President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on South Sudanese to embrace peace and reconciliation in his annual Christmas message, while linking economic recovery to holding planned elections.
In the statement released on Christmas Eve, the President extended seasonal greetings to citizens at home and abroad, emphasising the festive period as a time for “peace, love, joy and forgiveness.”
“We are called upon to reflect on where we must go as a nation,” he said. “This reflection must include rejecting violence in all its forms.”
The message highlighted national challenges, attributing current hardships to “senseless wars and insecurity” which he said had “devastated our social and economic fabrics.”
A notable point in the address connected governmental action on these issues to the electoral process. “The Government will work to address these challenges only if we are able to conduct our elections as planned,” President Kiir stated.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has faced prolonged conflict and delayed transitions. A peace agreement signed in 2018 aimed to culminate in national elections, which have been postponed several times. The most recent timetable aims for the vote to be held in December 2026.
The Council of Ministers on Tuesday discussed and endorsed amendments to the 2018 revitalised peace agreement to pave the way for elections without a new census or permanent constitution.
The amendments now await endorsement by the peace monitoring body, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), and passage by parliament.
However, it is uncertain whether the RJMEC, which includes several other stakeholders, will approve the changes. Concerns have been raised by allies of opposition leader Dr Riek Machar, and there appears to be a lack of consensus.
In his message, the President concluded by urging citizens to celebrate peacefully and wished the nation a Merry Christmas.
“May God bless you all and bless South Sudan,” he said.
Salva Kiir Mayardit has led South Sudan since its independence and is expected to run in the upcoming elections.