Overview
- The independent UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan issued an advisory on Thursday warning that political, security and human rights protections needed for a peaceful, credible vote are largely absent.
- The commission noted that national elections are scheduled for Dec. 22, 2026, and said holding the vote without restoring inclusive politics and security consolidation could fuel renewed conflict.
- Fighting has resumed across Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity and Equatoria states, and the panel recorded 407 ceasefire violations between August 2025 and January 2026, which it says heightens risks to civilians.
- Nearly half of the key provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement (R-ARCSS) remain unimplemented, including plans to unify competing security forces that could curb armed clashes.
- The commissioners warned the window to prevent a return to 2013–2018 levels of atrocities and displacement is closing and urged immediate steps to restore inclusive dialogue, independent justice and reliable ceasefire monitoring to protect civilians.