AU Calls for Inclusive, Credible Elections as South Sudan Prepares for December Polls
By Patricia John Kenyi
The African Union (AU) Ad Hoc High-Level Committee has called for continued regional and international support to ensure South Sudan conducts inclusive, peaceful, and credible general elections scheduled for December 2026.
The call came at the conclusion of the committee’s assessment mission to South Sudan, which reviewed the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the country’s readiness for the upcoming elections.
The delegation which Include Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa and the Chair of the C-5 and the Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Chad represented by there Permanent Representatives to the African Union respectively arrived in Juba on Monday 6th July 2026.
Speaking after the visit, Ambassador Agok Anyar said the AU delegation met with stakeholders to the peace agreement and assessed the country’s election preparations.
“The delegation was able to meet with all the stakeholders to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, who are ready for the general elections based on the 39 parties that have registered and are ready to participate in the election,” Agok said.
He added that the delegation also met President Salva Kiir Mayardit and briefed him on its findings regarding the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for the December polls.
Chair of the AU Ad Hoc Committee and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, emphasized that credible elections will require an inclusive process, adequate security, and sustained support from regional and international partners.
“It is an important process. The elections should be inclusive, transparent and fair, and the security environment should be conducive to conduct free and fair elections,” Lamola said.
He noted that support from the AU C5 countries and other partners would be essential to ensure all eligible political parties participate in the elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The AU mission concluded its visit by reaffirming its commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace process and encouraging all stakeholders to work together toward peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections.
