South Sudan opposition leader calls for uprising after transitional period extended

JUBA – A prominent South Sudanese opposition politician has called for peaceful protests against the government’s decision to extend the country’s transitional period by two years, further delaying what would be the country’s first-ever elections.

Deng Bol Aruai Bol, chairman of the Common Peoples Alliance (CPA) and a former head of the Red Army Foundation, criticized the government’s decision to extend the transitional period, calling it a betrayal of the people’s democratic rights and a blatant attempt to cling to power.

The extension of the transitional period, which was originally set to end in February 2025 after elections in December 2024, has sparked widespread discontent among South Sudanese citizens, with many fear that the government is using the delay as a pretext to remain in power indefinitely.

Bol’s call for protests comes on the heels of the government’s announcement that it would postpone elections until December 2026, citing delays in implementing key provisions of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The decision has been met with criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, who argue that the government is failing to deliver on its promises to the people.

In his statement, Bol urged South Sudanese citizens to exercise their right to peaceful protest and to demand accountability from their leaders.

“We cannot allow our government to continue to disregard the will of the people,” he said. “It is time for us to stand up and demand change.”

The CPA, a political movement formed by veterans, youth, and ordinary citizens, has been critical of the government since its formation in 2020. The group has accused the government of corruption, nepotism, and human rights abuses.