WFP/Eulalia Berlanga. People queue up at a food distribution point in Malakal, South Sudan.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, said in a briefing to delegates at the Security Council today that South Sudan cannot hold free, fair or secure elections in December next year. More necessary action must be taken to ensure that the elections are held as scheduled.
Haysom outlined the key conditions that need to be met by April 2024 to ensure that the elections move forward according to the agreed timetable.
Many things make or break the difference
These conditions include a new permanent constitutional framework, detailed voter registration procedures, an electoral security plan, a well-trained, well-equipped and unified security force, and a mechanism for resolving disputes over the outcome of the elections.
He pointed out that the elections to be held in South Sudan next December should not only be free and fair, but also recognized and trusted by South Sudanese citizens. These prerequisites are indispensable for the holding of free, fair and credible elections.
"We believe that with the necessary political will, urgency and a spirit of compromise, the people of South Sudan can create the necessary conditions for the December 2024 elections," he said. ”
Civilians are under threat
South Sudan is currently facing a severe economic situation, climate shocks and a fragile political environment, which suggests that the elections will take place against this backdrop of heightened tensions, Haisom said. If these risks are not mitigated, the threat to civilians remains real.
He said UNMISS remains committed to the protection of civilians and sees it as a top priority in its primary mission.
Currently, the Mission is taking active steps aimed at reducing the risk of violence before and after the polls. These include maintaining a strong military presence in areas of potential conflict through the deployment of existing and new temporary operating bases and team sites;
Humanitarian situation
In the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, the escalating fighting between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
Two-thirds of South Sudan's population is food insecure, and more than 9 million people remain dependent on aid, including more than 2 million internally displaced persons.
As of December 12, more than 434,000 people have crossed the border into South Sudan since the outbreak of conflict in neighbouring Sudan. This means that the humanitarian burden in South Sudan is increasing.
Haysom said South Sudan remains extremely dangerous for humanitarian workers. Many have made the greatest sacrifices. He called on the Government of South Sudan to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on aid workers and looting aid supplies.
In closing, Haysom noted that 2024 is likely to be a difficult and challenging year for UNMISS, South Sudan, the people of South Sudan, and the region as a whole. South Sudan will do everything in its power to fulfil its responsibilities.
