By Ginaba Lino
Church leaders in South Sudan have warned that holding general elections under the current conditions could fuel insecurity and violence, calling for urgent reforms and inclusive dialogue ahead of the December 2026 polls.
The church leaders issued the warning in the Limuru Pastoral Statement signed on August 7, 2026, following a four-day retreat in Limuru, Kenya, from August 4 to 7.
The leaders said they recognize the urgent need to end the country’s prolonged transitional period and establish a legitimately elected government, but cautioned that elections must not contribute to insecurity, injustice or further national fragmentation.
They identified widespread insecurity, the presence of armed groups, proliferation of small arms, incomplete unification of security forces and inadequate legal and institutional safeguards as major concerns.
The statement also cited unreliable demographic and voter information, limited civic and voter education, restricted political and civic space, inadequate preparations for displaced people and refugees, and the risk of ethnic polarization.
The church leaders further expressed concern over the continued arbitrary detention of political detainees, saying it could undermine efforts toward inclusive dialogue.
“We do not speak from despair,” the leaders said, emphasizing the Church’s historical role in accompanying South Sudanese communities through conflict, displacement and political uncertainty.
They committed to engaging the government, political and politico-military actors, regional bodies and international partners on benchmarks required for a peaceful, credible and inclusive transition.
The leaders also pledged to strengthen national healing and reconciliation programmes, establish faith-led mediation teams, expand early-warning mechanisms and promote civic and peace education.
They called for greater participation of women and young people in peacebuilding, mediation, civic education and decision-making.
The statement urged the government and political actors to place the lives, dignity and unity of South Sudanese above partisan interests, protect civic and political space and urgently address the legal, constitutional, security and institutional conditions needed for a credible transition.
The church leaders also appealed to regional and international partners to remain engaged in South Sudan and support efforts to de-escalate violence and promote inclusive dialogue.
They called on citizens to reject violence, hate speech, tribalism and revenge, urging them to participate responsibly in shaping a peaceful future.
The statement was signed in Limuru, Kenya, on August 7, 2026, by representatives of several South Sudanese churches and the South Sudan Council of Churches.