The delay was attributed to ongoing flooding that has impacted road infrastructure and disrupted travel in the region.
Governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil of Unity State, chair of the high-level committee for Kiir’s endorsement in Upper Nile, announced the change during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday.
He cited the current flooding situation as the main reason for the postponement.
“The existing flooding has worsened road networks and hampered infrastructure works in some parts of Upper Nile,” Governor Manytuil stated.
He further explained that after consultations with the SPLM National Secretariat and a comprehensive assessment of the situation, the committee unanimously decided to reschedule the event.
“Therefore, we are postponing the rally from December to February 2024,” he confirmed.
This change affects various activities initially planned for December, which will now be adjusted to align with the February schedule.
The Governor concluded the briefing by welcoming further information from other committee members and inquiries from the press.
He emphasized that the postponement aims to ensure a safer and more accessible environment for the rally in light of the current climatic challenges.
The Upper Nile endorsement rally for Kiir follows the previous endorsement of President Kiir by the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region in July 2023.
He is also expected to receive the party’s endorsement in Central Equatoria at a later date.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold its first elections since 2011 in December 2024.
The endorsement rallies aim to garner support for President Kiir’s candidacy ahead of the national elections.