AUC5 chair Ramaphosa warns S. Sudan elections alone cannot guarantee peace

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that elections alone cannot guarantee peace and democracy in South Sudan.

Speaking during the C5 meeting on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the country’s planned elections must be backed by an inclusive political process, security arrangements and adequate institutional capacity.

His remarks come as South Sudan prepares for its first general elections since independence, following the dissolution of the transitional government on September 22, the amendment of the 2012 National Elections Act and the launch of the Inter-Party Political Dialogue on September 24.

“We know that elections on their own are not a significant or sufficient guarantor of peace and democracy,” Ramaphosa said.

He said credible elections must be preceded and accompanied by a genuine, inclusive political process, as well as security arrangements and protection for electoral staff, civilians and the electoral process.

“There must be a clear legal framework, adequate financing and capable institutional as well as operational capacity,” he said.

Ramaphosa said outstanding challenges must be urgently addressed to create conditions for lasting and durable peace.

He called on South Sudanese political leaders to overcome their differences and address the challenges facing the country.

“We call on the leaders of South Sudan to seize this moment, to come together despite their differences, to discuss the problems and challenges that stand in the way of their advancement,” he said.

Ramaphosa also welcomed the African Union’s technical pre-election and needs assessment mission, which visited Juba from August 23 to 28.

He said regional leaders remain ready to support South Sudan as it moves towards elections.

“The people of South Sudan must know that they do not stand alone. Their peace is our peace, their stability is our stability and their success is our success,” Ramaphosa said.