South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has cautioned lawmakers against holding onto power and emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to choose their leaders through upcoming elections. The president's remarks come in the midst of discussions about potentially postponing the scheduled December elections, with Vice President Riek Machar proposing an extension of the transitional government's term for adequate preparation.
The original timeline for elections in South Sudan was set for February 2023 but was later rescheduled to December 2024. Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba has expressed the legislature's commitment to ensuring all necessary conditions for the elections are met.
The country is grappling with an economic crisis exacerbated by a decrease in oil exports following disruptions in neighboring Sudan. The situation has led to a six-month period of unpaid salaries for civil servants and security personnel in South Sudan.
Efforts are underway to establish a permanent constitution, an electoral commission, and a unified police force comprising both government and rebel factions to enhance security within the nation. Despite these initiatives, communal violence persists in certain regions of South Sudan.
The United Nations has extended its peacekeeping mission in the country and has urged the government to address the ongoing violence promptly. The international body is advocating for a peaceful and transparent electoral process in December, emphasizing the need for swift progress to ensure a successful election outcome.
