Kiir dissolves government before election

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional government three months before the country's first election since independence in two thousand eleven.

Sweeping changes under new law

Under an amended law signed Monday, Kiir removed five vice-presidents and dissolved parliament, national and state governments. He will retain full constitutional powers until the elected president is sworn in.

Main challenger sidelined and arrested

Kiir's main rival, opposition leader Riek Machar, was sacked as vice-president last year and charged with treason. He is now under house arrest and no other prominent figures have announced plans to challenge Kiir in December.

Heavy security lockdown in capital

Ahead of the announcement, soldiers blocked access to government ministries in Juba. Staff arriving for work were turned away, and UN agencies asked staff to work remotely.

Opposition boycotts the election

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition says it will not participate, warning the country has entered a constitutional crisis. It says parts of the country remain outside government control.

“We will not participate in, validate, or lend legitimacy to an electoral process held without key constitutional, security and legal reforms.”

Peace body warns of critical phase

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission says South Sudan has entered a critical phase, with key talks under the two thousand eighteen peace agreement still incomplete.