CRN News DESK| The United States Embassy in South Sudan has called for urgent political dialogue and the release of detained opposition leaders as a key step toward credible and peaceful elections in South Sudan.
In a statement, the Embassy said it would welcome successful and peaceful elections as an important milestone for accountability and long-term stability. However, it stressed that the current environment is not conducive for credible polls.
The U.S. urged the transitional government to first create conditions necessary for peaceful elections, including an immediate return to dialogue among parties to the 2018 peace agreement. It noted that meaningful dialogue cannot take place while key political leaders remain in detention, particularly when senior opposition figures are under arrest and facing trial.
The statement comes amid growing regional and international pressure following recent deliberations at the African Union summit, where African leaders directed the so-called C5 countries tasked with supporting South Sudan’s peace process—to intensify efforts to restore political dialogue and push for the release of political detainees.
The U.S. further emphasized that the transitional government must demonstrate its commitment by funding the electoral process using national resources. It added that future support for elections, including through the United Nations, would depend on the government’s willingness to finance the process, as well as essential public services and civil servant salaries.
While reaffirming that it does not seek to impose any political model on South Sudan, the U.S. underscored its priorities: sustainable peace, responsible use of public funds, and an end to the misuse of assistance.
“The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace,” the statement said, urging the transitional government to honor its commitments and deliver tangible progress for its citizens.