South Sudan’s transitional unity government may remain in office beyond the 22 September 2026 dissolution deadline, with government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny saying the process could instead take place in October.
Ateny linked the possible delay to President Salva Kiir’s expected attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.
“On the 22nd, the President will be outside the country, travelling to the United Nations in New York. So, we can expect that thing [dissolution of the government] to happen in October,” Ateny said.
His remarks have raised questions over whether the transitional government will formally end on 22 September as provided for under the electoral framework.
Civil society groups have urged the government to respect the deadline, arguing that the amended National Election Act 2023 requires the transitional government to be dissolved three months before the planned 22 December general elections.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the government should comply with the legal requirement and maintain its commitment to the electoral process.
“As an activist, I hope to see political commitment towards that because it is a requirement of the law, and that is what the government has promised citizens that people are going to the elections,” Yakani said.
“The enforcement of the electoral law requires the government to be dissolved on 22 September,” he added.
Political analyst Professor Abraham Kuol Nyuon said the president’s absence from the country should not prevent the government from being dissolved if required by law.
He said President Kiir could issue the necessary decree before travelling to New York or while abroad.
The differing positions have intensified uncertainty over whether the transitional government will end on 22 September or continue into October.
The dispute comes as South Sudan prepares for the planned 22 December elections, with political parties, civil society and international partners closely watching the implementation of the electoral timetable.
The government’s handling of the September deadline is likely to become a key test of its commitment to the electoral process and the legal provisions governing the transition.
