Postponing elections could lead to renewed conflict, says Kiir

By Awan Achiek

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday warned western countries and opposition parties that postponing elections could lead to another war in the country.

Kiir said during a rally organized to endorse him as sole presidential candidate by supporters of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party from Greater Equatoria region in Juba.

“Our position in the SPLM is that the people of South Sudan must be given the chance to choose their leaders at the end of this interim period, however some parties to the revitalized peace agreement and international partners don’t share our views,” Kiir said.

The country is expected to hold presidential elections in December 2024.

“I must assure you that nobody will fight. Instead, it is the postponement of elections that will cause war,” Kiir said.  

He disclosed that he initiated an inter-party dialogue to find an amicable solution on the way forward on elections.

“They are pushing for extension of the transition period to ensure that their concerns are not ignored, I have asked for inter-party dialogue to find an amicable solution on the way forward for elections to be held,” Kiir said.

He urged the SPLM secretariat and their supporters to prepare for elections.

Kiir also called other holdout opposition groups to join the ongoing Nairobi peace talks being mediated by the Kenyan President William Ruto.

National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Thomas Cirilo Swaka, the former deputy chief of logistics in the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) are not taking part in the Nairobi peace talks.