
“𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 — The Presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections,which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Presidential Adviser on National Security, Hon. Tut Gatluak said the extension is an opportunity to implement the critical remaining protocols in R-ARCSS, such as the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties. On his part, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension is in response to the recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector. Citing pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections, necessitating the delay, saying there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls. Minister Lomuro also reassured the public that the government would remain operational during this extended period” (Office of the President – Republic of South Sudan, 13.09.2024).
Here we go again, the R-TGoNU, the TNLA and the whole gathering of stakeholders have pushed back and stopped the scheduled elections that was supposed to go down on the 22nd December 2024. The ones that has been following from the sidelines knew this could eventually happen.
As J-1 and everyone encircling the President aren’t ready for an election. The authorities, the legislative bodies or the state apparatus wasn’t in order. Neither has the R-ARCSS been implemented, the structures being built or the institutions prepared for a free and fair election. If the Republic held an election in December 2024 it wouldn’t be credible or fair by any figment of imagination.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Dr. Riek Machar and the rest of the key stakeholders in this administration knows everything has gone slow. Every talks, negotiations and such are with hurdles. With fallouts and with bitter bickering. Warlords crossing fires and burning bridges. There are someone who is in it for the short-con and to get a cut. That’s why things are stalling and everyone is trying to further their own interests over building a functioning nation.
That’s why people are waiting. The Khartoum Declarations and the Entebbe Talks are far gone. The Tumaini Initiative and the Rome talks will be forgotten too. The years goes by and things are just malfunctioning out of “status quo” and giving a life-line to the current rulers. While they don’t have to abide by rules or regulations, because they haven’t enacted them or cared to do so.
It is really depressing… R-ARCSS was supposed to be finalized on the 12th May 2019 and since then the leaders have given themselves several of new deadlines. Now they furthered the Transitional Period. Making it soon a decade more. Just imagine the nation never held polls or credible elections since it’s inception. The people haven’t been able or had the option of choosing their leaders. These are people who has taken arms and shoot themselves into power. It isn’t people who are anointed or even vouched for in that regard. No, they are people who has rebelled and who had armed groups behind them. That’s why they are at the table and has a say.
Just think about it. Since 2011… the people have waited on J-1 and the others to do the right thing, but these leaders have failed them. Again and again. Kiir wants to rule by decree and not by constitutional order. Neither does he trust the will of the people. That’s why he doesn’t implement or have the heart to build governing institutions, which could resolve the matter at hand. Alas, it is all individuals who doesn’t want to lose power and influence. Leaders who are afraid of the people and what they would do. Because, if they had faith in them and trusted their judgment. These leaders who have enacted, ensured and made the election happen yesterday. Peace.


















