President Kiir Forms Broad-Based Committee to Lead Election Dialogue in South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan – January 31, 2026 – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a presidential order establishing a broad-based leadership committee tasked with conducting inclusive dialogue on election-related issues in South Sudan.

The initiative aims to bring together representatives from political parties, signatories and non-signatories of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), civil society organizations, faith leaders, and other national stakeholders.

The committee, created through a formal presidential directive, is mandated to ensure comprehensive participation and representation from across South Sudan’s diverse political and social spectrum. 

Its work is intended to foster consensus on key matters related to the electoral process, ahead of national elections slated for later in 2026.

According to the presidential order, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) will be represented by prominent figures including Akol Paul Kordit, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Aleu Ayieny Aleu, Africano Mande Gedima, Tut Gatluak Manime, Michael Makuei Lueth, Rizik Zachariah Hassan, Louis Lobong Lojore, Tor Deng Mawien, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Tulio Odongi, Lily Albino Akol Akol, and Emmanuel Adil.

Representatives from the National Agenda are Martin Elia Lomuro, Joseph Malek Arop, Taban Luka Guya, Pasqualina Philip Waden, Bol Tobi Maduot, Dhoruai Mabor Teny, Onyoti Adigo, Suheel Deng, Magot Maker Mayendit, and Mario Areng Wet. 

Meanwhile, the SPLM-IO (Stephen Par Kuol faction) is represented by Stephen Par Kuol, Lasuba Ludoru Wango, Agok Makur Kur, Sarah Cleto, James Mawich Makuach, Luke Thompson, Yar Telar Ring, Ding Lam Yual, and George Mathor Mayom.

The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) has appointed Dinay Jock Chagor, Gabriel Changson Chang, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Costello Garang Riiny Lual, Julius Daniel Tabule, Changkuoth Bichiok Reath, Moro Isaac Jenensio, and Clement Juba Bugoniwa as members. 

Other Political Parties (OPP) are represented by Albino Akol Atak, Mayen Deng Alier, Richard Omony Valet, Martin Tako Moyi, Peter Mayen Majongdit, and Kornelio Kon Ngu.

Former detainees, a key group in the peace process, will also participate, with Deng Alor Kuol, Madut Biar Yel, Isaiah Hakim Garang, Majak D’Agot, and Gier Chuang Aluong named to the committee.

Faith leaders and eminent personalities have been included to lend moral authority and facilitate dialogue. 

Among them are His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla, Primate Archbishop Justin Badia Arama, Bishop Emeritus Enock Tombe Loro, Archbishop Daniel Garang Bul, Archbishop Elia Taban, Sheikh Abdallah Baraj Rual, Sheikh Juma Saeed Ali, Francis Mading Deng, and Moses Machar Kachuol.

Civil society actors and stakeholder representatives include Alikayo Aligo Samson, Biel Butrus Biel, Edmond Yakani, Simon Akuei Deng, Alokir Malual, Mary Akech Bior, Sarah Nyanath Elijah, Rita M. Lopidia, Pauline Riak, Sheikh Mohammed Hassan Morjan, Steward Soro Budia, and Wilson Diongdit Sebit. 

The presidential order allows for the inclusion of any political party or group that is not a signatory to the R-ARCSS, provided their participation is confirmed.

The committee has been given a strict timeline of 45 days to complete its mandate and submit a comprehensive report to the Presidency. 

Its findings are expected to guide national decision-making on electoral procedures, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of reforms necessary for credible elections.

Political analysts have hailed the move as an important step toward inclusivity, emphasizing that bringing together diverse political, civil, and religious actors increases the chances of broad consensus and reduces the risk of conflict during the electoral period.

“The formation of this committee reflects the commitment of the government to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the electoral process,” said political analyst Esther Ajok. 

“Involving former detainees, opposition parties, civil society, and faith leaders is crucial for building trust and preventing disputes that could undermine the elections.”

Observers note that South Sudan’s elections have historically been contentious, with disputes over participation, representation, and electoral procedures frequently leading to tension. 

The broad-based committee is intended to mitigate these risks by facilitating dialogue and preemptively addressing contentious issues.

The inclusion of faith leaders and eminent personalities is also expected to play a stabilizing role, as they bring credibility and moral weight to the deliberations. 

Civil society representatives are anticipated to act as watchdogs, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

President Kiir’s directive comes at a time when the country is preparing for national elections and seeks to maintain stability after years of conflict. 

The committee’s work will be closely monitored by both domestic stakeholders and international partners invested in South Sudan’s peace and democratic consolidation.

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