JUBA, FEBRUARY 25, 2025 (CISA) The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has initiated a civic education and observer mission program to support the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference (SSCBC) and other Churches in preparation for South Sudan’s General Elections, now scheduled for December 2026. The initiative aims to enhance democratic participation and ensure a smooth electoral process in a country that has faced significant challenges in its transition to democracy.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, was initially set to hold its first-ever General Elections in 2023. However, the elections were postponed to 2026 due to ongoing political instability, inadequate preparations, and security concerns. The transitional government, formed after a 2018 peace agreement, cited delays in implementing key electoral infrastructure, including voter registration, constituency demarcation, and security sector reforms.
The country has also struggled with governance issues, ethnic tensions, and sporadic violence, all of which have contributed to fears that an unprepared election could lead to further conflict. The postponement, while criticized by some opposition groups, was seen by others as a necessary step to allow for better preparation and a more inclusive electoral process.
Fr Paul Munga’thia Igweta, The Coordinator for Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) at AMECEA, emphasized AMECEA’s commitment to supporting the Justice and Peace Commission at the SSCBC and other Churches in their role as election observers. He noted that AMECEA aims to involve various stakeholders, including indigenous traditional community leaders, to mobilize and facilitate collaborative actions that will ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
Fr Igweta also urged the bishops of SSCBC and other Church leaders to continue releasing pastoral statements before and after the elections, reinforcing the message of peace and national unity. He stressed that the civic education program is intended to prevent divisions and conflicts that could arise during the electoral period.
Rt Rev Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, South Sudan, who serves as the President of the Integral Human Development Commission of the SSCBC, commended AMECEA’s efforts in working with the people of South Sudan. He highlighted that the support from AMECEA is crucial in overcoming the challenges that South Sudanese citizens face in understanding and participating in democratic processes.
Bishop Hiiboro underscored the importance of starting civic education at the grassroots level, noting that a lack of awareness about elections remains a major challenge in South Sudan.
“There is too much ignorance about elections, and it is essential to educate our people from the community level upwards,” he stated.
As part of its mission, AMECEA recently also organized a workshop attended by 12 Church leaders from South Sudan. The workshop focused on educating Church leaders on their roles in civic education and election observation. Through such initiatives, AMECEA seeks to empower religious leaders to act as ambassadors of peace and democracy, guiding their communities towards a stable and inclusive electoral process.
