In a statement issued on Wednesday, representatives of the Troika (the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) expressed their deep disappointment over South Sudan’s decision to further extend its transitional period. Meeting in Oslo, Troika leaders called for immediate reforms from the Government of South Sudan, particularly in the areas of election preparations, human rights, and public financial management.

The Troika emphasized the urgency of setting a credible timetable for elections and urged the South Sudanese government to begin voter registration without delay.

“A transparent election process is essential to restoring trust between the government and its people,” said the Troika statement. The international community is keenly watching, the statement added, to see if South Sudan leaders will finally make good on their long-overdue promises.

During the meeting, the Troika received briefings from the Tumaini Secretariat and UNMISS, while the European Union also participated in the discussions. The group agreed on the importance of holding South Sudan accountable for responsible and transparent public finance management. They stressed that international financial institutions will expect clear steps from Juba to ensure that funds for essential services are not mismanaged.

“The era of impunity for corruption and misrule must end,” the Troika declared.

A major focus of the talks was South Sudan’s controversial National Security Service (NSS) Act, which has come under heavy criticism for allowing warrant-free detentions and curbing political and civil freedoms.

 “We strongly urge the removal of these oppressive amendments to the NSS Act,” the statement read, underscoring the Troika’s demand for a political environment that supports freedom and human rights.

The Troika also reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative, which aims to foster peace in South Sudan. The representatives called on South Sudanese leaders, including both signatories and non-signatories to the peace agreement, to engage fully in peace talks.

“Now is the time for South Sudanese leadership to act in the interests of peace, not power,” said the statement.

“The leaders of South Sudan have demonstrated a lack of political will and have instead conserved power in the hands of a small elite. This is unacceptable,” the statement said.

Looking forward, the Troika emphasized that the upcoming extension period for South Sudan’s transitional government will be pivotal.

 “The actions of South Sudan’s leaders in the coming weeks will determine whether they are serious about fulfilling their commitments,” the statement said.

The Troika concluded by reaffirming its solidarity with the South Sudanese people. “We will continue to stand with the people of South Sudan in their journey towards democracy. ‘Business as usual’ cannot continue.”

“A transparent election process is essential to restoring trust between the government and its people,” said the Troika statement.