Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: 4 minutes ago

Ambassador Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, South Sudan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, addresses the Security Council in New York on Friday, April 17, 2026. | Photo: UN Media

South Sudan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sabino Nyawella Amaikwey has rejected calls to delay elections for a national census, telling the UN Security Council that South Sudan’s government remains committed to holding votes under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Speaking at the UN, Ambassador Amaikwey, said a census helps with long-term planning, but holding elections only requires a voter register. He cited the 2011 independence referendum as proof that citizens can vote without a census.

“We are fully aware that the national census… is not a prerequisite for election and could not hold such an process hostage,” Amaikwey said. “We maintain that the essential requirement for an election is a credible voter register.”

Ambassador Amaikwey added that the government has a duty to protect citizens and maintain order. Addressing UN reports of rights violations and restrictions on UN staff, he said such actions are not government policy. He explained that movement restrictions are meant to protect UN personnel and equipment, not block their work.

“Every sovereign government has a responsibility to uphold constitutional order and protect its citizens against those who resort to violence,” he said.

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