The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan has clarified its position on the anticipated elections, stressing that any electoral process must be peaceful, credible, and anchored in genuine political dialogue.
In a statement released this week, the embassy said it would regard successful and peaceful elections as a “positive step” toward strengthening peace and accountability in the country.
“If the transitional government truly means to hold elections, we urge that it first create conditions to ensure that the elections are both peaceful and advance the objective of sustainable peace. This requires an immediate return to dialogue among the parties to the 2018 peace agreement,” the statement partly read.
However, it warned that such progress would only be meaningful if the transitional government creates the necessary conditions for credible polls.
Central to these conditions is a return to dialogue among parties to the revitalised agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan (2018).
The embassy emphasised that meaningful dialogue cannot take place while key political figures remain detained.
It specifically pointed to concerns over the arrest and trial of a prominent opposition leader, noting that the detention of senior political actors undermines trust and inclusivity in the peace process.
The United States also underscored the need for the government to take financial responsibility for the elections.
According to the statement, future U.S. support, whether direct or through the United Nations, will depend on whether the transitional government demonstrates a commitment to funding the electoral process using its own public resources.
In addition, Washington called on the government to prioritise spending on essential public services and civil servant salaries, signaling broader concerns about the management of national revenues.
The embassy reiterated that the United States does not intend to impose any political or ideological model on South Sudan.
Instead, it said its priorities remain focused on promoting peace, ensuring the responsible use of public funds, and preventing the misuse of international assistance.
“The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace,” the statement continued, renewing calls for the transitional government to honor its commitments and deliver tangible progress for its citizens.
The remarks come amid growing domestic and international scrutiny over the pace of reforms and preparations for the country’s long-delayed elections.