JUBA — South Sudan’s peace parties agreed on Wednesday to amend the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and proceed with elections in 2026 without a new constitution in place.
The high-level meeting, chaired by President Salva Kiir, brought together leaders from various political parties, though the absence of detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s representatives was notable.
The SPLM-IO faction, led by Stephen Par Kuol, was present at the meeting reportedly aimed at finalizing the country’s transitional period and preparing for the December 2026 elections.
SPLM Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit announced that political parties unanimously agreed to amend key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement.
These amendments aim to address remaining hurdles and create a smoother path toward the upcoming elections.
Dr. Kordit explained that the leaders also “agreed to defer several outstanding tasks, including the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census, which will be prioritized after the elections.”
In addition, the parties agreed to establish a committee composed of members from various political factions to address unresolved issues.
A legal committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice, will also oversee necessary legislative amendments.
The meeting comes ahead of an interparty political dialogue scheduled for December 15-19, organized by South Sudanese civil society and faith-based mediators to address outstanding challenges in the peace process.