Vice President and IGAD Review Election Readiness

(JUBA) – The IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali, has held talks with Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol on the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for the December 2026 general elections. The meeting took place in Juba on 30 June.

Ambassador Moussa restated the commitment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. He also confirmed the regional bloc’s backing for continued dialogue among the parties as South Sudan readies itself for the polls.

Vice President Hussein said the Government remains committed to fully implementing the peace agreement. He added that the country is working to ensure it is prepared to conduct free and credible general elections as scheduled in December 2026.

The Vice President praised IGAD for its support to the Government of South Sudan. He noted the significant role the regional bloc played in facilitating the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and its continued engagement in the country’s peace and electoral processes.

The meeting concluded with both sides affirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of lasting peace, stability, and the democratic aspirations of the people of South Sudan.

The meeting with the IGAD envoy followed a similar engagement on 29 June when Vice President Hussein met with the United States Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler. That discussion focused on cooperation in the health and education sectors.

During the meeting, Ambassador Adler briefed the Vice President on a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of South Sudan and the United States. The agreement covers support and financing for the country’s health sector.

Vice President Hussein said the Government is committed to co-financing the health sector. He also said the payment of salaries remains a priority, especially in health and education, as part of efforts to improve service delivery across the country.

Ambassador Adler confirmed the continued support of the United States for the people of South Sudan. He also stressed the importance of peace and stability in the country. The two officials also discussed the upcoming inter-party dialogue ahead of the December 2026 general elections.

On 25 June, the Vice President met with the British Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley. Their discussion covered service delivery priorities in health and education as well as election preparations.

The two leaders discussed the need to increase funding for health and education. They also addressed the timely disbursement of capitation grants to primary schools. The United Kingdom is one of South Sudan’s major partners in supporting these sectors.

Vice President Hussein said the Government is committed to increasing budgetary allocations to health and education. He also confirmed the Government will fulfil its co-financing obligations and ensure the payment of capitation grants to primary schools to strengthen service delivery.

On the electoral process, the Vice President stated that the Government is preparing for an inter-party dialogue ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 2026. He stressed that there will be no further extension of the transitional period.