IGAD and South Sudan Step Up Preparations for December 2026 General Elections

JUBA, July 2, 2026 - The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Government of South Sudan have intensified consultations on the implementation of the country's peace agreement and preparations for the general elections scheduled for December 2026. The discussions took place during a meeting in Juba between IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali, and South Sudanese Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, as the country moves closer to what is expected to be a landmark electoral process. The two officials reviewed progress in implementing the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, the status of electoral preparations, political dialogue among the transitional parties, and arrangements for concluding the country's transitional period. Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol reaffirmed his government's commitment to fully implementing the peace agreement and creating the conditions necessary for free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections later this year. He also commended IGAD for its sustained support since the signing of the peace accord, describing the regional bloc as a key partner in South Sudan's efforts to consolidate peace and stability. Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali reiterated IGAD's commitment to supporting South Sudan throughout the transition, emphasizing the organization's continued engagement in promoting political dialogue, national reconciliation, and cooperation among the parties to the peace process. The consultations come as South Sudan prepares for what is expected to be its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011, a milestone widely regarded as critical to advancing democratic governance and securing long-term peace and stability. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in implementing the peace agreement to ensure a credible electoral process and support a peaceful political transition. The meeting underscored IGAD's continued role in accompanying South Sudan as it seeks to conclude its transitional period and strengthen democratic institutions ahead of the December polls.