Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-20 11:09:48
On March 19, 2024, South Sudan President Salva Kiir made a firm decision to reject any further extensions of the transitional period, emphasizing the importance of allowing citizens to select their leaders through a legitimate constitutional process. This announcement came during a civic and political dialogue in Juba, where Minister of Presidential Affairs, Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, spoke on behalf of President Salva Kiir.
Bakosoro highlighted the president’s stance on the upcoming general elections, stating that they should proceed as planned without any extensions to the current transitional government. He expressed that various international bodies, including the United Nations, Troika, European Union, and IGAD, have all advised against any extensions, reinforcing the need for the elections to take place on schedule.
The dialogue emphasized the necessity for a clear way forward regarding the elections, with Bakosoro urging civil society to engage in discussions and guide political leaders in making informed decisions. He emphasized the fatigue surrounding extensions and called for a thorough discussion on the type of elections that should be conducted in South Sudan.
The sentiment against extensions was echoed by Lam Akol Ajawin, the leader of the opposition National Democratic Movement (NDM), who stressed that the South Sudanese people are eager for immediate elections to move beyond a prolonged period of transitional governments. Ajawin emphasized the role of dialogue in navigating the complexities surrounding the electoral process.
The transitional period in South Sudan was initially set to end in 2022 but was extended to December 2024 due to slow progress in implementing provisions of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war. While President Kiir and his supporters advocate for holding elections in December 2024, First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition leaders call for thorough implementation of crucial agreement components, particularly the security arrangements, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
In response to the impasse, Machar proposed two options outlined by the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission to either conduct a consensus-based election or revise the roadmap. He acknowledged the efforts of the African Union in facilitating dialogue and resolving contentious issues within the South Sudan peace process.
Overall, the dialogue highlighted the urgency of addressing concerns around the upcoming elections and the transition from a prolonged period of transitional governments in South Sudan. Civil society engagement, political leadership, and international support will be crucial in navigating the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the electoral process in the country.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
