South Sudan government postpones elections for fourth time, sparking outrage

In South Sudan, a country that has struggled to secure a stable democratic process since its independence, the planned elections have faced significant delays. The elections, originally scheduled for November 2024, have now been rescheduled for late 2026 due to internal power struggles among the government factions. This delay marks the fourth consecutive postponement and has drawn criticism from international donors such as Canada and the United States, who emphasize that timely elections are crucial for strengthening stability and democracy. The ongoing conflict and violence in the region exacerbate the lack of political progress as civil unrest culminates in clashes and violent incidents, including recent gunfire in the capital city of Juba, resulting in casualties. The nation remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, which has been severely impacted, leading to unpaid wages for security forces. As a result, many soldiers and police officers have left their jobs, contributing to an overall unstable security situation and worsening humanitarian conditions. Over three-quarters of the population requires humanitarian assistance due to acute food insecurity driven by prolonged conflict. With the majority of resources consumed by elite interests, such as the family of the president, Salva Kiir, who holds stakes in numerous private companies, public trust in governmental institutions continues to dwindle. Transparency International ranks South Sudan among the most corrupt nations globally, which further complicates the prospects for a functional democracy. Former officials from the Trump administration have expressed skepticism regarding the commitment of South Sudanese leaders to genuinely pursue democratic elections, citing a preference for power-sharing arrangements reminiscent of a