The US, UK, and Norway criticize South Sudan’s decision to delay elections by two years, citing leadership failures and lack of political will amid the nation’s ongoing crises.
South Sudan’s recent decision to delay its elections by another two years has sparked criticism from key international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. These nations expressed deep concern, highlighting that the delay signifies a “failure” of South Sudan’s leaders to create the conditions necessary for credible and peaceful elections. This decision is seen as a setback in the country’s struggle to stabilize after years of civil conflict, which has left 400,000 dead, devastated the economy, and worsened humanitarian crises like flooding, hunger, and widespread violence.
President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, once bitter rivals, have been part of a transitional government formed under a 2018 peace deal. However, their government has repeatedly failed to meet key milestones, such as writing a new constitution and organizing elections. The delay, announced ahead of the transitional government’s dissolution deadline, came amid recommendations from electoral bodies and the security sector.
The US, UK, and Norway’s joint statement blamed the delay on a lack of political will, warning that the leadership’s power struggles continue to harm South Sudan’s population. The delay reflects broader issues within the country, where corruption, poor governance, and conflict persist despite its oil wealth.
As South Sudan faces critical challenges such as catastrophic flooding that has affected over 700,000 people, the international community remains skeptical of its leaders’ ability to deliver much-needed reforms. This delay not only prolongs political uncertainty but also risks deepening the suffering of its people.
