Monday, 30 March 2026 | Author – Alex Onyango | Nairobi-Kenya | Photo: Reuters| GT-News |
The United States is drawing a hard line on South Sudan’s long-delayed elections, warning that any vote held without peace, political openness, and government funding will not earn its backing.
In a sharply worded statement, the U.S. Embassy in Juba made clear that while Washington supports the idea of elections, it will not endorse a process that falls short of basic standards.
“We would view successful and peaceful elections as a positive step,” the Embassy said—but emphasized that the conditions on the ground must change first.
At the center of U.S. concerns is the lack of political dialogue among key parties to the 2018 peace deal. American officials say meaningful talks cannot happen while opposition leaders remain behind bars, pointing to the arrest and trial of a major political figure—the head of the second-largest party in the agreement—as a major obstacle.
South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity in a move that triggers renewed conflict in the northern Jonglei, Upper Nile, and parts of the Equatoria region.
Seven others have been charged alongside Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam.
They are all Machar allies who were arrested at the same time as him and have also been in detention ever since. Another 13 suspects remain at large, according to the government.
The message: No dialogue, no credible elections
The U.S. is also pressing South Sudan’s transitional government to put its own money on the table. Rather than relying on international donors, Washington insists the government must fund the elections itself—just as it should be funding public services and paying civil servants.
Future American support, including assistance delivered through the United Nations, will hinge on whether Juba demonstrates that financial commitment.
Despite the tough stance, the U.S. stressed it is not trying to impose a political system on South Sudan. Instead, officials say their priorities are clear: peace, accountability, and responsible use of public funds.
The statement ends with a pointed reminder: South Sudan’s citizens have already waited too long.
With elections repeatedly delayed and tensions still simmering, the U.S. warning adds fresh pressure on the transitional government to deliver on its promises—or risk losing critical international backing.
