Kiir forms committee to lead dialogue on elections

JUBA — South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Friday formed a high-level committee to lead dialogue on the December 2026 elections, in a move aimed at building consensus among political stakeholders ahead of the anticipated polls.

A presidential order, read on state-run radio, SSBC, on Friday night, established a committee, bringing together parties signatory to the 2018 peace deal and other stakeholders.

The consultative body comprises representatives signatory to the 2018 peace deal, eminent religious and civic leaders, and civil society stakeholders.

The committee includes senior politician figures from the SPLM, National Agenda, SPLM-IO led by Peace Minister Stephen Par Kuol, the SSOA, other political parties, and former detainees.

It also includes prominent religious leaders, academics, and other stakeholders who are non-signatory to the 2018 peace deal.

SPLM members include Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Aleu Ayieny Aleu, Africano Mande Gedima, Tut Gatluak Manime, Michael Makuei Lueth, Rizik Zachariah Hassan, Louis Lobong Lojore, Tor Deng Mawien, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Tulio Odongi, Lily Albino Akol Akol, and Emmanuel Adil.

The National Agenda comprises Dr. Martine Elia Lomuro, Joseph Malek Arop, Taban Luka Guya, Pasqualina Philip Waden, Bol Tobi Maduot, Dhoruai Mabor Teny, Onyoti Adigo, Suheel Deng, Magot Maker Mayendit, and Dr. Mario Areng Wet.

SPLM-IO includes Stephen Par Kuol, Lasuba Ludoru Wango, Agok Makur Kur, Sarah Cleto, James Mawich Makuach, Luke Thompson, Yar Telar Ring, Ding Lam Yual, and George Mutuar Mayom.

SSOA are Dinay Jock Chagor, Gabriel Changson Chang, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Costello Garang Riiny Lual, Julius Daniel Tabule, Changkuoth Bichiok Reath, Moro Isaac Jenensio, and Clement Juba Bugoniwa.

Other Political Parties (OPP) include Albino Akol Atak, Mayen Deng Alier, Richard Omony Valet, Martin Tako Moyi, Peter Mayen Majongdit, and Kornelio Kon Ngu.

Former Detainees (FDs):
Deng Alor Kuol, Madut Biar Yel, Isaiah Hakim Garang, Dr. Majak D’Agot, and Gier Chuang Aluong.

Eminent personalities:
His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla; Primate Archbishop Justin Badia Arama; Bishop Emeritus Enock Tombe Loro; Archbishop Daniel Garang Bul; Archbishop Elia Taban; Sheikh Abdallah Baraj Rual; Sheikh Juma Saeed Ali; Professor Francis Deng; Professor Moses Machar.

Stakeholders:
Alikayo Aligo Samson, Biel Butrus Biel, Edmond Yakani, Simon Akuei Deng, Alokir Malual, Mary Akech Bior, Sarah Nyanath Elijah, Rita M. Lopidia, Professor Pauline Riak, Sheikh Mohammed Hassan Morjan, Steward Soro Budia, and Wilson Diongdit Sebit.

The committee is tasked with conducting political dialogue and drafting a constitutional consensus on election-related issues, including pre-election matters.

The body is mandated to consult with the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council to ensure political resolutions align with existing legal and institutional frameworks and to report back to the presidency within 45 days from the start of the dialogue.

The committee is expected to begin consultations in the coming weeks and submit its findings within 45 days.

South Sudan has faced repeated delays in holding elections since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, with disagreements persisting over key reforms.

Observers said the success of the committee will depend on broad participation and genuine political will from all sides.