South Sudan's government announced on Friday the postponement of its national election, originally scheduled for December 2024, extending it to December 22, 2026.
"The presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country's transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections, which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026," Kiir's office said.
The extension seeks to allow more time to complete critical tasks necessary for a successful election and comes amid ongoing challenges in the country's peace process.
"There is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls," Kiir's office added.
In 2013, conflict broke out in South Sudan between the Dinka nation, which includes President Salva Kiir, and the Nuer tribe, represented by former Vice President Riek Mashar. A peace agreement was signed by Kiir and Mashar in Ethiopia in September 2018. Despite this, clashes continue in different parts of the country because some rebel opposition groups have not endorsed the deal.