Security has been tightened in parts of South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid uncertainty over the status of the transitional unity government and ahead of general elections scheduled for December.
Residents in the Thongpiny area reported a heavy deployment of security forces and military vehicles along major roads, including the route to Juba International Airport.
Yel Deng Tong, a resident of Thongpiny, told Radio Tamazuj that several military tanks had been deployed along the main road.
He said the deployment had caused concern among residents because there had been no clear explanation for the presence of the tanks.
“I was surprised and deeply concerned to see heavy military tanks deployed along the streets. It made me fearful because I have never witnessed such a heavy military deployment before,” he said.
Tong said residents hope that the deployment would not lead to violence, particularly around J1, the presidential compound.
“I hope this does not indicate that fighting is about to begin, especially around J1. We are all hoping and waiting for the elections, and I hope the situation remains peaceful,” he said.
Police spokesman Daniel Justin told Radio Tamazuj that the increased security presence was part of preparations for the elections.
He said joint units from different organised forces had been deployed to conduct day and night patrols, while personnel were also undergoing refresher training.
“We are stepping up security as part of our programme to prepare for the general elections,” he said.
Justin described the deployment as a routine internal security operation and urged residents not to panic.
“This is an internal operational exercise, and residents should not panic. It is a standard activity carried out by our organised forces to ensure public safety and deter any potential insecurity,” he said.
However, South Sudan People’s Defence Forces Spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang linked the increased security presence to the expected dissolution of the transitional government.
The increased security comes after President Salva Kiir signed amendments to the National Elections Act on Monday, hours after they were passed by parliament.
The amended law provides for the dissolution of the national legislature, state legislative assemblies and national and state governments within three months of the election date.
South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set 22 December 2026 as the date for the general elections.
The amendments also allow the incumbent president to remain in office and exercise executive powers during the election period, while vice-presidents and other members of the executive leave office under the new arrangements.
The Ministries Complex in Juba was closed on Tuesday morning, with employees reportedly prevented from accessing their offices. The complex remains under tight security.
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