Media Home
UN Web TV
UN Audiovisual Library
UN PhotoSOUTH SUDAN / POLITICAL PARTIES FORUM
Download
There is no media available to download.
Share
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / POLITICAL PARTIES FORUM
TRT: 03:17
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 17 FEBRUARY 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, delegates in the hall
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Musa Gassama, Human Rights Director, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
“The people of South Sudan have waited too long for lasting peace, for stability, and democratic governance. Their patience is not infinite. They expect that this extension will not merely prolong the status quo but will instead lead to concrete actions that will result in the implementation of the peace agreement, credible elections and the establishment of inclusive democratic institutions that represents the will of all South Sudanese.”
3. Various shots, political party members
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Prosper Addo, Senior Political Affairs Officer, African Union Mission In South Sudan:
“This is a time to cross fertilize ideas, build consensus, and make concrete decisions on transforming or transitioning the country from its conflict and post-conflict status to a credible democracy. This democracy must reflect a civic and political space where all state institutions are fully functional and play their roles at least optimally.”
5. Various shots, party members
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Peter James Lemi, Executive Secretary, Political Parties Council:
“I urge the convention to ensure that the political parties can exercise their rights and contribution in accordance with the law to foster the democratic process and democratic exercise in this country."
7. Various shots, people in the hall
8. SOUNDBITE (English) David Kwaje, Head, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD):
“The extension of the transitional period provided an opportunity to complete this critical and painting task. However, further delays should be avoided. IGAD supports this extension with the expectation that concrete mechanisms are put in place to ensure timely implementation.” “South Sudan has come a long way on the path to peace. However, the challenges remain.”
9. Various shots, members of political party
Under the theme “The Political Transition of South Sudan: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future,” the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) convened a Political Parties Forum in the capital, Juba to discuss how to strengthen public participation in political and democratic processes and establish a transparent, robust and competitive political environment for parties.
A Revitalized Peace Agreement, signed in 2018, provided a glimmer of hope for South Sudan’s citizens that the better future they have been promised for so long would finally become a reality. However, frequent delays to the implementation of that agreement have led to uncertainty around the country’s transition to sustainable peace and democracy.
The decision to, yet again, extend the transitional government and delay elections by a further two years has left many South Sudanese disappointed, frustrated and confused.
SOUNDBITE (English) Musa Gassama, Human Rights Director, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
“The people of South Sudan have waited too long for lasting peace, for stability, and democratic governance. Their patience is not infinite. They expect that this extension will not merely prolong the status quo but will instead lead to concrete actions that will result in the implementation of the peace agreement, credible elections and the establishment of inclusive democratic institutions that represents the will of all South Sudanese.”
The forum focused on meeting critical benchmarks, including finalizing Transitional Security Arrangements, constitution-making, fully funding and operationalizing electoral bodies, and establishing key justice mechanisms.
SOUNDBITE (English) Prosper Addo, Senior Political Affairs Officer, African Union Mission In South Sudan:
“This is a time to cross fertilize ideas, build consensus, and make concrete decisions on transforming or transitioning the country from its conflict and post-conflict status to a credible democracy. This democracy must reflect a civic and political space where all state institutions are fully functional and play their roles at least optimally.”
SOUNDBITE (English) Peter James Lemi, Executive Secretary, Political Parties Council:
“I urge the convention to ensure that the political parties can exercise their rights and contribution in accordance with the law to foster the democratic process and democratic exercise in this country."
International peace monitors and partners are urging the country’s leaders to demonstrate the political will and take the necessary action to deliver on their promise of peace, democracy, and development.
SOUNDBITE (English) David Kwaje, Head, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD):
“The extension of the transitional period provided an opportunity to complete this critical and painting task. However, further delays should be avoided. IGAD supports this extension with the expectation that concrete mechanisms are put in place to ensure timely implementation.” “South Sudan has come a long way on the path to peace. However, the challenges remain.”
A series of actions were recommended by participants to accelerate efforts to deliver on all elements of the peace deal so that the country’s citizens can have the opportunity they deserve to elect their own leaders in 2026.
