Kiir and rival Machar extend transitional period by two years

JUBA — South Sudan’s rival leaders have extended the transitional period by two years, delaying the country’s first elections since gaining independence in 2011, the presidency said on Friday.

The transitional period, which began in February 2020, was set to conclude with elections in December 2024. However, President Salva Kiir and his rivals, including First Vice President Riek Machar, agreed to postpone the vote to December 2026, citing delays in implementing key provisions of the peace deal.

“The presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years, postponing elections to December 22, 2026,” the presidency said in a statement.

The 2018 revitalized peace agreement, signed by Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Government (SPLM-IG), Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), and other parties, was meant to end years of civil war and set the stage for democratic elections.

Presidential security adviser Tut Gatjuok said the extension would allow time to complete critical steps, including drafting a permanent constitution, conducting a national census, and registering political parties. “The extension is an opportunity to implement the remaining protocols in the peace agreement,” Gatjuok said.

Cabinet Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said the government would remain in place during the extended transitional period. “The government will continue to function as usual while institutions work to finalize their provisions,” he said, adding that the remaining months would be used to secure funds to implement the peace deal.

This marks the second time South Sudan’s transitional period has been extended since the formation of the Unity government in February 2020. Much of the peace agreement remains unimplemented, including key reforms necessary for a credible electoral process.