President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ordered the Ministry of Interior to bolster security preparations for South Sudan's upcoming general elections. The directive aims to ensure a secure environment for voters, electoral officials, and other participants in the electoral process. This move comes as the country prepares for the polls on December 22, 2026. The President's directive followed a meeting with the Ministry of Interior's leadership, led by Caretaker Minister Lt. Gen. Rizik Zachariah Hassan.
The meeting between President Kiir and the Ministry of Interior's leadership took place on October 20, 2026. During the meeting, Gen. Rizik briefed the President on the progress made so far and measures needed to ensure security personnel are adequately prepared to safeguard the electoral process. The Ministry of Interior conducted inspections and assessments over three weeks to identify security requirements, operational challenges, and priority areas requiring urgent attention.
According to the Presidential Press Unit, President Kiir reaffirmed the need for effective security arrangements to support peaceful elections. The security team declared its readiness to ensure a secure environment for the elections. The Ministry of Interior will continue working with relevant security agencies to strengthen preparedness and ensure that voters can participate in the elections without fear or intimidation.
General Rizik outlined the progress made so far and highlighted the importance of coordination among security institutions and addressing operational gaps before polling day. The Ministry of Interior is expected to continue working with relevant security agencies to enhance security preparations. This includes ensuring the safety of polling stations, election materials, officials, and citizens exercising their voting rights.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, 2026, as part of efforts to move the country towards an elected government after years of transitional arrangements. The elections are a significant step towards consolidating peace and stability in the country. National institutions continue preparations for the planned elections, with security, logistics, and coordination remaining key areas of attention.
The Ministry of Interior's efforts to enhance security preparations are crucial in ensuring the success of the elections. The Ministry will work closely with other security agencies to identify and address potential security threats. This includes ensuring that security personnel are adequately prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise during the electoral process.
Further details on the specific security measures to be deployed across the states and administrative areas were not provided in the statement. However, the Ministry of Interior is expected to provide regular updates on the security preparations. The President's directive demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral process.
Key points
- President Kiir directs Ministry of Interior to strengthen election security
- Ministry of Interior conducts inspections and assessments to identify security requirements
- General elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, as part of efforts to move towards an elected government
