By Chol D. Johnson
The government has reaffirmed that the 2018 peace agreement remains intact and is progressing, with the December elections scheduled as planned.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Ateny Wek Ateny, minister of information, [ICT], and postal services, told journalists that the peace process is ongoing.
He added that the peace agreement is in progress, noting that the country remains in preparation for elections as scheduled.
“The peace is alive; it is not dead. That is why we are continuing with the peace implementation process, including conducting elections in December 2026,” Ateny said.
He acknowledged that while the country is experiencing relative stability, there are still isolated incidents of insecurity, particularly in parts of Northern Jonglei State, where elements of opposition forces continue to disrupt peace.
Ateny also noted that Salva Kiir Mayardit has consistently called for unity and peace among South Sudanese, though some opposition groups remain resistant.
“His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit has been appealing for peace among South Sudanese. However, some opposition groups are against this call because they benefit from chaos and violence,” he said.
The minister urged citizens to maintain unity and prepare to participate in the upcoming elections, emphasising that voting will provide an opportunity for people to choose their leaders and address issues stemming from past conflicts.
He added that the planned elections align with resolutions from the C-5 group, which include renewed dialogue with opposition groups and the organisation of credible elections.
Ateny further dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that the government had extended its term by an additional 24 months.
“We have learned that some media houses and bloggers are spreading misleading information that the Council of Ministers resolved to extend the government’s lifespan. This is not true. At no point was such an extension discussed,” he clarified.
He confirmed that both the president and the Council of Ministers have already passed key resolutions supporting the timely conduct of elections.
The minister also called on journalists to verify information with credible sources before publication and encouraged direct engagement with government officials for accuracy.
“I repeatedly encourage journalists to strictly verify information with credible sources,” Ateny said.
He added that the Ministry of Information will circulate a memo inviting all media houses to attend government press briefings, stressing that access will be inclusive and not limited to state media.