On September 22, 2026, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced the dissolution of the country's transitional government, marking a significant step towards general elections. The announcement was made during an expanded meeting of the Presidency, attended by vice presidents, political party leaders, presidential advisers, ministers, and senior government officials. Kiir stated that the government would be formally dissolved in accordance with the legal requirements governing the conduct of elections.
The decision to dissolve the transitional government follows an agreement reached on December 10, 2025, during the Expanded Presidency meeting. At that meeting, political leaders agreed to avoid another extension of the transitional period and instead prepare the country for general elections. Kiir expressed appreciation for the presence of attendees, which he said demonstrated their commitment to moving the country forward.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remains in force, Kiir assured South Sudanese and the international community. He stated that he had maintained this position during engagements with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, commonly known as the C5.
Kiir reported progress in preparations for the elections, including reforms to the legal framework, administrative and logistical arrangements, security preparations, and political dialogue. Key constitutional and electoral laws have been amended to remove obstacles to the conduct of the elections. Additionally, about 39 political parties have been registered by the Political Parties Council.
The amended legal framework separates the conduct of the general elections from the completion of the permanent constitution-making process and the national population and housing census. Kiir stated that these changes provide the legal and institutional framework required for the December elections. The National Elections Commission (NEC) now has a headquarters and offices across all states.
Civic education activities are underway, and voter-registration centers have been assessed across the country. Kiir said voter registration is expected to begin soon following preparations by the electoral body. Security preparations are also continuing to support a peaceful electoral process. The president thanked the C5 leaders for their support and welcomed the position of the African Union Peace and Security Council.
The dissolution of the transitional government marks a major step in the government's stated plan to move South Sudan from the transitional period toward general elections on December 22. Political leaders at the meeting confirmed their readiness to participate in the Inter-Party Dialogue, which aims to address outstanding political and electoral issues and contribute to creating a peaceful environment for the elections.
Key points
- The transitional government of South Sudan has been dissolved, paving the way for general elections in December 2026.
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced the dissolution during an expanded meeting of the Presidency.
- The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remains in force.
