Flags of the Troika Countries | File photo.

Four Western country embassies in Juba have called on all South Sudan’s leaders of all parties to demonstrate their dedication to peace by urgently taking the steps necessary to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections in December 2024.

The call by the embassies of Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States comes as this month marks the tenth anniversary of the outbreak of South Sudan’s civil war.

About 400,000 people were reportedly killed in the 2013 and 2016 violent conflict.

In a joint statement to Eye Radio newsroom, the embassies said they remember all who lost their lives and suffered as a result of the war.

According to them, the conflict was a profound tragedy for the people of South Sudan, who had gained their independence amidst great international celebrations only two years before.

“At this time, we reaffirm our call on all South Sudan’s leaders of all parties to demonstrate their dedication to peace by urgently taking the steps necessary to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections in December 2024,” read the statement

The diplomatic missions added that the “leaders and all those in positions of power and influence must unequivocally renounce the use of violence to resolve political differences and commit to holding accountable those who fail to do so. We stand with those who work for peace in South Sudan.”