2/15/2023
Washington, D.C.
Letter to the United Nations Security Council
Dear {X}
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to you on behalf of the World Liberty Congress, an organization which represents hundreds of pro-democracy leaders in 44 different countries under the rule of autocrats. We write in regards to the recent developments in South Sudan, where the government has officially requested the support of the United Nations to conduct democratic elections for the first time.
As we’re sure you’re aware, South Sudan was born out of a promise of democracy in 2011 after decades of devastating conflicts. But only two years after its independence, a bitter power struggle plunged the country into a new civil war – leading to catastrophic loss of life and denying South Sudanese people the future of peace, justice and freedom for which they sacrificed so much to create. As a result of the conflict and the failure of South Sudanese government to create a conducive environment for elections, the polls have since been postponed five times. The country has been ruled by transitional governments created by peace deals, consisting primarily of armed actors. This has prevented the emergence of non-violent politics in South Sudan, empowered armed actors, and undermined the ability of its people to choose their own leaders.
It is precisely because of this recent history that we are glad that the South Sudanese Government has finally relented and requested the assistance of the United Nations – which has a large peacekeeping force of more than 21,000 troops deployed across the country under Chapter VII of the UN Charter – to help the country create the conducive environment for elections and to render it all necessary assistance to ensure that credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections are finally held. This moment presents a real opportunity for restoring democracy and legitimacy to South Sudan. For those who value democracy and human rights, this is not a request which can be rejected.
The World Liberty Congress is firmly convinced that free and fair elections are the best tool for ensuring the participation of citizens and for creating free and resilient societies. We are convinced that the UNSC possesses the experience, means, and mandate to see this mission through. We call attention to the historical precedents where the UN has successfully provided electoral assistance. Of particular note is the case of Cote d’Ivoire in 2010, where the UN led an impartial election in coordination with the Ivorian government, and used its mandate to arrest Laurent Gbagbo when he refused to recognize the results.
As the reauthorization of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – the peacekeeping force in South Sudan – comes up for renewal next month, we urge the Security Council to ensure that the request of the South Sudanese government is incorporated into UNMISS’ mandate. In addition, we urge the Security Council to ensure that the UNMISS is provided with the necessary tools and resources to ensure that the elections will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible. Of particular importance is to facilitate the safe return of exiled opposition political leaders to the country and ensure that they are able to participate in this democratic exercise without fear and / or intimidation. Finally, we urge the Security Council to set the date for the elections, in accordance with the current peace agreement, as they have been continuously postponed by the regime, to avoid further delay. It is time that South Sudanese people finally decide the trajectory of their country for themselves.
The gravity of this moment cannot be overstated. While the international community has stood by the people South Sudan in their long march to freedom, the hour has come for the United Nations in coordination with the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to help them realize the promise of democracy in practice through the peaceful exercise of universal suffrage. We hope the Security Council will embrace this responsibility with the utmost professionalism and integrity for which the United Nations is known.
Sincerely,
