President Kiir meets state leaders on security and election preparations
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has held separate meetings with leaders from Abyei, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes State, focusing on security, peace and preparations for South Sudan’s December elections.
According to the webpage of the Office of the President, Kiir met the Caretaker Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, Charles Abyei Jok, who briefed him on recent skirmishes in parts of Abyei on Thursday.
The Presidency said calm has since been restored, with President Kiir directing the Abyei administration to work closely with communities and security institutions to prevent renewed tensions.
The meeting also focused on preparations for the upcoming elections, with the Abyei administration expected to engage communities and promote public awareness ahead of the polls.
President Kiir separately met the Caretaker Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Sherif Daniel Sherif, and directed him to prioritize peace, stability and electoral preparedness ahead of the December elections.
Governor Sherif said his administration would work with local authorities, security institutions and community leaders to maintain stability and mobilize citizens for peaceful participation in the elections.
The President also directed the Caretaker Governor of Lakes State, Rin Tuen Mabor, to prepare the state for the elections and mobilize communities to embrace peace and stability.
The meetings come as South Sudan’s caretaker administration oversees government affairs following the dissolution of the Transitional Government in September.
President Kiir appointed Sherif Daniel Sherif as caretaker governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, Rin Tuen Mabor as caretaker governor of Lakes State and Charles Abyei Jok as caretaker Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area.
The caretaker administrations are operating as South Sudan prepares for the scheduled December 22, 2026 elections.
The Presidency says the meetings are part of efforts to ensure that security and administrative conditions are in place for the electoral period.
