Yesterday, South Sudan joined a national prayer for peace, bringing citizens and leaders together in a shared appeal for stability, unity, and a better future. As the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, the message of such a prayer should extend beyond places of worship. It should be reflected in the conduct of political leaders, citizens, and institutions.
South Sudan has experienced years of conflict, political disagreements, displacement, and loss of life. The country therefore cannot afford to allow political competition to become another source of violence.
The approaching elections should be an opportunity for citizens to exercise their political rights peacefully and for political leaders to demonstrate that differences can be managed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The National Elections Commission has already begun preparations for voter registration and other electoral activities ahead of the December polls.
At the same time, political dialogue remains important as parties and stakeholders seek agreement on issues surrounding the electoral process. IGAD has also called for inclusive dialogue and a consensual pathway toward the elections.
This makes the national prayer particularly meaningful. Prayer alone cannot guarantee peace. Peace also requires responsible political behaviour, respect for the law, restraint in public statements, and a willingness to resolve disagreements peacefully.
Political leaders have a special responsibility. They should discourage their supporters from using hate speech, tribal rhetoric, threats, or violence against opponents. Political competition should be about ideas, policies, and leadership choices, not personal attacks or mobilisation along ethnic lines.
Citizens, too, have a role to play. They should reject rumours, misinformation, and incitement, especially on social media. Supporters of different political parties must understand that political disagreement does not make fellow South Sudanese enemies. After elections, communities will still have to live together, trade together, and build the same country.
The country’s religious leaders have repeatedly called for peace, reconciliation, and unity ahead of the elections. Their message should be embraced by political actors and ordinary citizens alike.
The December 22 elections, if they proceed as scheduled, should not become a test of who can mobilise the most anger. They should be approached as a national process in which political differences are settled peacefully.
Yesterday, South Sudan prayed for peace. Today, the country must work for it.
God protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator!