Published on: 2026-08-06
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 6, 2026 Peace and Security
Preparation for the general elections scheduled for December is becoming the main topic on the political agenda of South Sudan, however, the conditions for holding free, peaceful, and inclusive voting have not yet been established. This was stated by the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, during a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.
According to her, trust between key political players remains fragile, and the absence of opposition representatives in the most important political processes raises questions about inclusiveness. Additionally, concern is caused by the court proceedings against opposition leader Riek Machar, which have been ongoing for nearly a year while he remains in custody.
Gbehlo noted that the political and humanitarian situation in the country has not improved in recent months. According to her, decisions and actions affecting the implementation of the renewed peace agreement are increasingly becoming a source of disagreement among participants in the transitional process, undermining trust in state institutions and increasing political tension.
Gbeh also expressed concern about the armed clashes between government and opposition forces in Jonglei State, as well as the ongoing intercommunal violence in the central region of the country.
“The highest price is still paid by the civilian population,” Gbeho emphasized. According to her, regular outbreaks of violence not only lead to new casualties and displacements, but also create serious obstacles to preparations for the upcoming elections.
Preparation for the elections
Chairman of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission George Aggrey Owinow stated that the implementation of the peace agreement is seriously hindered by the political and military crises ongoing since March 2025.
He pointed to repeated violations of the ceasefire regime, a decrease in the level of political inclusiveness in the national unity government, and disruptions in the mechanisms responsible for implementing the peace agreements.
According to Ovinou, the election preparations are significantly behind schedule, despite the registration of 39 political parties. He emphasized that the authorities urgently need to address a series of political and legislative issues, including completing the process of unifying the armed forces, ensuring political freedoms for all participants in the electoral process, as well as allocating the necessary financial and material-technical resources for election preparation.
Status of Women
Special attention at the Security Council meeting was paid to the situation of women. Lilian Rizik, head of the South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network, recalled that similar issues were discussed in the Security Council as early as 2022, yet many of them remain unresolved. According to her, the prolonged transitional period, worsening security situation, and slow implementation of the peace agreement increase the vulnerability of women and girls.
Rizik emphasized that more than ten years after South Sudan gained independence, women in the country continue to face three serious challenges: lack of security, economic difficulties, and limited participation in political life. According to her, these factors mutually reinforce each other and hinder the country’s sustainable development.
According to the UN, about one third of South Sudan’s population still cannot return to their homes, and mostly these are women and girls. Nearly 65 percent of women and girls in the country experience gender-based violence during their lifetime, with many facing it before reaching adulthood.
The meeting participants emphasized that without improvement in the security situation, acceleration of the peace agreement implementation, and increased participation of women in political processes, holding successful elections at the end of the year remains uncertain.
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