President Salva Kiir speaking at the opening session of the 7th Governors Forum in Juba on Nov. 29, 2023 - Credit: Office of the President

President Salva Kiir says the SPLM is ready to engage in dialogue with other political parties ahead of the general elections scheduled for December this year.

President Kiir made the remarks after meeting the Secretary General of the SPLM, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, at the State House yesterday.

According to the Office of the President, Kiir said his administration will focus on restoring peace and tranquillity to ensure the timely conduct of the first general elections scheduled to be held on December 22, 2026.

The statement said Dr. Akol announced that the SPLM will convene a caucus leadership meeting to assess the current political environment and discuss ways to strengthen the party’s founding values of liberation.

Dr. Akol further said the SPLM is open to dialogue with all political parties that are signatories to the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

He said dialogue is necessary to help the country achieve a peaceful, united, and democratic South Sudan.

Dr. Akol also appealed to all political forces in the country to embrace dialogue as a key path toward building a unified and peaceful nation.

President Kiir’s comments come as fighting between government and opposition forces continues to escalate in parts of the country.

In recent days, clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and SPLA-IO, as well as other armed groups including the Upper Nile-based White Army militia, have been reported in parts of northern Jonglei State, Unity State, and Eastern Equatoria State.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service has suspended humanitarian flights to counties in northern Jonglei due to the escalating violence.