By Ngor Deng Matem & Louis Lako
Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has told the Muslim community in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBGs) to rally behind President Salva Kiir Mayardit ahead of the country’s December 2026 general elections.
The VP told Muslims on Wednesday during Eid Al-Adha prayers held at Aweil Freedom Square, where large crowds gathered to mark the religious holiday.
Hussein said President Kiir remains best positioned to safeguard peace, maintain stability, and promote national unity at a critical time as South Sudan prepares for elections.
“You Muslims, this year is the last year of transitional government; this is my message to you. First, we need unity among Muslims here in Northern Bar el-Ghazal behind our president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, because this year we are going for election, and we do not want any Muslim to vote for anyone apart from President Salva Kiir,” Hussein said.
“Because Salva Kiir believe in us and gives us the right to the region in South Sudan,” he added
The VP encouraged citizens to place confidence in the current leadership as the country moves closer to the polls.
The vice president also emphasised the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among communities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal and across the country.
He called for stronger social and economic ties with neighboring communities, including border areas connected to Sudan, where cross-border relations remain important.
His visit to Aweil followed a working tour that took him through Juba, Wau, and Kuajok, according to his office, as part of broader government engagements in the region.
The remarks come at a time when South Sudan continues to navigate a complex political environment marked by ongoing peace agreement implementation, institutional reforms, and growing attention to preparations for the 2026 elections.
Hussein reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, improved service delivery, economic stability, and the conduct of free and peaceful elections, describing the upcoming vote as a key step toward strengthening governance and national recovery.