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South Sudan’s Urgent March Toward Democracy Highlighted by UNMISS Official

“As the saying goes, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” declared Kaustubh Sharma, Deputy Police Commissioner of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), emphasizing the critical need for credible elections as the bedrock of legitimate governance in South Sudan.

“While South Sudan has been preparing for elections for quite some time, repeated delays have hindered progress. Nevertheless, it is essential that the country moves forward. In a democracy, legitimacy stems from the people electing their leaders—leaders who truly represent their will,” Kaustubh Sharma said during a three-day capacity-building workshop on child protection for senior police officers in Juba.

Sharma pointed out that the workshop was not only about child protection but also a strategic move towards ensuring a safer and more democratic future for South Sudan, especially its younger generation.

This assertion comes amid international calls for South Sudanese authorities to maintain their commitment to holding transparent elections in 2026—deemed a pivotal step toward enduring peace and democratic governance.

Sharma also noted that the police training, which focuses on monitoring and reporting grave violations against children, will play a critical role in creating a secure environment for the 2026 elections.

“Just early this month, the UN Security Council renewed UNMISS’s mandate, underscoring the unwavering international commitment to peace and security in South Sudan, especially from across the state,” Sharma added, highlighting the dual role of UNMISS in protecting civilians and supporting government preparations for upcoming elections.

On September 13, 2024, South Sudan’s transitional government announced a two-year extension of the transitional period, pushing the national elections to December 22, 2026. This decision, intended to allow more time to complete essential tasks like drafting a permanent constitution, conducting a national census, and registering political parties, has faced criticism from various international peace guarantors and civil society organizations.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway expressed disappointment over the delayed electoral timeline, emphasizing that timely elections are crucial for sustained peace in accordance with the 2018 peace agreement.

Ter Manyang, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), expressed skepticism about the likelihood of holding elections on the new schedule given the ongoing tensions between the government and opposition groups.

“I am not optimistic that elections will be conducted in December 2026 unless there is a miracle,” Manyang said, pointing to the fragile peace and prevailing distrust among political factions.

The workshop covered various critical issues, including the six grave violations against children such as recruitment, use, killing, maiming, and sexual violence, alongside discussions on the impact of elections on children’s rights and welfare.

With sessions also addressing attacks on schools and the denial of humanitarian access, the training underscored the broad spectrum of challenges South Sudan faces as it gears up for a pivotal electoral journey—a journey that could define the nation’s democratic health and its commitment to the rights and safety of its youngest citizens.