By Lodu William Odiya
The Government of South Sudan has rejected allegations raised by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights following its recent visit to the country while reaffirming its commitment to the peace process and December 2026 elections.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday, the government welcomed the 14th visit of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which took place from September 7 to 10, 2026.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections as part of South Sudan’s democratic transition, as the country prepares for the December 2026 general elections.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to the Revitalised Peace Agreement as the framework for advancing peace and stability in South Sudan and remains committed to holding elections as part of the country’s democratic transition,” the statement partly read.
The ministry said the visit provided an opportunity for constructive engagement between the Commission, government, and other stakeholders on issues concerning the peace process, human rights, and South Sudan’s political transition.
However, the government strongly rejected what it described as “unfounded allegations” contained in the Commission’s statement issued at the conclusion of its visit.
The government said it remains committed to the peace agreement, describing it as the framework for advancing peace and stability in the country.
According to the statement, the government believes that South Sudan’s future should be determined through nationally owned political processes rather than external interventions.
It pointed to the recently announced Inter-Party Dialogue as an important platform for political stakeholders to discuss issues of national importance and contribute to the country’s transition through political dialogue.
The government said continued dialogue among political parties and other stakeholders would be important in building consensus around the country’s political future.
Despite its rejection of the UN Commission’s allegations, the government said it remains open to continued engagement with the Commission, the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said such engagement should support nationally owned efforts to promote peace, stability, and democratic transition in South Sudan.
The statement comes as the country faces increasing attention from national, regional, and international actors over the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for the upcoming elections.
With the December polls approaching, the government is expected to continue working with political parties and other stakeholders to address outstanding political and institutional issues ahead of the transition from the current transitional arrangement.
The government’s latest position signals its intention to maintain engagement with international partners while insisting that political processes and decisions concerning South Sudan should remain nationally led.