President Ramaphosa: South Sudan needs inclusive political process for credible elections

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Sudan needs a genuine and inclusive political process to ensure credible elections.

Ramaphosa made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, and member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD.

He said credible elections require adequate security arrangements, a clear legal framework and sufficient institutional capacity.

Ramaphosa also called on South Sudanese leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue to promote lasting peace and stability.

“Their peace is our peace, their stability is our stability, and their success is our success,” he said.

The South African president stressed that support from the African Union, the C5 and international partners should strengthen South Sudanese ownership of the peace process.

“The support of the C5, the African Union and international partners must reinforce South Sudanese national ownership and respond to clearly identified priorities,” Ramaphosa said.

His remarks come as South Sudan continues preparations for elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, under the country’s transitional political arrangements.

Ramaphosa said regional and international support should focus on priorities identified by South Sudanese stakeholders while helping address the political, security and institutional challenges facing the country.