The residents of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have expressed varying reactions to the extension of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU), which was established to end the civil war in the world’s youngest nation.
A peace deal was signed in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2018, allowing the Government of South Sudan and the opposition groups to immediately hold elections after the transitional period. However, many extensions have since been made due to the failure to prepare for free and fair elections.
This month marks the beginning of another two-year transitional period, with elections scheduled for December 2026.
The move has raised doubts among South Sudanese and international monitors about the government’s commitment to the new period.
Aweil-based activist Mou Ngong told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that many extensions had left the people in doubt about the possibility of elections after the end of the new period. He said he was worried about the country’s future.
“TGONU [Revitalized Transitional Government] has been extended three times: in 2018, 2022, and now in 2024. We do not know whether there will be elections in 2026 or if other extensions will be made. We don’t know where the country is headed because the government is not committed to holding the elections,” said Ngong.
He recommended conducting the General Election if the peace partners demonstrated the political will to ensure that the ongoing conflict ends.
“The best option for the South Sudanese is to go for elections, but who will do that? When the right time comes, the government refuses to do the right thing, which means there is no clear direction, and we are only exposed to unbearable situations,” he said.
Awut Kuel, a local resident of Aweil, said the past transitional governments were positive because many of the peace provisions were implemented, and he hoped the new one would lead to a General Election on time.
“I have realized that the past transitional periods were good, and I hope the current one will be good as well. There were provisions of the peace agreement that have been met, and I monitor that President Salva Kiir and his peace partners are working hand in hand,” said Kuel.
The Chairman of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Daniel Akot, said the TGONU has been extended several time but without any achievements. The opposition official urged the implementation of the main provisions of the Peace Agreement to pave the way for peace and elections.
“The Transitional Government of National Unity expired several years ago, and now it has been extended again. We hope other main provisions of the peace agreement should be implemented so that the country can realize peace and development through the government,” said Akot.