The presidency of South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced a two-year extension to the country’s transitional period. The national elections, originally scheduled for December 2024, have now been postponed to December 22, 2026. According to Presidential Adviser on National Security Tut Gatluak, the decision aims to provide more time to implement key protocols such as finalizing the permanent constitution and completing the national consensus, as outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro highlighted that recommendations from electoral and security institutions were pivotal in the decision-making process. He emphasized the importance of addressing “pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections.” This extension follows an earlier postponement where elections planned for February 2023 were pushed back to December 2024. Last year, President Salva Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to hold the December 2024 elections.
South Sudan’s economic challenges have hindered election preparations, including issues such as unpaid civil servants and disruptions in oil exports due to conflicts in neighboring Sudan. Additionally, security concerns prompted the postponement decision, as the country continues its recovery from a civil war that resulted in a 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Sporadic violence between rival communities still threatens stability, and a new security law allowing warrantless detentions has raised concerns among human rights groups and Western governments, who fear it could create an oppressive atmosphere during elections.
Despite these issues, the government remains optimistic. Minister Lomuro assured the public that the administration would use the extended period to mobilize resources and ensure the effective implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. More information can be found on JURIST.