In brief
President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan's transitional government, including parliament and state administrations, four months before the country’s first elections after independence. The move also removed five vice‑presidents and placed former ministers in caretaker roles until December 22. With opposition leader Riek Machar under house arrest and his party warning against polling preparations, the political landscape remains tense. Security forces in Juba increased presence and UN agencies shifted staff to remote work amid reported uncertainty.
South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional government eight months before the country’s first elections, as the state prepares for a poll scheduled for December 22.
\The new law, signed on Monday, removed all five vice‑presidents and dissolved parliament along with national and state administrations, placing former ministers into caretaker positions while the Electoral Commission prepares election logistics.
\Kiir, whose party – the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – stands as the sole presidential candidate, faces limited opposition. Riek Machar, the SPLM‑IO leader and former vice‑president, is under house arrest after being charged with treason, and his party has warned civilians against participating in voter registration under SPLM‑IO control.
\Ahead of the announcement, security forces surrounded government ministries in Juba, and UN agencies advised staff to work remotely as uncertainty over the political transition heightened. The move has prompted calls from the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission for a credible electoral process and the conclusion of the prolonged transition period.
\
