South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced the dissolution of the country’s transitional government, paving the way for the December 22, 2026 general elections.
Kiir made the announcement on Tuesday during an expanded meeting of the Presidency attended by vice presidents, political party leaders, presidential advisers, Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.
The formal resolution is expected to be issued in accordance with the legal provisions governing the election period.
The move comes as South Sudan enters the final three months before the scheduled elections, which would be the country’s first national polls since gaining independence in 2011.
Election law cleared path for dissolution
Kiir’s announcement follows the passage and signing of amendments to South Sudan’s National Elections Act.
The amended law, signed by Kiir on Monday, delinks the elections from the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census, allowing preparations for the December polls to proceed.
The legislation also provides for the incumbent executive leadership to remain in office with constitutional powers during the election period until an elected president assumes office.
The National Legislative Assembly has also been restructured under the amended law, with the national legislature set at 270 members.
Security tightened in Juba
Security was heightened in Juba on Tuesday ahead of the government’s dissolution.
South Sudan People’s Defence Forces spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the deployment was linked to the expected government changes.
The European Union has meanwhile warned the incoming caretaker administration against taking major political decisions during the election period, saying organising free and fair elections within three months would present a significant challenge.
The dissolution marks a major transition for South Sudan as political parties prepare for the December 22 vote amid ongoing disagreements over the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and the electoral process.