UN Commission warns violence threatens South Sudan's first elections

September 11, 2026 at 04:33 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that violence, political tensions, and impunity threaten the country's first elections scheduled for December. The Commission called on authorities to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access. The warning follows a four-day visit during which members met with government, security, political, and civil society representatives.

Key Facts

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that violence, political tensions, and impunity threaten the country's first elections scheduled for December.
The Commission called on authorities to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of the elections.
During a four-day visit, Commission members met with government, security, political, and civil society representatives.
Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka visited Jonglei state and heard accounts of sexual violence, killings, displacement, and family separation.
The Commission expressed serious concern over a recent attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei state that killed two peacekeepers and wounded several others.

Election Threats

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that violence, political tensions, restrictions on civil liberties, entrenched corruption, and impunity continue to endanger both civilian safety and the planned transition to democratic governance. The Commission called on authorities to take urgent measures to protect civilians, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of the December elections. The warning followed the Commission's 14th mission to South Sudan in the past decade.

Ongoing Violence

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, but civil war erupted less than three years later over a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Despite a 2018 peace agreement, fighting continues. Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka visited Jonglei state and met people affected by recent clashes in the north of the region. She heard harrowing accounts of sexual violence, killings, forced displacement, and family separation, with some victims unable to access medical and psychological care.

Humanitarian Crisis

The Commission expressed serious concern over killings of civilians, attacks on civilian infrastructure, mass displacement, disruptions to aid delivery, and growing risks to humanitarian workers. Experts stressed that support for humanitarian operations and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is critical amid colossal humanitarian needs and acute funding shortages. The Commission also expressed extreme concern over a recent attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei state that killed two peacekeepers and wounded several others, calling for an investigation and accountability.