Kiir launches inter-party dialogue

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has launched an inter-party dialogue in Juba dedicated to the general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026, reports Benin Web TV. The discussions are set to last for two weeks and will involve political parties, civil society representatives, religious leaders and international partners. In his opening speech, Kiir urged that the discussions remain focused on electoral issues and not serve as a platform to reopen negotiations that could alter the established trajectory for the vote. The dialogue comes just days after the dissolution of the transitional government and the modification of several electoral provisions. These decisions have been contested by some opposition members, who are calling for additional guarantees regarding the conditions of the election. The December elections are set to be the first general elections held in South Sudan since the country gained independence in 2011.

Benin Web TV

Kiir dissolved the transitional government last Tuesday, hours after signing amendments to election laws that removed requirements to complete a permanent Constitution and national census before a vote, reports africanews. Heavy security was deployed in South Sudan on Tuesday as the President prepared to dissolve the government for the first-ever election, with analysts warning that last-minute legal changes give him total control over the transition. South Sudan achieved independence in 2011 but soon after plunged into a five-year civil war and remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world. Elections are due on 22 December, having twice been postponed, but the government has failed to implement almost any of the pre-conditions set out in a 2018 peace agreement. No voters have been registered, rival armies have not been unified and the long-awaited Constitution has never materialised. Kiir dissolved the government a day after changes to the National Elections Act that allowed Kiir to stay in power while removing all Vice-Presidents, appointed under the 2018 peace deal, during the election period. The amendments also allow for the vote to go ahead despite the lack of Constitution or census. Analysts warned in comments to AFP's Nairobi bureau that the changes offered Kiir unfettered control. ‘Kiir will be the only person in power, without Vice-Presidents, without the executive, without the Parliament,’ said Michael Wani, a lawyer and former member of the Constitution drafting committee. The Internal Security Bureau issued a directive, seen by AFP, ordering ‘all forces to be in uniforms and be on high alert for (3) days’ from 22 September.

Full africanews report