The Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, Joseph Ngere Paciko, has announced that South Sudan will not host the 16th East African Inter-Parliamentary Games, citing national preparations for the country’s first post-independence elections scheduled for December 2026.

Paciko, was cited in a statement by the EAC secretariate as saying: “Although South Sudan possesses the infrastructure and willingness to host this event, the demands of preparing for our nation’s first post-independence elections require every available national resource,”

He emphasized that the decision did not reflect a withdrawal from regional cooperation, but rather a temporary redirection of national priorities.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to the principles and objectives of the EAC,” he added, reaffirming South Sudan’s continued engagement within the East African Community.

Following South Sudan’s withdrawal, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) was confirmed as the fallback host of the 16th edition of the Games, which will now be held in Arusha, Tanzania, in December 2026.

Despite stepping down as host, Paciko pledged that South Sudan would still take part in the tournament in full force.

“I am confident that our deliberations here will strengthen parliamentary cooperation and contribute to the successful organization of the 2026 Inter-Parliamentary Games,” he said, noting that South Sudan intends to send its largest-ever delegation to the event.