The government of South Sudan has announced that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) will expire at midnight, prompting President Kiir to dissolve the cabinet to prevent a constitutional breakdown. Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, stated that the President exercised his constitutional authority to dissolve the administration and ensure a seamless handover as South Sudan enters its pre-election phase.
According to Minister Ateny Wek Ateny, the dissolution enforces a legal requirement under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which mandates that the executive authority of the transitional government lapses three months before national voting begins. The three months before the voting is ending tonight, making this a normal process, Minister Ateny Wek Ateny stated.
Addressing public concern over military and police presence across the capital, Minister Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed that state forces deployed specifically to secure the city and maintain order during the political transition. The security forces are down there to assure the protection of the citizens and their properties, Minister Ateny Wek Ateny emphasized, adding that there’s nothing to worry about.
Minister Ateny Wek Ateny indicated that the President will form an administration immediately to run state affairs and direct the country through the final 90-day countdown to the polls. This move aims to prevent a constitutional vacuum and ensure continuity of governance in South Sudan.
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) created the RTGoNU, which was established to bring stability and peace to the country. However, with the elections approaching, the agreement mandates that the transitional government comes to an end three months before the voting begins.
The dissolution of the cabinet and the formation of a new administration are seen as crucial steps towards a smooth transition and the holding of elections in South Sudan. The country is set to hold elections in December 2026, and the government is working to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful and credible.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in South Sudan, and the African Union, IGAD, and other international organizations have been urged to intervene in the elections act dispute. The country is working to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent, and that the transition of power is peaceful.
Key points
- President Kiir dissolves cabinet to prevent constitutional breakdown as 2018 peace accord government ends.
- New administration to be formed to run state affairs and direct country through final 90-day countdown to polls.
- Dissolution of cabinet aims to prevent constitutional vacuum and ensure continuity of governance in South Sudan.
