President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan has dissolved the country's Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, paving the way for a caretaker administration to oversee government affairs until the scheduled general elections on December 22, 2026. This move comes after Kiir signed amendments to the National Elections Act, removing key legal obstacles to the conduct of the elections. The dissolution marks the end of the transitional government established under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
As part of the transition, all five Vice Presidents have been relieved of their positions, while the national legislature and state governments have also been dissolved. Former Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Ngere Paciko, has been appointed Presidential Adviser on Governance. The President has appointed a caretaker administration, including 13 caretaker ministers, to manage government affairs until a new government is formed following the elections.
The caretaker ministers appointed by President Kiir include Africano Mande Gadime as Minister of Presidential Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Ambassador Cecilia Adut Manyok as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Other ministers include Ayor Akuoch Anok as Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Rizik Zachariah Hassan as Minister of Interior, and Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
In addition to the caretaker ministers, President Kiir has also appointed caretaker governors for all 10 states in South Sudan. The appointed governors include Augustino Jadalla Wani for Central Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore for Eastern Equatoria State, and Moses Majok Gatluak for Jonglei State. Other governors include Rin Tueny Mabor Deng for Lakes State, Charles Madut Akol for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, and Dr. Joseph Monytuil Wejang for Unity State.
The President has also appointed caretaker governors for the three administrative areas, replacing previous administrations with caretaker arrangements. Deputy ministers appointed include Philip Jada Natana as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Marial Chanuong Yol as Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, and David Marial Gumke as Deputy Minister of Interior.
Furthermore, President Kiir has appointed chief administrators for key areas, including Justice Charles Abyei Jok as Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, Joseph Boyoi Ngare as Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and Daniel Makuei Thiyier as Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area. The caretaker administration is expected to remain in place until the elected President and national legislature assume office.
The dissolution of the transitional government and appointment of a caretaker administration marks a significant step towards the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. The elections are expected to usher in a new government, and the caretaker administration will oversee government affairs until then.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir dissolves South Sudan's transitional government ahead of December elections.
- A caretaker administration has been appointed to oversee government affairs until the elections.
- The dissolution affects the national legislature, state governments, and administrative areas.
