South Sudan: December Elections Spark Controversy

In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir has dissolved the national unity government, along with all vice-presidents, ministers, and local administrators, and dissolved national and regional assemblies through a presidential decree published on September 22, 2026. This move follows amendments to the electoral law that allow Kiir to remain in power while removing vice-presidents appointed under the 2018 peace agreement during the electoral period. The December 22 elections are highly contested due to the lack of prior consultation between the government and opposition, amid ongoing political tensions, and because the peace agreement has only been partially implemented.