South Sudan parties need to maintain the peace before elections

As the country heads for the 2024 elections, the prevailing relative peace in Juba and some parts of the country should be maintained or improved.

Elections cannot be held amid uncertainty and fear among the populace. President Salva Kiir and other leaders who are signatories to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement need to continue to dialogue and further build trust among themselves if the peace process is to succeed.

South Sudan needs to allay fears that it could descend into post-election violence due to prevailing conditions in the country.

The upcoming election remains a test for South Sudan as it embarks on the path of transitioning from a cycle of violence since winning independence in 2011.

The parties within the transitional unity government should not be complacent over the small things they have managed to put in place, but they should continue to speed up the remaining critical tasks in the peace deal.

The international community and the region well aware of the challenges South Sudan faces are watching the space, with many of them doubting the ability of the current leaders to hold free,fair and credible election.