Kiir open to dialogue with ‘all political actors’ as polls near

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has assured African leaders that his government is ready to engage in political dialogue with “all political actors” in the country to ensure stability ahead of national elections scheduled for December, his office said.

Kiir made the commitment during a high-level meeting of the African Union’s C5 committee, a bloc of five nations mandated to support South Sudan’s peace process.

The summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, brought together regional heads of state and representatives from the United Nations and IGAD to assess the country’s readiness for the vote.

“The President reaffirmed that the government is open to dialogue with all political actors in the interest of peace and national stability,” the Presidential Press Unit said in a statement, adding that the upcoming election should serve to unite rather than divide the country.

South Sudan is heading towards a critical deadline in December 2026 to hold its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011. The vote has been delayed multiple times due to logistical challenges, a lack of funding, and slow implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

President Ramaphosa, while praising Kiir’s attendance as a “clear demonstration of commitment,” acknowledged that progress on the peace deal remains slow eight years after its signing.

“The people of South Sudan yearn for peace and prosperity,” Ramaphosa said. “But elections alone will not guarantee lasting peace.”

Ramaphosa warned that insecurity could undermine the electoral process and expressed support for a proposal to have the African Union Commission appoint a former head of state to mediate between the parties.

The mediator would specifically facilitate dialogue between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to resolve outstanding disputes.

Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro echoed the government’s stance, stating that inclusiveness was essential for a successful transition.

“All voices must be part of the national conversation,” Lomuro said, without naming Machar as part of the planned dialogue.

The C5 leaders concluded the summit by urging South Sudan’s political class to act with urgency, warning that decisions made in the coming months would determine whether the nation secures a durable peace or slips back into instability.