UN Official Urges South Sudan to Move Toward Elections

Nicholas Haysom, head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, told the U.N. Security Council that 2023 is a critical year for the world's youngest country. A new constitution must be drafted and preparations completed for the first national elections scheduled for elections in December 2024, he said.

Haysom noted that the fighting in Sudan is also impacting South Sudan's economy, as many goods imported from its northern neighbour have been disrupted, driving up prices. South Sudan's economy is dependent on its oil exports, which Haysom noted go out via Port Sudan. Their interruption could have devastating effects on the economy.

After independence from Sudan in July 2011, South Sudan slid into more than five years of civil war, with forces loyal to President Salva Kiir battling supporters of Vice President Riek Machar.

Thousands of people died in the war, and more than 2 million fled to neighbouring countries, including Sudan. Since mid-April 2023, when a rivalry between two Sudanese generals turned into open conflict, more than 117,000 people crossed back into South Sudan, seeking safety.