AU: South Sudan Election Funding Gap Needs $250M by October

• The African Union has appealed for international funding to cover a $250 million gap for South Sudan's December 22 elections, setting an October deadline for contributions.
• South Sudan's government has provided $27 million for the elections, while the U.S. insists the country should finance its own polls.
• The AU Peace and Security Council expressed deep concern over administrative shortfalls, a deteriorating security situation, and persistent disagreements among peace agreement signatories.
• The council demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged direct political dialogue to ensure credible elections, reiterating the transitional mandate must end by February 2027.
• The AU also condemned an August 24 ambush that killed two UN peacekeepers and warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

This divergence underscores the complex financial and political challenges confronting South Sudan as it prepares for the crucial December ballot.

The African Union has issued a pressing call to its member states, international partners, and various donors to address a significant financial shortfall for South Sudan's upcoming December elections. A deadline of October has been set for these entities to submit concrete contributions directly to the AU Commission. The nation's National Elections Commission (NEC) has projected a requirement of approximately $250 million to successfully conduct the polls, which are slated for December 22. This election marks South Sudan's inaugural general vote since gaining independence in 2011.

To date, the South Sudanese government has contributed a total of $27 million towards the electoral process. This sum includes an initial allocation of $21 million designated for general election preparations, followed by an additional $6 million specifically provided for civic and voter education initiatives. The NEC, which commenced nationwide civic and voter education in June after receiving this latter tranche of funds, has consistently identified funding as a primary obstacle to its operations.

This appeal for external support, however, stands in contrast to the position articulated by the United States. On August 31, Washington stated that if South Sudan proceeds with elections, they should be conducted peacefully and financed exclusively from the country's own public resources. This divergence underscores the complex financial and political challenges confronting South Sudan as it prepares for the crucial December ballot.

Beyond the immediate financial deficit, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) has voiced profound concerns regarding the overall environment for the December elections. In a communiqué adopted on August 26 and subsequently released, the council highlighted significant administrative and funding shortfalls impacting South Sudan's electoral bodies. It urged the transitional government to ensure predictable domestic funding for the NEC, the National Constitutional Review Commission, and the Political Parties Council. Furthermore, the AU PSC called for the publication of a realistic and consensual electoral roadmap.

The AU has outlined several prerequisites for credible elections, emphasizing the necessity of sufficient political consensus, inclusivity, an open civic space, and robust citizen security. It also stressed the importance of effective dispute-resolution mechanisms and the full participation of women, youth, and displaced populations. The council expressed deep apprehension about the deteriorating political and security landscape within South Sudan, pointing to persistent disagreements among the signatories of the 2018 peace agreement and the failure to convene a planned inter-party dialogue. Armed confrontations in regions such as Jonglei and Upper Nile, among others, were also cited as contributing to this instability.

In light of the escalating tensions, the AU reiterated its firm stance that the transitional mandate must conclude in February 2027, without any further extensions. The organization strongly urged the transitional government and all signatories to the peace agreement to re-engage in direct political dialogue, free from preconditions. This crucial process is to be supported by the AU itself, its High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The AU also issued a demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities and military mobilization, asserting unequivocally that there is no military solution to South Sudan's political disputes. The AU PSC condemned an ambush that occurred on August 24 in Jonglei State, which resulted in the deaths of two Ethiopian United Nations peacekeepers and injuries to seven others. It pressed South Sudanese authorities to thoroughly investigate this attack and hold those responsible accountable. Additionally, the council warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by insecurity, economic instability, and climate shocks, and appealed for increased international financial, technical, and material assistance. The AU plans to convene a dedicated session in October to assess electoral preparedness and has requested its Commission to provide a detailed evaluation of South Sudan's readiness for the vote.

Lawyers advising clients with interests in South Sudan should closely monitor the AU's efforts to secure election funding and the broader political stability. The significant funding gap and lack of consensus signal heightened political and security risks for business operations and investments ahead of the December elections, necessitating a review of risk assessments and contingency plans.

Source: Original reporting via African Union communiqué and related statements.