At a time when the people of South Sudan had hoped that 2024 would mark a turning point toward ending the transitional period, the decision to extend elections to December 2026 came as another blow to their aspirations for democratic participation. Months after the extension, the signatory parties to the peace agreement continue to stall and manipulate time without taking concrete steps to implement the remaining provisions.
What raises further concerns is that this extension was not accompanied by a clear roadmap or binding timeline, reinforcing doubts about the intentions of both the government and the opposition. With this ongoing approach, the country seems to be heading toward yet another delay in 2026, where the same excuses—”lack of readiness,” “insufficient funding,” and “unstable security conditions”—will be repeated, while citizens bear the heaviest burden.
The Opposition: Between Procrastination and a Lack of Political Vision
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has long claimed to fight for justice, freedom, and democracy. However, its performance in recent months tells a different story—one characterized by stalling and manipulating unresolved issues. Led by Dr. Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO has shown hesitation in pushing forward the implementation of security arrangements and the unification of forces into a single national army, a key pillar of the peace agreement aimed at ensuring the country’s stability.
The recent clashes in February 2025 in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal were a direct consequence of this procrastination. These conflicts could have been avoided had the SPLM-IO seriously addressed the removal of checkpoints and implemented the security arrangements instead of engaging in a blame game with the government.
It is becoming evident that the opposition is playing the long game—either to secure a stronger foothold in the political landscape or in hopes of gaining new negotiating advantages. However, this approach does not serve the interests of the people; rather, it hinders the peace process and prolongs the suffering of citizens who already endure economic hardships and a lack of essential services.
The Government: Stalling as a Strategy to Remain in Power
The government, led by President Salva Kiir, bears the greatest responsibility for this political crisis, as it holds the most power in implementing the agreement. Yet, since 2018, it has pursued a systematic policy of stalling, failing to achieve significant progress on key provisions such as:
- Army unification, a fundamental guarantee against a return to violence.
- Drafting a permanent constitution, which should serve as the legal foundation for the upcoming elections.
- Conducting a national census, a crucial step to ensure fair electoral representation.
- Improving the political climate, where press freedoms and opposition activities still face severe restrictions.
The government’s justification for these delays—citing a “lack of funding”—is no longer convincing, especially since South Sudan has received international financial support since the peace agreement was signed. However, rampant corruption within state institutions and the use of political positions for personal gain have led to the mismanagement of these resources. Meanwhile, ordinary South Sudanese continue to wait for basic services to improve, public sector workers remain unpaid, and economic crises persist.
The Opposition Alliance: Weakness and Political Fragility
The alliance of opposition parties has not been an exception to this disastrous political landscape. It has failed to present a unified stance, shifting its priorities from pushing for the implementation of the agreement to engaging in internal power struggles. Instead of forming a strong front to compel the government to commit to reforms, its members have been consumed by disputes over the vice presidency and other political privileges.
None of the opposition parties have forcefully condemned the government for delaying the peace agreement or exposed the corruption that has led to economic collapse and salary delays for civil servants. However, whenever one of their representatives is dismissed from office, they issue fiery statements and threaten to withdraw from the government. This confirms that their primary goal is not reforms but rather maintaining political quotas and enjoying the benefits of government positions.
This behavior has exposed the fragility of the opposition, which has become more focused on preserving its political gains rather than improving citizens’ living conditions. The alliance has lost its most powerful tool—the ability to mobilize public support and exert pressure—leaving the political arena wide open for the government to make unilateral decisions without any meaningful resistance.
Are We Headed for Another Postponement in 2026?
Looking at the current situation, there are no indications that South Sudan will be ready for elections in 2026. Security and political reforms remain stalled, and there is no clear timeline for completing the remaining provisions of the agreement. With the government continuing its stalling tactics, the opposition engaging in procrastination, and political alliances sinking into internal disputes, another extension seems the most likely scenario.
If the people and national forces do not act now, another delay in elections will not be surprising. The government will continue inventing excuses, the opposition will keep negotiating for positions, and political alliances will remain weak—while South Sudanese citizens remain deprived of their constitutional right to elect their leaders in free and fair elections.
Conclusion: It’s Time to End This Political Chaos
It is time to put an end to this political maneuvering and stop using the peace agreement as an excuse to delay democracy. This cycle of extensions and justifications cannot continue while the people suffer from poverty, lack of services, and economic collapse.
If the government and opposition are incapable of fulfilling their responsibilities and commitments, then the people must raise their voices, demand their constitutional rights, and reject any further postponements that could push the country back into instability and chaos.
South Sudan deserves responsible leadership—not a political class that fights for power while everything around them collapses. The future will be shaped by those who believe in democracy, not by those who obstruct it.
The author, Mahmoud Akot, is a South Sudanese political activist based in France. He can be reached via email: mahmoudakot@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.