The United South Sudan Party (USSP) on Wednesday launched a training workshop for its members, saying it is preparing supporters for South Sudan’s planned December 2026 general elections while calling for a nonviolent transition of power.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Juba, USSP Chairperson Paulino Lukudu Obede said the party was committed to pursuing political change through peaceful means and urged members to reject violence, ethnic politics and military involvement in governance.
“The establishment of the USSP is to take power, and we are ready to take power,” he said. “For us to take power, we believe that we should not kill a single South Sudanese.”
The workshop, attended by party officials, youth, women, and representatives of persons with disabilities from across the country’s states and administrative areas, focused on the party’s constitution, manifesto, bylaws, and code of conduct.
Lukudu criticized South Sudan’s governance, citing unpaid civil servants, poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, and ethnic divisions, which he said had hindered national development.
“We are presiding over a country where people don’t get salaries for years, children don’t go to school in rural areas, roads are poor, and hospitals have no medicines,” he said.
He urged party members to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, saying South Sudan’s future depended on inclusive leadership rather than armed political competition.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Political Parties Council, including Deputy Chairperson Dr. Lorna James Elias, who encouraged political parties to strengthen internal democracy as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 2026.
James said well-organized political parties are essential to building a peaceful democratic system and called on parties to uphold transparency, accountability, and democratic values.
“We are looking for political parties that will be able to usher in a fair, inclusive and credible election so that the people of South Sudan will elect the leaders they want,” she said.
South Sudan has repeatedly postponed elections since gaining independence in 2011. The unity government has said the next polls are scheduled for December 2026 as part of the country’s extended transitional roadmap.
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