A cross-section of South Sudanese has appealed to the transitional government to ensure adequate security arrangements ahead of this year’s general elections.

They urged authorities to ensure safety and protection of all citizens before and after the polls slated for December 2024.

South Sudanese local radio station Radio Tamazuj spoke with a number of Juba City residents to get their views on the conduct of the forthcoming elections. Majority were in consensus that security remains top on the list of key areas that requires urgent attention before the elections.

Emmanuel Ladu, a resident of Gumbo Sherikat, said the government must create a conducive environment for the elections through proper security plans.

“With regard to the forthcoming elections, the important thing is security of the voters and observers, and most importantly to avoid malpractices,” Ladu said.

Ladu also recommended the deployment of forces in every part of the country to avoid any unexpected breach of peace.

Martin Lotoro, a resident from Dar Salam suburb, says without good security plans, anything could happen during the polls.

“My message is that security has to be in place. Because without security, a lot of things will happen. Protection of civilians should be a number one priority”.

He also called on the government to expedite deployment of the necessary unified forces across the country.

“Deployment of the forces should be everywhere to avoid conflicts even between communities,” Lotoro said.

He however expressed optimism over the elections, saying all will be well as planned by the government.

Ben Misuk, a resident of Munuki, urged security apparatus to crackdown on criminals in major towns and more specifically in Juba City.

“I recommend that they first of all control the gangs called Nigas,” he said.

“They (the government) need to deploy security personnel in every area, for instance in Munuki, to protect residents,” Misuk said.

Misuk further appealed to concerned authorities to ensure IDPs and refugees return to their homes to participate in the polls. Alternatively, he opined that the camps should host polling stations to allow inhabitants an opportunity to participate in the elections.

“If it’s my opinion, I would say elections should not be conducted because there are a lot of people outside. But if they can take some measures like going into the camps and other places where there are a lot of refugees, or maybe take the polling stations in the camps, it would be fine,” Misuk says.

The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement provides a road-map for elections to mark the end of the transitional period.

Report by: Radio Tamazuj