(JUBA) – The United Democratic Front (UDF) has called on the government of South Sudan to urgently tackle corruption, warning that the country’s democratic transition remains fragile without strong accountability and governance mechanisms.
Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, the UDF’s Acting Secretary General, Regina Massimo Bakheit, said that corruption continues to obstruct progress and delay critical reforms needed to stabilise the country. She announced a new national campaign by the party to advocate for transitional justice, truth-telling, and civic engagement.
“Today we are announcing a nationwide initiative to advocate for a transitional justice mechanism and truth-telling processes. Corruption must be addressed with urgency and resolve,” said Massimo.
She highlighted that South Sudan’s democratic future depends on recognising and valuing every citizen, regardless of their ethnic group, gender, region, or political views.
“We must focus on the values that bind us together as one people,” she said. “A truly democratic South Sudan is one where every citizen is seen, heard and valued.”
Massimo described this moment as a critical test of the country’s institutions and unity, calling for a recommitment to civil liberties, justice, and inclusive governance.
“We recognise that economic inequality, institutional mistrust and social division still persist in South Sudan,” she added.
She urged the public not to dwell on past grievances but to come together for national healing. According to her, the responsibility of reform cannot lie solely with leaders, but must also involve citizens in holding institutions accountable.
“This journey cannot be taken by leaders alone,” she said. “It requires citizens to hold us accountable, to participate meaningfully and to believe that their voice matters and hurts when ignored.”
Massimo also warned that the lack of political accountability and governance, combined with the misuse of national resources through corruption, has delayed South Sudan’s transition. This, she noted, contributed to the extension of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement and worsened the human rights situation across the country.
The Revitalised Agreement, signed to end conflict and support nation building, was extended due to unmet commitments, many of which civil society groups and political observers say are blocked by financial mismanagement and weak institutional will.
