South Sudan stands at a dangerous political crossroads. The country’s long-awaited elections should represent a peaceful transition from a prolonged period of conflict and transitional rule. Instead, the current rush to organise elections—despite unresolved political, legal, security and institutional questions—risks turning the ballot box into another battlefield. The warning from the United Nations should not be dismissed as an attempt to delay democracy. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has cautioned that rushing elections without essential safeguards could deepen existing conflicts and increase the risk of atrocity crimes, including crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing. This is a warning that must be treated as a national emergency, not as ordinary diplomatic commentary. A dangerous contradiction. On the one hand, the President of the Republic is urging state institutions to accelerate election preparations. On the other hand, UN offic...
To Obbo, courtesy photo. Dear Hon. Lam Francis What Happened to the Promises? I am writing to remind you of some of your promises to the people of Magwi County when you took office. One of your promises was to look into the roads connecting payams and villages across the county, which sounded sensible. We even heard about the UNDP road project to construct the Magwi–Pajok road, a vital link in the Acholi Corridor that connects the town to Juba. It was in early April when your office broadcasted the news, and now, four months later, we have yet to see any work begin. Yet the road in the picture is completely broken down. Could you please instil some trust in the public regarding your promises? Hon. Sir, we write not to condemn you, nor do we expect condemnation from you. The reasons we have witnessed the dismissal of some leaders in the country are often due to a lack of delivery, even when they have the potential to perform. I am curious you may be affected. I kindly appeal to yo...