The US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler - Eye Radio/ Stephen Omiri

The U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan has called on the government to undertake institutional reforms necessary for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections including ensuring impartiality of the army and police forces.

Ambassador Michael J. Adler the remarks on the occasion of the South Sudan Political Parties Forum – an event to discuss federalism in the country, on Wednesday.

Washington’s top diplomat in the country, emphasized that Juba fully commits itself to “what is absolutely essential for free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.”

Ambassador Adler said the peace parties must take into account that they are one year behind in fulfilling commitments in the 2018 peace deal and added that the most critical task at hand is to ensure a peaceful democratic transition.

This, he said, could be made possible by opening civic and political space and creating a politically neutral force.

“It is a matter of urgency that the transitional government proceed to take those actions that are essential for there to be free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections, specifically steps that will create (1) civic and political space and (2) politically neutral security forces, including police,” the envoy said in a speech emailed to Eye Radio.

“Accomplishing this will create an environment in which the South Sudanese people can freely choose their leaders and exercise their rightful voice in determining their country’s future,
without fear.”

Mr Adler further said the South Sudan government must “use public revenue transparently for public purposes, including support for electoral institutions, as well as salaries for security and civil service personnel.”

The U.S. official said paying the salary of civil servants and organized forces is important because they play a role in creating an environment conducive to peaceful elections.

He further reiterated that the Biden Administration and international partners have “always” stood for peace and a better future for the people of South Sudan.

“This is the future that the United States and other countries have sought for decades to help the people of this country achieve.”