South Sudan Reaffirms Sovereignty, Calls for Elections to End Transitional Period
The South Sudan government has reaffirmed its commitment to the peace process and democratic transition while insisting that political decisions must remain under the control of South Sudanese institutions and citizens.
In a statement issued by the Office of the President, the government welcomed continued support from international partners, including the United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada, but said such partnerships should be based on respect for South Sudan’s sovereignty and national ownership.
“Partnership does not mean accepting directives from other countries,” the government said, emphasizing that South Sudan has the right to determine its own political future.
The government said implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains a national commitment but should not result in a prolonged transitional period.
It said South Sudan has made progress since the agreement was signed, including political compromises, the establishment of transitional institutions and efforts to address outstanding provisions.
The statement argued that continued disagreements should be addressed through dialogue rather than being used to prevent the country from moving toward elections.
It described the planned elections as essential to allowing citizens to exercise their political rights and choose their representatives.
The government also stressed that constitutional, judicial, security and economic reforms should be led by South Sudanese institutions and citizens.
On judicial matters, it said ongoing legal proceedings should be allowed to follow established procedures and warned against pre-judging cases outside the courtroom.
The government said respect for the rule of law requires adherence to judicial processes and respect for their outcomes.
On security-sector reform, the government said it supports the professionalization and unification of security institutions but maintained that the process must be carried out through South Sudanese institutions and in accordance with national laws and political agreements.
It said the goal is to establish a professional, unified and nationally representative security sector.
The statement also acknowledged the need to strengthen public financial management, transparency and accountability.
The government said South Sudan’s potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism could support economic growth if peace and stability are consolidated.
It welcomed international assistance in areas such as capacity building and investment but stressed that South Sudan should retain ownership of its economic transformation and determine how its resources benefit its citizens.
The government expressed appreciation for Germany’s humanitarian and development assistance and said it welcomed continued international cooperation.
However, it called on international partners to focus on strengthening South Sudanese institutions, supporting dialogue and promoting democratic development rather than prolonging political uncertainty.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, reform and democracy, saying these objectives should be pursued through a process driven by the South Sudanese people.
“The measure of peace should not be how long South Sudan remains in transition, but whether it can move toward a stable political order in which its people freely determine their future,” the statement said.
