Following the announced dissolution of South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, a decisive step towards the country’s first-ever elections scheduled for December 22, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:
“Ahead of these long-awaited and historic elections, South Sudanese authorities must ensure that a conducive environment exists for people to vote and stand in elections, including respect for and enjoyment of human rights, and freedom from discrimination and arbitrary or unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions.
“The legitimacy of any election depends not only on whether it is held, but on whether people can exercise their rights freely, safely and equally. For years, Amnesty International and other organizations have documented the repressive tactics deployed by the South Sudanese authorities to silence dissent, detain critics, and restrict freedom of expression and the right to protest.
“At this pivotal moment, we call on the South Sudanese authorities to immediately guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly; end the intimidation of journalists, civil society actors and political opponents; and create conditions that enable all South Sudanese to participate in public affairs freely and without fear.”
Background
On September 21, President Salva Kiir Mayardit signed into law The National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, allowing him to remain in office with full constitutional powers throughout the electoral period and authorizing him to dissolve the transitional government.
In August, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that elections conducted without adequate safeguards could fuel renewed conflict and increase the risk of serious human rights violations and atrocity crimes.
In July, amid concerns about procedures, legality and legitimacy, President Salva Kiir Mayardit signed into law amendments to the 2018 peace agreement removing critical electoral preconditions including a national population and housing census and the adoption of a permanent constitution, deferring both processes until after elections.
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