A South Sudanese lawmaker has suggested that the transitional unity government may dissolve on September 22. Stephen Ajongo Akol, a member of parliament, stated on Sunday that the government could be dissolved as parliament works to pass amendments to the country's election law ahead of scheduled elections in December. The proposed legislation would allow President Salva Kiir to remain in office while the five vice-presidents leave their positions.
Akol made the comments during funeral prayers in Juba for the late Sultan Garang Deng Bol. He revealed that lawmakers had been working on the election bill since Friday and would continue reviewing it before passing it and sending it to Kiir for assent. According to Akol, the bill would be considered by parliament on Monday before being sent to the president. The lawmaker expressed confidence that the bill would be passed and sent to Kiir for assent by 12 pm on Monday.
Akol also mentioned that MPs had about 24 hours remaining in office and that caretaker officials, including governors, would be appointed by the president following the dissolution of the transitional government. He reiterated the government's commitment to holding general elections and rejected any further extension of the transitional period. Akol emphasized that people are going for elections, indicating a strong desire for a democratic transition.
However, government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny was not immediately available for comment on Sunday to confirm whether the government would be dissolved on Sept. 22. Earlier this month, Ateny told Radio Tamazuj that the transitional government was unlikely to be dissolved on that date, suggesting instead that it could be dissolved in October. Ateny's comments were made in light of Kiir's expected attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22.
The dissolution plan has been questioned by Kornelio Kon Ngu, a presidential aspirant and leader of the opposition National United Democratic Front (NUDF). Kon Ngu, who is also the third deputy speaker of parliament, stated that the election-law amendments would be considered by parliament on Monday. He called for elections to be held as scheduled on Dec. 22, 2026, emphasizing the importance of allowing South Sudanese to choose their leaders through the vote.
Kon Ngu criticized the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, saying the government had removed key provisions and mechanisms of the accord. He argued that the parties' agreement on the latest extension of the transitional period set the date for dissolving the government at Feb. 22, 2027, rather than Sept. 22, 2026. Kon Ngu warned that any move to dissolve the transitional government before February 2027 would amount to a coup.
The differing views on the dissolution of the transitional government highlight the ongoing challenges in South Sudan's transition to democracy. As the country prepares for elections, the role of the transitional government and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement remain contentious issues. The international community is closely watching the developments in South Sudan, where stability and peace are crucial for the region.
Key points
- South Sudanese lawmaker Stephen Ajongo Akol suggests transitional government may dissolve on Sept. 22.
- Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny questions dissolution plan, citing president's UN attendance.
- Opposition leader Kornelio Kon Ngu calls for elections to be held as scheduled on Dec. 22, 2026.
