An African Union Committee, on Tuesday, September 29, urged South Sudan to resolve outstanding challenges and establish a clear roadmap for credible national elections scheduled for December 22.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the Committee, called for a “feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap”, compliance with the 2018 peace Agreement and respect for the ceasefire.
South Sudan’s first national elections have twice been postponed, with key conditions under the agreement, which ended a five-year civil war, still unfulfilled. President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional Government last week and appointed a caretaker administration ahead of the vote. Ramaphosa also urged the release of all political prisoners to promote an inclusive political environment.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who heads the regional bloc IGAD, warned of heightened tensions and the risk of renewed conflict, calling for a clear transition towards democracy. “Neither South Sudan, nor the region, nor the continent, can afford another delay,” he said.