Civil Society conference in Juba.

South Sudanese stakeholders and adherents to the Revitalized Peace Agreement have warned that the planned December 2026 elections could lack credibility unless urgent reforms are completed before the polls.

In a statement issued in Juba on July 7, 2026, the group said the announcement of December 22, 2026, as the election date shows political commitment but cautioned that setting a date alone does not guarantee a free and fair electoral process.

“A date, however welcome, does not in itself guarantee credible elections,” the statement said, warning that delays in implementing key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement risk undermining public confidence and national stability.

The stakeholders acknowledged progress made under the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, including continued political engagement, constitution-making and electoral preparations.

They also commended regional and international partners, particularly former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, for efforts to support dialogue, address political disagreements and facilitate the release of political detainees.

However, they called for immediate action to complete the unification of forces, operationalise security arrangements, finalise the permanent constitution, conduct a national census, expand civic and political space, and strengthen electoral institutions.

“Elections must be the outcome of a stable and enabling environment, not a substitute for one,” the statement said.

The group also called for the immediate establishment of the Commission for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation, saying transitional justice is necessary to rebuild trust among communities and political leaders.

They urged political leaders to move beyond procedural talks and pursue genuine consensus-building on unresolved issues, while calling on regional and international partners to maintain pressure and support for full implementation of the peace agreement.

“This transition is no mere formality; it is the defining test of political will,” the stakeholders said, warning that South Sudan cannot afford a return to instability or further delays to its democratic future.