September 18, 2024 (JUBA) – The announcement of another extension of the transitional period marks the failure of South Sudan’s leaders to create the conditions necessary to hold genuine, peaceful and inclusive elections, the United States (US) ambassador to Juba said in a statement. The statement comes barely a week after South Sudan’s parties to the September 2018 peace agreement announced an additional two-year extension to the country’s transitional period. “We are deeply disappointed by this failure, because peace is our priority, and we are convinced that the best way to secure peace in South Sudan is by creating the conditions to hold such elections,” said Ambassador Michael J. Adler. According to the diplomat, despite significant international support, including identification of 10 key issues for decision related to elections by the UN, AU, and IGAD, South Sudan’s political leaders have collectively failed to create the conditions necessary for such elections to take place. “They have failed to make adequate public revenue available for electoral institutions, for security sector and civil service salaries, for basic services, or to mitigate the impact of humanitarian crisis,” said Adler. “Our question then must be what is the priority of South Sudan’s leaders? We renew …

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