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Reported by Emmanuel Garjiek
Kaustubh Sharma, Deputy Police Commissioner of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has stressed the importance of South Sudan holding free and fair elections in 2026 to strengthen democracy. Speaking at a three-day capacity-building workshop on child protection for senior police officers in Juba, Sharma emphasized that credible elections are essential for legitimate governance.
He noted that repeated delays have hindered South Sudan’s electoral progress but urged authorities to move forward, as legitimacy in a democracy comes from leaders being elected by the people. Sharma also highlighted the role of police training in ensuring a safe environment for the elections and reiterated UNMISS’s commitment to supporting the government in the process.
South Sudan’s transitional government extended the electoral timeline to December 22, 2026, citing the need to complete key tasks such as drafting a permanent constitution, conducting a national census, and registering political parties. However, this delay has drawn criticism from civil society groups and international peace guarantors, who urge the government to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement.
“As the saying goes, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. While South Sudan has been preparing for elections for quite some time, repeated delays have hindered progress. Nevertheless, it is essential that the country moves forward. In a democracy, legitimacy stems from the people electing their leaders—leaders who truly represent their will,” Sharma said. “So, without elections, the legitimacy, you never know whether the government in power is the one that is being sought by the people or being approved by the leaders. This workshop will be a testament to our collective foresight in safeguarding that future, especially of our children.”
Kaustubh Sharma emphasized that the child protection workshop is not just about training police officers—it represents a shared commitment to securing South Sudan’s future, especially for its children. He highlighted that safeguarding children’s rights is essential for building a stable and democratic society.
The workshop focused on monitoring and reporting grave violations against children, including recruitment into armed groups, attacks on schools, and sexual violence. Sharma reiterated that ensuring a safe environment for children is a key step toward credible elections in 2026.
“This workshop stands as a testament to our collective foresight in safeguarding the future of South Sudan, especially for the younger generation,” he added.
Kaustubh Sharma’s statement comes amid growing pressure from national and international actors urging South Sudanese authorities to ensure timely and transparent elections in 2026, seen as a crucial step toward lasting peace and democratic governance.
Sharma emphasized that the police training—which focuses on monitoring and reporting grave violations against children—will also contribute to creating a safe environment for the elections. He reiterated UNMISS’s commitment to supporting the government in conducting the elections next year.
South Sudan’s transitional government extended the electoral timeline to December 22, 2026, citing the need to complete key tasks such as drafting a permanent constitution, conducting a national census, and registering political parties. However, this delay has drawn criticism from civil society groups and international peace guarantors, who urge the government to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement.
“Just early this month, the UN Security Council renewed UNMISS’s mandate and again underscored the unwavering international commitment to peace and security in South Sudan, especially from across the state,” Sharma said. “This workshop stands as powerful evidence of UNMISS ensuring commitment to the protection of civilians, which is one of the main tasks given to UNMISS. I mean, other than that, we are supporting the government in making or preparing for elections, in improving the system of the rule of law.”
South Sudan’s transitional government announced on 13 September 2024 that the national elections would be postponed to 22 December 2026, extending the transitional period by two years. The government cited the need to complete critical tasks such as drafting a permanent constitution, conducting a national census, and registering political parties.
However, the decision has faced strong criticism from civil society organizations and international peace guarantors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. These actors expressed disappointment over the delay, emphasizing that elections are essential for sustained peace and urging South Sudanese authorities to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement.
Ter Manyang, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), voiced concerns about whether South Sudan will be able to conduct elections as scheduled. He warned that ongoing tensions between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) could jeopardize the fragile peace and erode trust among political stakeholders.
“I am not optimistic that elections will be conducted in December 2026 unless there is a miracle,” he said.
The three-day training for senior police officers in Juba covered critical topics related to child protection and the six grave violations against children. These violations include: Recruitment and use of children in armed groups,Killing and maiming of children, Rape and other forms of sexual violence, Attacks on and occupation of schools, Denial of humanitarian access to children in need
Additionally, the training explored the impact of elections on children’s rights and welfare, emphasizing the need for safe environments during the electoral process. The workshop aimed to equip officers with the knowledge to monitor and report violations, ensuring better protection for children as South Sudan prepares for its 2026 elections.
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