South Sudan’s President Kiir Urges Political Rivals to Begin Preparing for 2026 Elections

Report by : Bwire Jonathan: The crown media East Africa

Juba, South Sudan – November 26, 2024

In a significant address during the 8th Governors Forum in Juba, President Salva Kiir called on his political opponents to begin preparing for the December 2026 elections. Acknowledging the urgency of the timeline, Kiir emphasized that with only 24 months remaining, those seeking to run against him should begin laying the groundwork for their campaigns.

"Our commitment to lasting peace led to the extension of the Transitional Government of National Unity for another 24 months," Kiir stated. "To those interested in contesting, 24 months is not a long time. If you're not prepared, you'd better start preparing."

The upcoming elections mark a pivotal moment for South Sudan as the country aims to transition from prolonged conflict to stable governance. South Sudan had initially planned to hold elections in December 2022, but delays in implementing crucial components of the 2018 peace agreement led Kiir and his political rival, Vice President Riek Machar, to extend the transitional period twice. The elections are now scheduled for December 2026, with the transitional period set to conclude in early 2027.

Kiir also spoke about the Tumaini Initiative peace process, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya, clarifying that this initiative is meant to support, not replace, the 2018 peace agreement. He expressed hopes that restructuring the Tumaini Initiative would help expedite negotiations and address outstanding issues before the elections.

"The Tumaini Initiative was never intended to dismantle the existing peace agreement," Kiir emphasized. "It will be integrated into the 2018 agreement to strengthen our commitment to peace."

Augustino Jadalla Wani, Governor of Central Equatoria State, highlighted the importance of the Governors Forum, which convenes under the theme Forging Sustainable Peace, Committed Action in the Extended Transition. He noted that the forum provides a platform for state leaders to discuss challenges and bolster efforts to achieve lasting peace ahead of the 2026 elections.

“The 8th Governors Forum is timely, as our citizens expect us to show commitment and instill confidence in the promise of sustainable peace,” Jadalla said.

No official candidates have announced their intentions to run against Kiir, though Riek Machar, Kiir's long-time political rival, is widely expected to contend in the 2026 election.

South Sudan’s path to elections has been marked by numerous extensions and delays as the government struggles to meet critical benchmarks outlined in the peace agreement. As the country moves closer to the 2026 elections, the ability of political leaders to unify and prepare will play a crucial role in determining South Sudan’s future stability.

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