Amnesty International has called on the South Sudanese authorities to safeguard fundamental freedoms and civic space leading up to the national elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. Tigere Chagutah, the organization’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for citizens to vote and participate in elections without fear of discrimination or undue restrictions.
Chagutah urged the government to ensure the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are protected, while also highlighting the need to halt the intimidation of journalists and civil society. He noted South Sudan’s history of repressive measures against dissent.
The upcoming elections mark a significant moment for South Sudan, being the first since its independence from Sudan in 2011. The election date has faced multiple postponements, mainly due to the ongoing civil war and related violence. Despite a peace agreement in 2018, the situation remains precarious, with recent reports of intensified violence and atrocities against civilians as the election date approaches.
Furthermore, President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently amended the 2018 peace accord, eliminating essential prerequisites for the elections, such as a national population census and a new constitution, deferring these processes until after the elections. He also dissolved the transitional government to facilitate the elections and prevent further delays in the transitional period.
