South Sudan in Crisis Before Elections

The head of the UN mission in South Sudan has urged for an increase in peacekeeping troops as the nation prepares for its first election since gaining independence. The security situation remains precarious, particularly in Abiemnom, where armed groups from Warrap state have conducted violent raids. Currently, only 72 UN peacekeepers are stationed in a modest outpost that opened in May, struggling to maintain stability in the region. As South Sudan gears up for this pivotal election, originally scheduled for December, concerns are mounting over the country's readiness. The election is intended to fulfill a peace agreement established five years ago, which aimed to end a civil war that resulted in over 400,000 deaths. However, the nation is grappling with a severe food crisis, the burden of hosting 700,000 refugees from Sudan, and a significant decline in humanitarian aid, with three-quarters of the population in need of assistance. UN envoy Nicholas Haysom has expressed alarm over the potential for renewed conflict, likening the situation to the ongoing violence in Sudan. He highlighted that the country is experiencing heightened anxiety and that preparations for the elections are lagging. Haysom emphasized that academic research indicates elections can often trigger conflict, raising further doubts about the feasibility of a peaceful electoral process. Despite these challenges, Haysom noted that the South Sudanese people are eager to embark on a democratic journey, underscoring the urgent need for a clear vision and effective planning for the upcoming elections.