Thursday, 10 September 2026 |Author: Andrew Michael | File Photo – Yasmin Sooka|
South Sudan faces a growing risk of renewed violence as it prepares for planned December elections, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned.
The commission said violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, corruption and a lack of accountability were continuing to threaten civilians and undermine the country’s fragile political transition.
It said elections could become a trigger for further conflict unless the government and political groups urgently put in place safeguards to protect voters, allow genuine political participation and ensure disputes can be resolved peacefully.
The warning came after the commission completed its 14th visit to South Sudan, during which it met government officials, political and security actors, civil society groups, victims of violence, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.
Commission chair Yasmin Sooka also travelled to Bor in Jonglei State, where she met survivors of recent fighting.
Women and girls told the commission about killings, sexual violence, displacement and separation from their families. Some survivors were reportedly unable to access medical and psychological support despite having urgent needs.
“South Sudanese people deserve better than to have their lives shaped by recurring cycles of violence and uncertainty,” Ms Sooka said.
The commission said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations remained serious concerns.
It also condemned an attack on a UN peacekeeping patrol in Jonglei in which two peacekeepers were killed and others injured.
It called for a prompt and independent investigation and said those responsible should be held accountable.
Elections under pressure
The UN warning comes less than three months before South Sudan’s planned December elections.
The country has never held a nationwide general election since gaining independence in 2011. Previous attempts to organise elections have repeatedly been delayed amid political disputes, insecurity and concerns over the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
In an advisory issued in August, the commission warned that elections held without adequate safeguards and inclusive political dialogue could increase the risk of atrocity crimes.
Commissioner Barney Afako said South Sudanese had a right to vote, but that the right would only be meaningful if people could participate freely and political candidates could compete fairly.
He said credible mechanisms were also needed to resolve disputes arising from the elections.
“The safeguards are what will prevent an election from becoming a trigger for violence and disruption,” he said.
The commission urged the government to open political space and hold genuine dialogue involving all major political actors, including the camp of detained First Vice-President Riek Machar, holdout groups, civil society, women and young people.
It also called for detained political opponents to be released unless they were brought promptly before an independent and impartial court.
Accountability and corruption
The commission said the lack of accountability remained one of the country’s biggest problems.
It has repeatedly documented allegations of serious human rights violations but said those responsible were rarely held to account.
It also criticised the lack of progress in establishing the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, a key element of the peace agreement intended to prosecute those responsible for serious crimes.
The commission called for the full operation of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.
It also raised concerns about corruption and the management of public resources.
A commission report published in 2025 documented how corruption and the diversion of public money were undermining the rights of South Sudanese.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández said there had been little meaningful progress in implementing the recommendations.
“When violations go unpunished and public resources are diverted without consequence, impunity becomes entrenched, and that breeds violence,” he said.
He called for stronger justice institutions and greater transparency in the management of public money.
Humanitarian crisis
The UN commission also warned that the humanitarian situation was worsening as international funding declined.
Humanitarian organisations are being forced to reduce assistance at a time when the number of people requiring support remains extremely high.
The commission urged the government and armed groups to guarantee safe and unrestricted humanitarian access and protect aid workers.
It also called on international and regional organisations, including the African Union, IGAD and the United Nations, to increase diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The commission said the international community should use its influence to ensure that commitments under South Sudan’s peace agreement are implemented.
Ms Sooka said the country still had a choice over how it approached the elections.
“South Sudan can move towards elections in a way that deepens division and conflict, or it can use this moment to restore political dialogue, protect civilians and put in place the safeguards needed for a peaceful and credible transition,” she said.
The commission said the opportunity to prevent further deterioration was narrowing.
It will use information gathered during its latest mission, including its visit to Bor, in its investigations and report to the UN Human Rights Council in February 2027.
