WATCH | ‘Fix it before you vote!’ — Cyril Ramaphosa warns South Sudan ahead of 2026 polls

Ramaphosa

Addis Ababa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that 2026 will be a defining moment for South Sudan, stressing the urgent need to resolve outstanding political issues before the country heads to the polls in December.

Speaking at the African Union Ad-hoc Committee Summit, held in partnership with the United Nations, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community, in Ethiopia on Sunday, Ramaphosa stressed that elections alone will not secure lasting peace in the world’s youngest democracy.

“The people of South Sudan yearn to live in a peaceful and prosperous country, and elections alone will not guarantee lasting peace.  Firstly, a conducive political and security environment is vital. Violence and conflict at any stage will undermine confidence and derail the process.

“Secondly, the political processes, such as the national dialogue and legal processes, must be genuinely inclusive.  They must bring together all signatories and stakeholders to the Revitalisation Agreement so that decisions reflect broad ownership, credibility and legitimacy,” Ramaphosa said.

South Sudan has struggled with civil war, poverty and corruption since gaining independence in 2011.

A brutal conflict between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar left nearly 400,000 people dead before a 2018 peace deal was signed.

Ramaphosa welcomed the government’s intention to hold elections and convene a national dialogue but emphasised the need for a secure political environment, inclusive processes and genuine reconciliation.

He said South Africa stands ready to support mediation and monitoring efforts, warning that decisions made in the coming months will determine whether South Sudan achieves durable peace or slips back into instability.

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