The United States has expressed deep concern over the recent announcement by South Sudan’s leaders to extend the country’s transitional period, describing it as a collective failure to create conditions necessary for peaceful and credible elections in accordance with the 2018 Peace Agreement.
In a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Washington criticized the move, emphasizing that the South Sudanese people deserve better. “The decision to delay the transition period is a significant setback to South Sudan’s democratic progress. The 2018 Peace Agreement was designed to usher in an era of peace, stability, and political inclusivity, yet the continued delays undermine these goals,” the statement read.
On September 14, 2024, South Sudan’s government announced it would postpone the long-delayed general elections until December 2026, citing a lack of preparedness. This decision marks the second time the country has delayed elections and extended the transitional period that began in February 2020. The elections were initially scheduled for 2022, as per the 2018 Peace Agreement, but were previously pushed back due to internal conflict and logistical challenges.
The transitional government, led by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, justified the delay by pointing to ongoing insecurity, delays in drafting a permanent constitution, and political divisions that have hampered progress. Despite these explanations, critics argue that the leadership is deliberately stalling to maintain their hold on power.
