‘Ballot must replace the bullets’, South Sudan tells General Assembly ahead of elections

South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Cecilia Adout Majok Adeng, told the General Assembly that the country remains dedicated to holding elections in December to conclude its transition period, calling for the lifting of all sanctions including the arms embargo. She emphasized that the vote would allow South Sudanese to choose their leaders democratically, 15 years after independence, while acknowledging the need for continued political dialogue, security improvements, and inclusion of refugees and displaced persons.

Ms. Adeng acknowledged internal conflicts since independence and delays in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement but stressed that challenges should not overshadow progress. She reiterated President Kiir’s commitment to avoiding war, emphasizing the need for peaceful elections and constructive engagement with the Security Council on restrictive measures to ensure security and civilian-led governance.

The Permanent Representative argued that sanctions should serve clear peace objectives and that South Sudan aims to build professional, unified, and accountable security forces under civilian authority and the rule of law. She thanked the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and honored fallen peacekeepers, while calling for reduced dependence on international peacekeeping and increased investment in police, judiciary, education, and healthcare.

On neighboring Sudan, Ms. Adeng expressed support for regional and international peace efforts, stating that even prolonged conflicts must reach negotiated settlements. She also reaffirmed South Sudan’s backing for the Common African Position on Security Council reform, noting Africa’s lack of permanent seats on the Council, and urged partners to transition from liberation support to a collaborative partnership.