By Deng Machol
JUBA — The United States Embassy in Juba has urged the government of Salva Kiir to release detained opposition leader Riek Machar and implement critical political reforms before proceeding with long-delayed elections, warning that credible polls cannot take place under current conditions.
In a statement issued Monday, the Embassy said Washington would view “successful and peaceful elections as a positive step in support of peace and accountability,” but stressed that the necessary political environment is not yet in place.
According to the U.S., any meaningful electoral process must be preceded by an immediate return to dialogue among parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
“Genuine dialogue cannot happen when key leaders are imprisoned,” the statement noted, referencing Machar — head of the second-largest party to the peace deal — who has been suspended and is currently facing trial over conflict-related issues in the country’s north.
The Embassy underscored that political inclusivity is essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring elections contribute to long-term stability rather than deepen divisions.
Washington also called on the transitional government to demonstrate financial responsibility by funding the electoral process domestically, alongside meeting basic obligations such as paying civil servants and delivering essential public services.
“We expect the transitional government to fund elections with its own public resources, just as we expect it to start funding public services and government salaries,” the statement said.
The U.S. further warned that future American support for South Sudan’s elections — including assistance channeled through the United Nations — would depend on the government’s willingness to commit its own resources to the process.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to impose any political model, Washington outlined its core priorities: peace, responsible use of public funds, and an end to the misuse of international assistance.
“These priorities shape our position on elections,” the statement said.
South Sudan’s elections, mandated under the 2018 peace agreement, have been repeatedly postponed, raising growing concern among international partners over the country’s fragile transition.
Renewing its appeal, the U.S. urged authorities to act decisively.
“The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace,” the statement concluded. “We call on the transitional government to honor its commitments and deliver for its people.”
