Justice group calls for postponement of S. Sudan elections

January 23, 2015 (KAMPALA) – The Africa Centre for Transitional Justice (ACTJ) insists South Sudan’s upcoming election be postponed until peace returns to the country.

“It’s going to be difficult for elections to be carried out in the entire nation, particularly in Greater Upper Nile region, Lakes state and some parts in Equatoria region,” Kuc told Sudan Tribune.

“We do fear that, the outcome of an election could create another war that would take the Republic of South Sudan to square one,” he added.

The official also lauded the recent stand by the United States not to support South Sudan’s polls, scheduled to be conducted on 30 June.

“We are adding our sincere calls to government position not to support such elections and we call upon the international community and other peace loving countries around the world not to support such an unorganised voting exercise,” Kuc said.

ACTJ’s communication officer, Peter Gai Manyuon, said justice should be pursued if the country is to receive any lasting peace.

“We strongly support the formation of hybrid court in South Sudan to try and hold all the culprits who have committed gross human rights violations and atrocities all over South Sudan,” said Manyoun.

“Justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity should be first priority before any election is carried out,” he added.

Earlier this year, over 29 locals and International organisations petitioned US leader, Barrack Obama demanding that an arms embargo be imposed on the young nation.

The groups also demanded that the East African regional bloc (IGAD) and other countries mediating South Sudan’s peace talks refer cases to African Union and the United Nations Security Council for final resolution on ending the country’s bloody conflict.

South Sudan stands to lose between $22 and $28 million if the ongoing conflict continues over the next one to five years, the London-based Frontier Economics recently warned.

(ST)