The United States said that South Sudan has the sovereign right to determine the timing and scope of its elections but must ensure any vote is peaceful and financed with domestic public resources.
The US Embassy in Juba said this Monday that Washington was not seeking to impose a political or ideological system on the country. However, it stopped short of endorsing the transitional government’s plan to hold elections in December 2026 or confirming that conditions for a credible vote had been met. The embassy said its position aligned with US priorities of supporting peace and preventing the misuse of public revenue.
Opposition groups and some international actors have expressed concern about insecurity, delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement and the absence of conditions required for credible elections.
South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections since gaining independence in 2011, with leaders citing delays in implementing the peace agreement and preparing the country for a national vote.