PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on South Sudan to deliver peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 August 2024.

Statement by Jonathan Hollis, Acting Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council Meeting on South Sudan.

President, as we have heard today the picture in South Sudan remains precarious.

Since its independence, the country has been plagued by appalling violence. Now is the moment for the South Sudanese authorities to demonstrate the political will to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges and realise a more stable future. I would like to focus my remarks today on three points.

First, the UK calls on the Government of South Sudan to take the necessary steps to deliver peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. While we recognise some progress has been made with the partial funding of key institutions, we remain concerned that the preparations for elections on 22 December remain behind schedule.

We urge the Government to fully disperse the resources needed to enable crucial preparatory work to get underway. We also call upon the parties to the Revitalized Agreement to engage in political dialogue to reach a consensus to deliver elections. This includes making decisions on voter registration, the type of elections that are to be called, and progress on the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces.

Second, civic and political space are cornerstones of any functioning democracy and must be respected. The UK remains concerned at reports of threats and intimidation of political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

We are particularly troubled by the passing into law of the new National Security Service Bill, which allows the security services to arrest individuals without a warrant. We call on the Government of South Sudan to act in accordance with its constitutional commitment to respect human rights.

Third, we recognise that three quarters of the population in South Sudan is suffering from a protracted humanitarian crisis, deepened by conflict, climate and economic shocks.

We urge partners to work together to support the most vulnerable and for the Government of South Sudan to ensure a conducive environment, which enables the delivery of humanitarian assistance and prevents attacks on aid workers.

In closing, while the challenges ahead are significant, they are not insurmountable. With the right political will and courage, South Sudan can take an important step towards a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.