South Sudan President Salva Kiir has issued a presidential order establishing a broad-based leadership body to conduct dialogue on election-related issues, bringing together parties signatory to the 2018 peace deal and other stakeholders.
The order, read on state-run television on Friday night, excludes the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) faction led by Dr. Riek Machar and seeks to build political consensus ahead of the country’s long-delayed elections.
President Kiir said the revitalized peace agreement provides the framework for a peaceful transition and democratic elections, underscoring the need for dialogue among political actors to ensure a stable, free and fair electoral process.
The president referred to a meeting of the Expanded Presidency held on December 10, 2025, which reviewed the status of the transition and challenges facing the electoral roadmap. That meeting resolved that leaders of the signatory parties — including the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), SPLM-IO, South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Former Detainees (FDs) and Other Political Parties (OPP) — should address election-related grievances through dialogue.
Composition of the body
According to the order, the consultative body will comprise representatives from major political blocs, eminent religious and civic leaders, and civil society stakeholders, with the aim of reaching a common position on key election-related issues. Non-signatory political groups willing to participate may be included once they confirm their participation.
The committee includes senior 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.
The committee comprises nominees submitted by their respective parties and stakeholders.
SPLM:
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; Lili Albino Akol Akol; Emmanuel Adil.
National Agenda:
Dr Martine Elia Lomuro; Joseph Malek Arop; Taban Luka Guya; Pasqualina Philip Waden; Bol Tobi Maduot; Daruai Mabor Teny; Onyoti Adigo; Suheel Deng; Honorable Magot Maker Mayendit; Dr Mario Areng Wet.
SPLM-IO:
Stephen Par Kuol; Lasuba Ludoru Wango; Agok Makur Kur; Sarah Cleto; James Mawich Makuach; Luke Thompson; Yar Telar Ring; Ding Lam Yual; George Mutuar Mayom.
SSOA:
Dinay Jock Chagor; Gabriel Chansong Chang; Hussein Abdelbagi Akol; Costello Garang Riiny Lual; Julius Daniel Tabule; Changkuoth Bichiok Reath; Moro Isaac Jenensio; Clement Juba Bugoniwa.
Other Political Parties (OPP):
Albino Akol Atak; Honorable Mayen Deng Alier; Richard Omony Valet; Peter Martin Toko; Peter Mayen Majongdit; Kornelio Kon Ngu.
Former Detainees (FDs):
Deng Alor Kuol; Madut Biar Yel; Isaiah Hakim Garang; Dr Majak D’Agot; Gier Chuang Aluong.
Eminent personalities:
His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mula; 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; Wilson Diongdit Sebit.
The order states that any other political party or group that is not a signatory to the R-ARCSS may be included once it confirms its participation.
Terms of reference
Under its terms of reference, the leadership body is tasked with conducting political dialogue and drafting a constitutional consensus blueprint on election-related issues, including pre-election matters. It will also identify R-ARCSS provisions earmarked for post-election consideration and address technical, legal and security prerequisites necessary for a conducive electoral environment.
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.
Vice presidents, parliamentary leaders, diplomats, international partners and traditional leaders may attend the opening and closing sessions.
The formation of the body comes amid debate over election preparedness, including delays in reforms, security arrangements and the drafting of a permanent constitution.
Civil society reaction
Civil society activist and peace stakeholder Edmund Yakani criticised the government’s approach, warning that multiple dialogue initiatives risk deepening political confusion.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), told Radio Tamazuj that the recent approach of embracing dialogue to resolve the country’s ongoing political stalemate is absolutely confusing and demonstrates indicators of multiple competing centres of influence around the leadership of the country.
Yakani said excluding the SPLM-IO faction under the leadership of Dr Riek Machar would undermine the process.
“Ignoring SPLM-IO under the leadership of Dr Riek Machar will be a grave mistake and will lead the process nowhere,” he said.
Yakani also criticised the composition of the committee, saying it violated the 35 percent affirmative action quota for women.
“The violation of the 35 percent representation for women in the committee on election-related matters is unacceptable. The enforcement of the 35 percent quota for women is obligatory,” Yakani said.
Last month, the presidency and cabinet approved amendments to key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement, delinking the December 2026 elections from the permanent constitution-making process, a national census and other institutional reforms.
The amendments also removed provisions stating that the peace agreement takes precedence over the transitional constitution.
The proposed amendments are currently under review by the monitoring body RJMEC.