By Ajong Mbapndah L
South Sudan’s government has pushed back against growing international pressure over the country’s political transition, insisting that decisions on elections, security reforms and judicial processes must remain in the hands of South Sudanese institutions and citizens.
In a strongly worded statement from the Office of the President, the government said it welcomes support from the United States, Japan, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and other international partners, but warned that such partnerships should not translate into external direction of the country’s political affairs.
“South Sudan is a sovereign nation, and its political decisions belong to its people and institutions,” the presidency said, arguing that international engagement in the peace process must respect the country’s sovereignty and its right to determine its political future.
The statement comes at a critical moment for the world’s youngest nation as it prepares for national elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, amid continuing concerns over security, political freedoms, institutional preparedness and the implementation of outstanding provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Presidency Says Transition Cannot Continue Indefinitely
While reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, the presidency said the accord should not become the basis for an indefinite transitional arrangement.
The government argued that South Sudan has made sufficient progress to move toward a democratic process in which citizens can choose their leaders, saying disagreements over outstanding provisions should be addressed through dialogue rather than used to suggest that no progress has been achieved.
“Peace cannot mean permanent transition,” the statement said, framing the elections as an essential step toward restoring full democratic authority and giving South Sudanese citizens the opportunity to determine the direction of their country.
The presidency said the purpose of the peace process should ultimately be to create conditions in which citizens can exercise their political rights and legitimate elected authorities can govern.
The position is likely to sharpen an already intense debate over whether South Sudan is sufficiently prepared to conduct its first national elections since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
International partners, rights groups and other observers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of implementing critical political, constitutional and security reforms ahead of the vote. The government, however, is increasingly stressing that international assistance should strengthen domestic institutions rather than dictate political outcomes.
Juba Insists Sovereignty Must Remain Central
A major theme of the presidential statement is national ownership, with the government arguing that constitutional, judicial, security and economic reforms must be led by South Sudanese institutions.
While acknowledging the importance of international expertise and assistance, the presidency said political decisions ultimately belong to South Sudanese citizens and institutions.
“Partnership must not become external direction,” the government said.
The statement presents sovereignty not simply as a diplomatic principle but as a central condition for the country’s transition, signaling that Juba is increasingly resistant to external prescriptions on how the peace process and elections should proceed.
Government Defends Judicial Independence
The presidency also strongly defended South Sudan’s judicial processes, saying cases already before the courts should be allowed to proceed without external interference or political prejudgment.
According to the statement, political commentary should not substitute for due process and respect for the rule of law requires allowing judicial proceedings to reach their conclusions.
The comments come amid heightened international scrutiny of South Sudan’s political and judicial environment as the country moves toward elections.
The government said reforms should strengthen existing institutions rather than undermine them, arguing that confidence in the country’s judiciary and other state structures will be essential to building a sustainable political system.
Security Reform Must Be South Sudanese-Led
The presidency acknowledged that security-sector reform and the professionalization and unification of South Sudan’s security institutions remain important priorities.
However, it rejected the idea that security arrangements should be dictated from outside the country.
The government said reforms must be undertaken through South Sudanese institutions and in accordance with national laws and political agreements, with the ultimate objective of creating a professional, unified and nationally representative security sector.
Security arrangements remain among the most consequential elements of the peace agreement, particularly as the country approaches elections. The ability of political parties and citizens to campaign and participate freely will depend heavily on stability and confidence in state security institutions.
Government Acknowledges Need for Greater Economic Accountability
Beyond politics and security, the presidency acknowledged weaknesses in public financial management and called for greater transparency and accountability.
It pointed to agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism as sectors with significant potential to strengthen South Sudan’s economy if peace and political stability are consolidated.
International partners, the statement said, can play an important role through investment and capacity building, but the government insisted that South Sudan must retain ownership of its economic transformation and determine how national resources are used for the benefit of its population.
The emphasis on economic reform comes as South Sudan continues to face enormous development challenges despite possessing significant natural resources, particularly oil.
International Support Should Strengthen Institutions
The government singled out Germany’s humanitarian and development assistance for appreciation while calling for continued cooperation with the broader international community.
However, it said effective international assistance should reinforce South Sudanese institutions, encourage dialogue rather than dictate outcomes and support democratic development instead of contributing to a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
The presidency concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace, dialogue, reform and democracy while making clear that Juba expects international engagement to be conducted on the basis of “mutual respect, partnership and sovereignty.”
“The measure of peace should not be how long South Sudan remains in transition, but whether it can move toward a stable political order in which its people freely determine their future,” the statement said.
With the December elections drawing closer, the declaration lays out an increasingly assertive government position: South Sudan wants continued international assistance, but it does not want international partners determining the pace, structure or outcome of its political transition.
That position is likely to remain at the center of discussions between Juba and its international partners in the months ahead as attention turns to whether the government can translate its commitment to national ownership into conditions for a peaceful, inclusive and credible election.
