South Sudan's President Kiir Dissolves Government Ahead of Elections

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has taken a significant step by dissolving the transitional government, a move that reshapes the political landscape ahead of the nation’s inaugural elections. This decision, enacted through an amended law, includes the removal of the five vice-presidents and the dissolution of both national and state parliaments and governments.

The country has faced repeated delays in holding elections, with previous polls postponed twice and the transitional period extended multiple times since South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

President Kiir, who is the presidential candidate for his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), will continue to hold full constitutional powers until a newly elected president is inaugurated. Some ministerial and gubernatorial appointments have been made in caretaker capacities until the elections scheduled for December 22.

The political upheaval was preceded by a visible increase in security presence in the capital, Juba. Access to government ministries was restricted, and security forces patrolled various parts of the city. Staff arriving for work were reportedly turned away, advised to return the following Monday.

UN agencies in Juba also responded by asking their personnel to work remotely as the situation was monitored. This dissolution follows the recent dismissal of the national elections commission chairman, Abednego Akok Kacuol, who had previously highlighted funding shortfalls for the upcoming elections.

Concerns also linger from opposition groups, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) issuing warnings against participation in election preparations. The body overseeing the 2018 peace agreement has described South Sudan as entering a “critical phase,” emphasizing the need for incomplete talks to be resolved to ensure credible elections and a peaceful conclusion to the transitional period.

Source: Nile Post