VP and SSOA leader, Hussein Abdalbagi Akol with members of Islamic community during Eid prayer in Aweil. Photo credit: Office of the VP - SC.

The leader of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has urged Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to support President Salva Kiir in the anticipated 2026 general elections.

Speaking during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Aweil last week, Abdelbagi called on Muslims across the state to unite behind President Kiir when the country goes to the polls later this year.

The Vice President, who hails from the SSOA in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, said the current administration has provided an environment where Muslims can freely practice their faith.

Addressing the gathering, he said; “This year marks the end of the transitional period. My message to you is that we must first unite as Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal behind our President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, because this year we are going for elections. We do not want any Muslim vote to go to anyone other than Salva Kiir, because Salva Kiir gave us freedom of religion in South Sudan.”

Abdelbagi, a senior SSOA leader and former opposition commander, formally aligned himself with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in December 2025, a move that drew mixed reactions within opposition circles.

His remarks come as political parties step up preparations for South Sudan’s long-awaited elections, expected to mark the end of the country’s transitional period.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol who is also leader South Sudan has urged Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to support President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the anticipated 2026 general elections, citing the religious freedom enjoyed under his leadership.

Speaking during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Aweil last week, Abdelbagi called on Muslims across the state to unite behind President Kiir when the country goes to the polls later this year.

The Vice President, who hails from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, said the current administration has provided an environment where Muslims can freely practice their faith.

Addressing the gathering, he said; “This year marks the end of the transitional period. My message to you is that we must first unite as Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal behind our President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, because this year we are going for elections. We do not want any Muslim vote to go to anyone other than Salva Kiir, because Salva Kiir gave us freedom of religion in South Sudan.”

Abdelbagi, a senior SSOA leader and former opposition commander, formally aligned himself with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in December 2025, a move that drew mixed reactions within opposition circles.

His remarks come as political parties step up preparations for South Sudan’s long-awaited elections, expected to mark the end of the country’s transitional period.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has urged Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to support President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the anticipated 2026 general elections, citing the religious freedom enjoyed under his leadership.

Speaking during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Aweil last week, Abdelbagi called on Muslims across the state to unite behind President Kiir when the country goes to the polls later this year.

The Vice President, who hails from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, said the current administration has provided an environment where Muslims can freely practice their faith.

Addressing the gathering, he said; “This year marks the end of the transitional period. My message to you is that we must first unite as Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal behind our President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, because this year we are going for elections. We do not want any Muslim vote to go to anyone other than Salva Kiir, because Salva Kiir gave us freedom of religion in South Sudan.”

Abdelbagi, a senior SSOA leader and former opposition commander, formally aligned himself with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in December 2025, a move that drew mixed reactions within opposition circles.

His remarks come as political parties step up preparations for South Sudan’s long-awaited elections, expected to mark the end of the country’s transitional period.