Recent violence in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State has forced many to flee, with UNMISS reporting a return to calm. Meanwhile, an action plan for free elections in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has been established, aiming for a secure political environment ahead of elections set for December 2026.
Recent weeks of violence in the Tambura region of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have compelled numerous individuals to flee their homes. As reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), a sense of calm has reportedly returned, allowing many displaced individuals, like Monica Zeferina, to seek refuge at a temporary UNMISS base after hiding in the wilderness. Colonel Shams Sittique of UNMISS continues to monitor the situation and address the violence affecting local communities.
In a different area, political parties and civil organizations in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have agreed on an action plan to conduct free and fair elections scheduled for December 2026. This decision follows a Political Parties’ Forum facilitated by UNMISS, which aimed at establishing a secure civic and political environment conducive to the upcoming elections. Guang Cong, the UNMISS Deputy Special Representative, emphasized the importance of an inclusive political space for civic actors to engage freely. The government had previously postponed elections originally set for December 2024 to allow for essential preparations, marking yet another delay in South Sudan’s transitional process since its independence in 2011.
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile, characterized by incidents of violence that forcibly displace communities. The UNMISS plays a crucial role in peacekeeping efforts and monitoring security conditions in the region. In addition to violence-related displacements, the political landscape is in a state of flux, significantly affecting the electoral process. The postponement of elections adds complexity to an already fragile governance framework, as stakeholders strive for greater political stability.
The displacement of thousands of South Sudanese due to violence highlights ongoing security challenges in the region. As talks of future elections unfold, it underscores the need for stability and an inclusive political environment. The UNMISS’s initiatives in promoting free elections and monitoring violence are integral to fostering peace in South Sudan. Ultimately, the success of these efforts hinges on an open and secure civic space that empowers all political and civil society actors.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
