South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has warned political parties not to use the ongoing inter-party dialogue to delay or change the country’s planned transition to elections on December 22, 2026.
His warning followed the dissolution of the transitional unity government established under the 2018 peace agreement and the appointment of a caretaker administration three months before the polls.
Kiir issued the caution on Thursday, September 24, during the opening of a two-week Inter-Party Political Dialogue at the National Legislative Assembly in Juba. The forum is being held under the theme, “Towards Peaceful, Inclusive, Transparent and Credible Elections”.
Salva Kiir said discussions must concentrate on resolving election-related matters rather than reopening negotiations over the direction or timing of the electoral process. “This inter-party dialogue is not a place for negotiations and disagreement. It is not a place to shift the direction of the path that we have taken. It is not a place to hold us back”, he said.
He explained that the forum should enable stakeholders to agree on a peaceful and practical route towards completing the elections. According to the President, preparations are centred on four areas: the legal framework, administrative and logistical arrangements, security and dialogue on electoral matters.
He said work on the legal requirements had been completed, while administrative, logistical and security preparations were progressing. Kiir urged participants to develop a clear roadmap for concluding the electoral process within the existing legal framework. He also thanked political party leaders who had supported preparations for the polls.
The rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue, Dr Martin Elia Lomuro, said the forum would allow political parties and other stakeholders to address key issues and build consensus on measures required for peaceful and credible elections.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Patriotic Movement, Dr Issa Muzamil Sebit, called for discussions on security arrangements for candidates and voters.
He said South Sudan’s security situation remained uncertain in some areas, making it necessary for political parties to agree on mechanisms to protect all candidates participating in the elections.
The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, Edmund Yakani, urged participants to address restrictions on civic and political activities, the continued detention of political actors and the broader security situation.
Edmund Yakani said the release of political detainees, an end to ongoing fighting and measures to sustain a ceasefire would help create a more conducive environment for the elections.
Representatives of several political parties and civil society organisations are participating in the talks in Juba. Regional and international stakeholders, including representatives of the Community of Sant’Egidio, were also invited. However, some major opposition groups did not attend the opening of the dialogue.