Eye Radio

President Kiir: Solidarity, Unity and Reconciliation Are Key to South Sudan’s Future

JUBA, 9 July 2026 — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has said solidarity, reconciliation and unity are the solution to South Sudan’s current challenges, calling on citizens to work together as the country prepares for its first post-independence general elections.

Addressing the nation on Thursday during celebrations marking South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary, President Kiir acknowledged that conflict since 2013 had slowed the country’s progress despite the gains of independence.

“While our war of national liberation carried clear objectives, the conflict since 2013 has prevented us from fully delivering on those promises. Therefore, the solution to our current problems lies in remaining united. The spirit of solidarity, reconciliation and unity will make our country stronger than ever,” President Kiir said.

The President paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle and commended members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other organized forces for their continued service in protecting the country.

He also described the forthcoming general elections as a major milestone in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and bringing the transitional period to an end.

President Kiir urged political parties, civil society organisations and citizens to support the upcoming voter registration exercise, saying broad participation would enable South Sudanese to exercise their democratic rights during the December elections.

“I therefore urge all political forces and civil society organisations to encourage widespread participation in the upcoming voter registration exercise. This registration will enable our citizens to exercise their democratic rights during the elections this December,” he said.

The President concluded his address by calling on citizens to celebrate the country's 15th Independence Anniversary peacefully and wished all South Sudanese a happy Independence Day.

Civil society urges inclusive dialogue over concerns about election readiness

Civil society groups have expressed concern over South Sudan’s preparedness for the planned December 2026 general elections during a meeting with a visiting African Union (AU) ministerial delegation in Juba. https://www.eyeradio.org/civil-society-urges-inclusive-dialogue-over-concerns-about-election-readiness/