Tijwog Agwet, a former adviser to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on religious affairs, has declared his intention to challenge his former boss in presidential elections scheduled for December. His announcement makes him the second politician to publicly declare a presidential bid against Kiir ahead of the December election. Agwet's decision to run was revealed in an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday evening.
Agwet stated that the elections present an opportunity for South Sudan to move towards democratic rule. He pledged to prioritise peace, unity, and the delivery of public services if elected. According to Agwet, the people of South Sudan need peace and unity, which would be his first priority. He also promised that his government would have a system that works for all South Sudanese without nepotism.
Agwet criticised what he described as ethnic patronage in government institutions. He argued that appointments to ministerial offices should not be based on ethnic affiliation. Agwet acknowledged the challenges facing the electoral process, including limited civic space and outstanding provisions of the 2018 peace agreement. However, he said those concerns should not be used to justify extending the transitional period.
Agwet, who hails from Upper Nile state, intends to run as an independent candidate. He believes he could win because the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) had failed to deliver for South Sudan over the past two decades. Agwet also argued that opposition groups remained too divided to mount an effective challenge.
Agwet urged South Sudanese to participate in the elections rather than allow the transitional period to be extended. He warned that if they don’t go for elections, those in the government will extend the transitional period, which would not benefit the country. Agwet expressed his belief that change will be brought by South Sudanese, not the government.
Agwet is a founding member of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) and is chief executive officer of Radio Jonglei FM. He recently announced his departure from the SPLM-IO, accusing the opposition group of nepotism and saying it had lost its direction and vision.
President Kiir signed the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026 into law on Monday, shortly after the National Legislature passed it. The legislation provides that the incumbent president will remain in office with all constitutional powers during the election period until the elected president assumes office. The amendment also provides for the removal of First Vice President Riek Machar and the other vice presidents three months before polling day, effectively ending the transitional presidency.
Key points
- Tijwog Agwet, a former adviser to President Salva Kiir, has declared his intention to challenge Kiir in the December presidential elections.
- Agwet plans to run as an independent candidate, citing the failure of the ruling SPLM to deliver for South Sudan.
- The elections face challenges, including limited civic space and outstanding provisions of the 2018 peace agreement.
