President Salva Kiir chairs a meeting with SPLM leaders on Friday, July 17, 2026. Photo: Office of the President.

President Salva Kiir has directed senior leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) to intensify efforts to preserve peace and security ahead of the general elections scheduled for December.

Kiir issued the directive on Friday during a meeting with SPLM chairpersons from the states and administrative areas, attended by the party’s Secretary-General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit.

The President urged party leaders to work closely with communities to promote peace, strengthen unity, and support local authorities in creating a safe environment for citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.

He said peace and stability remain essential for credible elections and called on SPLM leaders to exercise responsible leadership by engaging communities and promoting harmony during the country’s democratic transition.

President Kiir also directed governors to explore sustainable ways of increasing local revenue, saying stronger domestic resource mobilisation is necessary to improve service delivery and meet the operational needs of their respective states.

He further encouraged party officials to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, promote peaceful coexistence, and support government efforts to improve governance and security ahead of the polls.

South Sudan is expected to hold its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011.

The elections, scheduled for December 2026, are intended to conclude the country’s transitional political process and pave the way for an elected government. Preparations are ongoing across government institutions and the National Elections Commission ahead of the polls.