JUBA: The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) congratulate the Republic of South Sudan on its 13th anniversary of independence.
At this moment of national unity, the partners urge the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to reach consensus on the way forward and provide clarity on the electoral roadmap.
AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS note the proliferation of statements and decisions by the Parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, other political stakeholders, and national electoral institutions on measures related to the transition.
While the holding of elections is the sovereign prerogative of South Sudan, AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS stress the importance of electoral decisions being taken by consensus and in accordance with agreed processes, procedures, and timelines.
Finally, now, more than ever, AUMISS, IGAD and UNMISS appeal to the Parties to work collectively for the sake of sustained peace and stability. In this regard, the partners reiterate their full support for all efforts to ultimately deliver peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the electorate.