible elections, warning that holding polls alone cannot guarantee lasting peace or accountability.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Juba stressed that elections should be preceded by renewed dialogue among parties to the 2018 peace agreement, a process currently stalled because key leaders, including the head of the country’s second-largest party, remain imprisoned and on trial.
“Genuine dialogue cannot happen while key leaders are behind bars,” the Embassy said, urging political inclusivity as a prerequisite for any vote.
The U.S. also called on the transitional government to fund elections using public resources, while simultaneously providing salaries and services for citizens.
It further noted that future U.S. support, including through the United Nations, will depend on whether the government demonstrates a serious commitment to managing the process responsibly.
“We are not here to impose a political or ideological model. Our priorities are peace, proper use of public funds, and an end to misuse of international assistance,” it stated.
It added, “The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace. We call on the transitional government to honor its commitments and deliver tangible results for its citizens.”
Washington’s appeal came amid escalating political tensions, as First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the main opposition group SPLM/A-IO, and his co-accused continue to face treason charges, while talks between 2018 peace deal parties grind to a halt.
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