By Spy Uganda
South Sudan has announced plans to hold national elections in December, marking what could be a historic political milestone despite growing fears of renewed conflict.
The country’s Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny, confirmed that the polls will proceed without further delay, stating that elections “must take place at the end of 2026.” If successful, the vote would be the first since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
However, the announcement comes at a time of escalating insecurity. Observers warn that the country may be edging back toward civil war, as forces loyal to President Salva Kiir clash with groups loosely aligned with Vice President Riek Machar. The fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended years of conflict between the two leaders has largely stalled, with several key provisions—such as the unification of rival armed forces yet to be implemented.
Under the original peace deal, elections were scheduled for 2022 but have been repeatedly postponed, first to 2024 and now to 2026. Political tensions have continued to rise, with Machar reportedly facing legal challenges and restrictions, further complicating the political landscape.
Despite government claims of “relative peace,” violence persists in several regions, particularly in eastern Jonglei state. The unrest has displaced tens of thousands of civilians, while humanitarian agencies report frequent attacks that have severely hindered their operations.
International concern is mounting. Jennifer Locetta, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for political affairs, recently criticized South Sudan’s leadership at the Security Council, saying the country’s crisis stems not from a lack of agreements but from a failure to implement them.
Beyond security challenges, South Sudan continues to struggle with widespread poverty and entrenched corruption, raising further doubts about the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections.
As the December timeline approaches, the planned elections represent both an opportunity for democratic progress and a potential flashpoint in an already volatile nation.
