South Sudan elections on 22 December must pass peacefully, the African Union’s envoy told the United Nations, warning of a deeper crisis if they do not.
Jakaya Kikwete, the former Tanzanian president, made the appeal in a video call to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported, amid concerns that the vote could unravel the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
What did the AU envoy tell the Security Council?
Mr Kikwete pressed for security reforms and for dialogue among all parties after the election, to help heal the nation. If the vote is not conducted properly and peacefully, he said, “you cannot contemplate what would happen”, and the country could face a bigger political and security crisis.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has repeatedly postponed elections. Despite the 2018 deal, armed fighting, violence and displacement continue, AP reported.
Why is the December vote so contentious?
A civil war erupted in 2013 and about 400,000 people were killed before the 2018 agreement brought President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar into a power-sharing government. In September, Mr Kiir dissolved the transitional government, removed his deputies and appointed a caretaker administration. The national legislature and state governments were also dissolved.
Mr Machar remains under house arrest and on trial on charges that include treason over an attack on a military garrison that authorities allege he helped orchestrate. His allies deny the allegations. DNE Africa has reported on the treason charges against Mr Machar and on Mr Kiir’s dismissal of a vice-president in 2025.
What do the UN and Crisis Group say?
Murithi Mutiga, Africa director at the International Crisis Group, said a rushed vote could be “a final blow” to the 2018 agreement and would open the door to sustained large-scale violence. Last month UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council in a report that the electoral framework could alter the foundations of the transition agreed by the peace deal’s signatories.
Mr Guterres said this increased uncertainty at a time when confidence-building and inclusive engagement were essential to safeguard the transition and prevent wider conflict. The Security Council has not announced any new step in response to the AU appeal.
What happens next?
The government has previously said it remains committed to holding the vote in December. With about six weeks left, attention is on whether the UN will provide additional support, and whether Mr Machar’s allies and other opposition groups will take part.
FAQ
When are South Sudan’s elections?
General elections are scheduled for 22 December, according to AP.
Who is Riek Machar?
He is Mr Kiir’s rival in the 2018 peace deal. He is under house arrest and on trial on charges including treason, which his allies deny.
Why do critics fear the vote could unravel the peace deal?
Crisis Group says a rushed vote could deal a final blow to the 2018 agreement, and the UN chief has warned that the electoral framework could alter the foundations of the transition.
