South Sudan extends transitional government by two years

The transitional government has unveiled a roadmap announcing an extension of 24 months to the transitional period.  

The 24 months will start at the end of the transitional period on the 22nd of February next year – 2023, effectively pushing elections to December 2024.

The roadmap has been signed by the five main signatories to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, namely the SPLM, the SPLM/A-IO, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), the Former Detainees and the Other Political Parties (OPP).

TROIKA countries earlier sent communication seen by Radio Miraya, turning down the invitation to today’s event, questioning the extension of the transitional period.

The United States Charge’ d’ Affaires, William Flens says the TROIKA states of the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom are concerned about the inclusivity of other stakeholders including women, civil society and faith-based groups in the drafting of the roadmap.  

The transitional period in South Sudan began in Feb 2020, but the agreement's key provisions remain largely unimplemented. Elections were scheduled to be conducted 60 days before the end of the transitional period, which was in December 2022.

In his speech at the unveiling of the road map, President Salva Kiir said the intention of the extension is not to stay longer in power, but rather to prepare adequately for national elections. 

We bring you President Kiir’s 7” speech.