President Salva Kiir on Friday urged citizens to register to vote when voter registration begins, saying elections remain the ultimate objective of the country’s peace agreement and the only path to a peaceful democratic transition.
The government is pressing ahead with plans to hold elections in December 2026 despite delays in the implementation of the peace agreement and a lack of consensus among the parties on the vote.
Speaking before supporters at Wau Stadium during a visit to Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Kiir said his government remains committed to the full implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war.
“Elections are our only pathway to a peaceful transition. Register in large numbers when voter registration begins so that you can exercise your democratic right to choose your leaders,” Kiir told the crowd.
The president said peace remains the government’s highest priority despite ongoing political challenges.
“Despite what you hear, always remember that peace is our top priority,” he said.
Thousands of residents lined the streets of Wau and packed the stadium to welcome Kiir, waving flags, singing songs and chanting messages of support as his motorcade made its way through the town.
The rally was organized by the government of Western Bahr el Ghazal State under Governor Sheriff Daniel Sheriff and was attended by traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, community representatives and residents from across the state.
Kiir also called on citizens to take advantage of the ongoing rainy season by increasing agricultural production to improve food security and reduce dependence on external assistance.
“Let us embrace hard work, cultivate our land, defeat hunger, and ensure food security for our people,” he said.
The event was attended by Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who oversees the Service Cluster, and several national ministers, including Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande, Interior Minister Aleu Ayieny Aleu, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Wek Mamer Kuol, Investment Minister Joseph Mum Majak, Transport Minister Rezik Zakaria Hassan Doko, Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both, Higher Education Minister Madut Biar Yel, General Education and Instruction Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok, and Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Minister Albino Akol Atak.
Also in attendance were Western Bahr el Ghazal Deputy Governor Achum Daniel and Lakes State Governor Madhang Majok.
The gathering concluded with calls for peace, national unity, public participation in the electoral process and increased agricultural production, with speakers emphasizing support for a peaceful South Sudan.
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