South Sudan President Dissolves Government Days Before Elections

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has dissolved the transitional unity government just days before its first national elections. A caretaker administration now takes charge under this new order. The decree read by the national broadcaster on Tuesday removed all vice-presidents, ministers, and local administrators. It also ended the state assemblies. Critics worry Kiir can now wield unchecked power.

This move follows a day where parliament approved changes to the National Elections Act. Those amendments let Kiir stay in office until the next president is sworn in, while stripping away the vice presidents appointed under the 2018 peace deal. The main opposition alliance rejected these legal shifts immediately.

Elections were originally set for 2022 but have been postponed twice already. Tasks remain outstanding from that historic agreement. Drafting a permanent constitution and registering voters are still required, as is unifying armed forces loyal to rival parties. Five years of civil war killed about 400,000 people and displaced millions before the peace deal stopped the fighting, according to the United Nations.

Amnesty International called the decree a decisive step toward polling day. Tigere Chagutah, the group's regional director for East and Southern Africa, urged authorities to ensure a conducive environment for voters. She specifically asked that people be able to vote safely and stand in elections without fear. However, independent analyst Machot Amuom told AFP there is significant ambiguity in these new laws. He noted the president now holds full powers and could even delay elections by another year or two if he chooses.

Michael Wani, a lawyer and former member of the constitution drafting committee, painted a stark picture for AFP. "Kiir will be the only person in power," Wani said. "Without vice-presidents, without the executive, without the parliament." The transition happens as Kiir replaced the head of the elections commission last week without giving a reason. Gabriel Bol Deng Majok now holds a fresh mandate to oversee preparations, according to South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.

Riek Machar remains under house arrest in this tense atmosphere. He leads the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition and faces trial on charges including treason and murder. Machar denies every accusation leveled against him. Security measures are tight around Juba. AFP reported checkpoints and road closures near the government complex. Personnel were ordered to remain on heightened alert for three days as polls approach December 22. Can this fragile peace hold? The situation remains uncertain.