South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dissolved the country’s transitional unity government and installed a caretaker administration, a move that removes the final obstacles to the nation’s first-ever national elections. The decree, announced on Tuesday, effectively ends the power-sharing framework established by the 2018 peace accord that brought a halt to years of civil war, sparking concerns that Kiir may now exercise authority without checks or balances.
The presidential order, broadcast by the national television network, confirmed the removal of all vice-presidents, ministers, and local administrators, alongside the dissolution of both national and state legislative assemblies. However, the judiciary and security apparatus remain operational, with Kiir retaining his position “during the election period until the next elected president assumes office.”
This decision follows parliamentary approval the previous day of amendments to the National Elections Act, which permitted the incumbent to remain in power throughout the electoral process. Crucially, these legal changes decouple the election timeline from two previously mandatory tasks: the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census. Consequently, South Sudan can proceed toward the polls scheduled for December 22 without resolving these outstanding issues.
The main opposition alliance has officially rejected the amended legislation. Political analysts have warned that the restructuring concentrates significant authority in the presidency. Michael Wani, a lawyer and former member of the constitution drafting committee, told AFP that Kiir will become the sole center of power, operating without vice-presidents, an executive cabinet, or a parliament. Independent analyst Machot Amuom further noted legal ambiguities, suggesting the new law grants the president the discretion to delay elections by one or two years.
In a related development earlier in the week, Kiir replaced the head of the Independent National Elections Commission without providing a justification. The South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation stated that the new chief, Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, received a “fresh mandate” to oversee electoral preparations.
The political shift occurs against a tense backdrop. Kiir’s longstanding rival, Riek Machar, who leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), remains under house arrest while facing trial on charges including treason and murder, allegations he denies. In Juba, security forces have been placed on heightened alert for three days, with checkpoints and road closures implemented around the government complex.
Elections were originally slated for 2022 but have been postponed twice. The 2018 peace deal was designed to conclude a five-year conflict that the United Nations estimates resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced millions of people. Key outstanding obligations under that agreement include drafting a permanent constitution, registering voters, and unifying armed forces loyal to competing factions.
Amnesty International described the dissolution of the government as a “decisive step” toward holding the inaugural elections. However, Tigere Chagutah, the group’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, urged authorities to ensure a conducive environment that allows citizens to vote and stand for office freely.
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