![President Salva Kiir speaking in an interview with Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange. [Screen grab from Citizen TV Kenya]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Salva-Kiir-now.jpg?ssl=1)
Kiir and his first deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny signed a revitalized version of a 2015 peace agreement in September 2018 to end a five-year-old conflict, and that peace deal prides for conduct of general national elections at the end of the transitional period.
But as the clock ticks towards the end of the 36-months transitional period, several provisions necessary for conduct of elections have not been implemented owing to ‘lack’ of funds and political will from the former belligerents.
Speaking during the closing session of the 5th Governors’ Forum in Juba on Monday, Kiir urged the governors to return back to their state and restore laws and order which he said will be needed for a stable country.
“As governors and chief administrators, the bulk of your mandate centered on the restoration of law and order within your states and administrative areas,” Kiir said.
“I would like to emphasize that people need law and order to engage in productive activities and my instruction to governors and chief administrators is please work within lawful means to apprehend those who disrupt peace and harmony within your states and administrative areas,” he added.
The South Sudanese president said the country “cannot hold credible elections, which is the end game of the revitalized peace agreement. We will also not be able to repatriate our citizens who are still residing in refugee camps in neighboring countries.”
“Another critical aspect for the governors and the chief administrators is the role of states and administrative areas in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement,’ he added.
