South Sudan’s Kiir dissolves government ahead of first national elections
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his commitment to hold general elections in December, even as major administrative shifts alter the government. President Kiir removed longtime Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro after two decades in the cabinet and assigned acting ministers to oversee vacant ministries. Meanwhile, political realignments continue as over 1,000 members of the opposition SPLM-IO, led by Stephen Par Kuol, shifted their allegiance to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement ahead of the upcoming vote.
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- ✓ President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to holding the country's general elections in December.
- ✓ President Kiir removed Martin Elia Lomuro, one of his longest-serving cabinet ministers, after two decades in the cabinet.
- ✓ South Sudan's caretaker government has assigned acting ministers to oversee ministries without substantive caretaker ministers.
- ✓ More than 1,000 members of the SPLM-IO, led by Stephen Par Kuol, shifted their allegiance to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
What changed
President Kiir removed longtime Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro and assigned acting ministers to vacant portfolios.
Live updates
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South Sudan Moves Toward December Polls Amid Political Changes
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his commitment to hold general elections in December, even as major administrative shifts alter the government. President Kiir removed longtime Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro after two decades in the cabinet and assigned acting ministers to oversee vacant ministries. Meanwhile, political realignments continue as over 1,000 members of the opposition SPLM-IO, led by Stephen Par Kuol, shifted their allegiance to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement ahead of the upcoming vote.
Why it matters
The administrative shakeup occurs as preparations for the national vote face severe domestic obstacles, including regional insecurity, funding gaps, unfinished security reforms, and intercommunal violence. Observers and the United Nations raise questions about the legitimacy of the caretaker administration and the stability of the 2018 peace agreement if the December polls are delayed. President Kiir previously established a travel authorization system for officials as part of his broader electoral push.
What is confirmed
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to holding the country's general elections in December.
- President Kiir removed Martin Elia Lomuro, one of his longest-serving cabinet ministers, after two decades in the cabinet.
- South Sudan's caretaker government has assigned acting ministers to oversee ministries without substantive caretaker ministers.
- More than 1,000 members of the SPLM-IO, led by Stephen Par Kuol, shifted their allegiance to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
Still unconfirmed
- A United Nations human rights commission warned of a constitutional coup in South Sudan and stated that the 2018 peace deal is being systematically dismantled.
What to watch next
- Whether the general elections take place on the scheduled December date.
- Official decisions regarding the legitimacy and legal status of the caretaker administration if the vote is postponed.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.nbcnews.com — The race for Congress: 2026 midterms
- www.nytimes.com — Latest Polls
- thetowerpost.com — Kiir Sacks Longtime Ally Lomuro in Major South Sudan ...
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Kiir sacks longtime ally Lomuro after two decades in cabinet
- thetowerpost.com — South Sudan Assigns Acting Ministers to Vacant Ministries ...
- www.foxnews.com — South Carolina 2026 Midterm Election Results
- www.ssbc.gov.ss — SPLM-IO Loses Over 1,000 Members to Ruling SPLM Ahead of ...
- www.onecitizendaily.com — President Kiir vows to conduct December polls as he swears in ...
- www.wansom.ai — South Sudan: Caretaker Government Legitimacy Questioned by ...
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Opinion| South Sudan and the caretaker legitimacy trap: What ...
- www.radiotamazuj.org — UN commission warns of ‘constitutional coup’ in South Sudan - Radio Tamazuj
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South Sudan President Salva Kiir Establishes Travel Approval System
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has established a new authorisation system requiring serving officials to secure prior approval for travel. The move follows his recent diplomatic outreach to secure funding, logistical backing, and political support for the country's upcoming general elections. Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026 presidential vote face severe domestic obstacles, including regional insecurity, funding gaps, unfinished security reforms, intercommunal violence, and political detentions. The transitional government's path remains complicated by escalating political friction between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Why it matters
Talk of South Sudan's first presidential election since its 2011 independence referendum has been clouded by setbacks as Riek Machar prepares to challenge Kiir. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition declared the transitional government had collapsed after Kiir suspended Machar from his post as first vice president. Armed groups filled the power vacuum as state institutions remained largely on paper.
What is confirmed
- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has established a new authorisation system requiring serving officials to obtain prior approval for travel.
- South Sudan's first presidential election since its 2011 independence referendum is expected in 2026.
- On September 20, 2025, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition declared that the transitional government had collapsed after Kiir suspended Riek Machar from his post as first vice president.
What to watch next
- Implementation and enforcement of the new travel authorisation system for officials
- Further political developments regarding the 2026 presidential election and the status of opposition leader Riek Machar
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Kiir establishes prior approval system for officials’ travel
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Opinion| The four critical reasons why the transitional ...
- www.alestiklal.net — Salva Kiir Strikes Back at Riek Machar: War Drums Echo Across ...
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South Sudan President Kiir Pursues Regional Support for December Polls
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir recently returned to Juba after holding high-level bilateral talks with Kenyan President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding preparations for the country's upcoming general elections. Kiir traveled to Nairobi and Pretoria to secure election funding, logistical support, and political backing for the transitional process. Meanwhile, domestic obstacles continue to mount as regional insecurity, funding gaps, and unfinished security reforms complicate the path toward the vote, alongside recent intercommunal violence and political detentions.
Why it matters
The December elections mark South Sudan's first post-independence vote, though critics and analysts warn that insecurity and the failure to begin voter registration threaten the credibility of the ballot. President Kiir previously dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity on September 22, concentrating executive authority and prompting the caretaker administration to rely on provisional spending orders.
What is confirmed
- South Sudan's first general election is scheduled for December 22, 2026.
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit visited Kenya and South Africa for bilateral talks with Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa.
- President Kiir signed the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, ahead of the polls.
Still unconfirmed
- South Sudan country director for Save the Children Chris Nyamandi was detained without trial in Juba after allegedly discussing politics.
What to watch next
- Whether the December 22 general election proceeds as planned despite funding gaps and security concerns
- Developments regarding the caretaker administration's provisional spending orders and parliamentary budget reviews
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (26)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- radioyei.org — South Sudan Completed Legal Steps for December Polls, Kiir ...
- congotimes.com — South Sudan: Kiir Sacks Caretaker Health Minister
- www.channelafrica.co.za — Kenya hosts South Sudan’s President – Channel Africa
- knowafrika.com — South Sudan Elections 2026: Kiir Peace Process | Know Afrika
- szn.ss — Kiir, Ramaphosa hold talks on South Sudan’s election ...
- afripoli.com — South Sudan’s Kiir visits Kenya ahead of December elections
- www.dw.com — South Sudan on an uncertain path to first election - dw.com
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Kiir’s envoy says December polls are non-negotiable - Radio Tamazuj
- ruwengpost.com — Kiir Dissolves South Sudan’s Unity Government, Installs ...
- kenya-today.com — South Sudan schedules first post‑independence election for ...
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South Sudan President Kiir Travels to Kenya for Election Talks
South Sudan President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya to hold high-level bilateral talks regarding the country's upcoming elections, regional stability, and economic cooperation. The visit follows Kiir's dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity on September 22, an action that drew opposition and concerns from critics over concentrated power. Meanwhile, the newly established caretaker administration announced it will rely on provisional presidential orders to authorize government spending because parliamentary committees were still reviewing the national budget when the transitional government was dissolved.
Why it matters
The dissolution of the unity government removes the power-sharing arrangement created by a 2018 peace agreement ahead of national votes scheduled for December 22, 2026. Regional leaders are actively engaging with Juba as political friction mounts over the executive's consolidation of authority. Kenyan President William Ruto pledged support for the electoral preparations while pressing South Sudanese leaders to maintain consensus through dialogue.
What is confirmed
- President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya on Sunday for high-level bilateral talks with President William Ruto focusing on elections and regional stability.
- The caretaker government will rely on provisional orders from President Kiir to authorize government spending after the dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
- The 2026/2027 national budget was still under parliamentary committee deliberation when President Kiir dissolved the transitional government on September 22.
- President Salva Kiir assured African Union and regional leaders that South Sudan's elections remain on track.
Still unconfirmed
- Kenyan President William Ruto urged South Sudanese political leaders to pursue dialogue and consensus ahead of the vote.
What to watch next
- Outcomes and joint statements from the high-level bilateral talks between President Salva Kiir and Kenyan leadership in Nairobi.
- Further announcements from the caretaker administration regarding provisional budget decrees and government spending.
- Official responses from opposition groups and regional bodies regarding the December 22 election timeline.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- thetowerpost.com — South Sudan Elections on Track: Kiir Tells AU, IGAD Leaders
- sierraleonews.com — Kiir Dissolves South Sudan Transitional Government
- www.thetablet.co.uk — News Briefing: Church in the World - The Tablet
- www.youtube.com — South Sudan Election 2026: Kiir, Machar And The New Rules
- www.radiotamazuj.org — Ruto tells Kiir: Pursue dialogue ahead of elections
- eyeradio.org — Caretaker Government spending to continue through presidential orders – Ateny
- allafrica.com — Kenya: Ruto Pledges Kenya's Support for South Sudan Elections, Urges Dialogue - allAfrica.com
- www.sudanspost.com — Kiir leaves Juba for Nairobi for talks on elections, regional ...
- www.radiotamazuj.org — South Sudan’s Kiir travels to Kenya - Radio Tamazuj
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Salva Kiir Dissolves South Sudan Government Ahead of December 22 Elections
President Salva Kiir has dissolved South Sudan's transitional government and appointed a caretaker administration to prepare for the country's first national elections on December 22, 2026. The move ends a power-sharing arrangement established by a 2018 peace agreement and removes legal hurdles by amending the National Elections Act to eliminate requirements for a national census and a permanent constitution. While the government describes the transition as a path to democracy, critics and rights groups warn that the president may be consolidating unchecked power through decree-based appointments.
Why it matters
South Sudan has not held national elections since gaining independence in 2011. Previous attempts to hold polls were postponed twice, extending the transitional period several times due to political instability and conflict.
What is confirmed
- General elections in South Sudan are scheduled for December 22, 2026.
- President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government and introduced a caretaker administration.
- South Sudan has not held national elections since its independence in 2011.
- National elections in the country have been postponed twice previously.
- The dissolution ends the power-sharing arrangement created under the 2018 peace agreement.
Still unconfirmed
- Credible elections cannot be held within three months due to security and civic space concerns.
What to watch next
- December 22 general election results
- Implementation of security measures to protect civic space
- Formal adoption of a permanent constitution
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (28)
- beninwebtv.bj — South Sudan: Opposition challenges Salva Kiir’s chosen path ahead of first elections
- www.bbc.com — Salva Kiir: South Sudan president dissolves government ahead of country's first elections
- www.aljazeera.com — South Sudan dissolves government ahead of first-ever national elections | News
- abcnews.com — South Sudan president dissolves transitional government ahead of delayed elections
- www.the-star.co.ke — South Sudan's president dissolves government ahead of country's first elections - The Star
- www.yahoo.com — South Sudan president dissolves transitional government ahead of long-delayed elections
- www.namibian.com.na — South Sudan's president dissolves government ahead of country's first elections - News - The Namibian
- www.gbcghanaonline.com — South Sudan's President dissolves government ahead of first national elections - GBC Ghana Online
- barbadosgazette.com — South Sudan dissolves government ahead of first-ever national elections | Barbados Gazette – Barbados &....
- www.southwest.com — Southwest Airlines | Airline Tickets and Low Fares
- von.gov.ng — South Sudan President Dissolves Government ahead of December Election - Voice of Nigeria
- en.wikipedia.org — Southern United States - Wikipedia
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President Kiir dissolves South Sudan government before first national elections
President Salva Kiir has dissolved South Sudan's transitional government to prepare for the country's first national elections scheduled for December. The move formally ends the long-awaited transitional period and removes administrative hurdles for the delayed vote. While the government is dissolved, the process remains contentious; some figures have rejected Kiir's caretaker appointments and called for more consultation, while the election chief has defended their independence from the president.
Why it matters
South Sudan has struggled to organize its first national elections since gaining independence. The transitional government was established to manage the shift toward democratic rule following years of internal conflict.
What is confirmed
- President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government.
- The dissolution occurs ahead of South Sudan's first national elections.
- National elections are scheduled for December.
- Kiir declared the end of the transitional period.
Still unconfirmed
- Kon rejected Kiir's caretaker appointments and called for consultation.
- The election chief asked to be judged by actions rather than ties to Kiir.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of caretaker government appointments
- Updates on the December election timeline
- Responses from opposition leaders regarding the dissolution
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.nbcnews.com — South Carolina Senate Primary Special Results 2026
- baynews9.com — Public weighs in ahead of final vote on South Howard flood project
- Al Jazeera — South Sudan’s Kiir dissolves government ahead of first national elections
- Reuters — South Sudan's Kiir dissolves government, clears hurdles to delayed election
- africanews.com — South Sudan: President dissolves govt as controversy engulfs December poll
- WRAL — South Sudan president dissolves transitional government ahead of long-delayed elections
- Radio Tamazuj — Judge me by my actions, not Kiir ties – election chief
- sudanspost.com — Kiir declares end of long-awaited transitional period ahead of December Polls
- BBC — Salva Kiir: South Sudan president dissolves government ahead of country's first elections
- Radio Tamazuj — Op-Ed| Coup d’État has taken place in South Sudan
- Radio Tamazuj — Kon rejects Kiir’s caretaker appointments, calls for consultation
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