**South Sudan Dissolves Government Ahead of First-Ever National Elections**
*Juba, South Sudan – September 23, 2026* – In a significant political shift, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has announced the dissolution of the country's transitional unity government, paving the way for the first-ever national elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. This decision, made through a decree read on national television, marks the end of a power-sharing arrangement established under a 2018 peace agreement that aimed to resolve years of civil conflict.
The decree effectively removes all vice-presidents, ministers, and local administrators from their positions, while the judiciary and security institutions remain intact. Kiir will continue to serve as president during the election period until a new president is elected. This move has raised concerns about the concentration of power in Kiir's hands, as he will operate without a cabinet or legislative assembly.
The changes come just a day after the South Sudanese parliament approved amendments to the National Elections Act, allowing Kiir to maintain his position during the electoral process. Notably, these amendments also enable the elections to proceed without the completion of a permanent constitution or a census, both of which were previously considered prerequisites for the electoral process.
The opposition alliance has voiced strong disapproval of these changes, arguing that they undermine the democratic process. Riek Machar, the suspended First Vice President and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), remains under house arrest and is currently on trial for charges including treason and crimes against humanity. His absence from the political landscape raises questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the upcoming elections.
Elections in South Sudan were initially slated for 2022 but have faced multiple delays. Key tasks outlined in the 2018 peace deal, such as drafting a permanent constitution, registering voters, and unifying rival armed forces, remain unfinished. The United Nations estimates that the civil war, which lasted five years and resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and millions displaced, necessitated this transitional government structure.
Amnesty International has characterized Kiir's decree as a "decisive step" toward the elections, but it has also called for the creation of a conducive environment for voters and candidates alike. Tigere Chagutah, the organization's regional director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the electoral process is fair and transparent.
Political analysts have expressed concerns regarding the implications of the recent legal changes. Michael Wani, a lawyer and former member of the constitution drafting committee, noted that Kiir's consolidation of power could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight. "Kiir will be the only person in power, without vice-presidents, without the executive, without the parliament," Wani stated.
Furthermore, independent analyst Machot Amuom highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the new legal framework, warning that it grants the president extensive authority. "The new law gives the president full powers… He can decide even not to go for elections for another year or another two years," Amuom explained.
In the lead-up to the elections, Kiir has also replaced the head of the elections commission, appointing Gabriel Bol Deng Majok to oversee the electoral preparations. The reasons for this change have not been disclosed.
As the country prepares for this historic electoral event, heightened security measures have been implemented in the capital, Juba. Reports indicate the presence of checkpoints and road closures around government buildings, with security personnel instructed to remain on high alert for three days.
The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture for South Sudan as it seeks to establish a more stable political landscape following years of turmoil. However, the recent developments have sparked debates about the potential for genuine democratic processes in a context marked by significant power imbalances and ongoing tensions within the political sphere.