A faction of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) led by former Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol is set to begin election-related activities next week as it prepares to contest the December 2026 elections. This was announced by a senior alliance official on Monday. The SSOA is divided into two main factions, with several splinter groups aligned with either side. One faction is led by Abdelbagi and is seen as closer to the ruling SPLM, while the other is led by former Vice President Josephine Lagu.
Changkuoth Bichiok Reth, leader of the Federal Democratic Party and secretary-general of the SSOA faction, stated that the alliance is committed to participating in the elections. He mentioned that the alliance supported the dissolution of the transitional government on 22 September, which could help pave the way for elections. According to Bichiok, elections are a possible way to address the country’s political crisis. The alliance did not specify which election-related activities it would begin next week.
Bichiok also clarified that Abdelbagi’s previous remarks endorsing President Salva Kiir for the December election did not represent the alliance’s official position. He stated that the alliance would discuss whether to endorse Kiir and announce its position later. This development comes as the country prepares for the December 2026 elections. The elections are seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the country.
Mahjoub Biel Turuk, leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) faction, emphasized that South Sudan needs to move from a transitional government to an elected government. He acknowledged challenges facing the electoral process but stressed that South Sudan needs to develop a culture of holding elections. Turuk noted that the country’s electoral process cannot be compared to those in Europe or America.
Turuk also mentioned that the failure to hold elections had contributed to some people taking up arms. He highlighted the importance of developing a culture of elections in South Sudan. The country has faced significant challenges in its transition to a stable government. The SSOA faction’s decision to participate in the elections is seen as a positive step towards addressing these challenges.
Clement Juma, deputy chairperson of the alliance, stated that the SSOA is in the process of registering with the Political Parties Council as a coalition. He said that the registration would be followed by the nomination of candidates. This move is expected to enhance the alliance’s participation in the upcoming elections.
The SSOA faction’s decision to participate in the elections has been seen as a significant development in the country’s preparations for the polls. The faction’s commitment to the electoral process is expected to encourage other groups to participate. The country is set to hold elections in December 2026, which will mark a crucial step towards consolidating stability and democracy.
Key points
- The SSOA faction led by Hussein Abdelbagi Akol will begin election-related activities next week.
- The alliance supported the dissolution of the transitional government to pave the way for elections.
- The SSOA faction is in the process of registering with the Political Parties Council as a coalition.
