Kiir Dissolves South Sudan Government, Consolidating Power Before December Vote
South Sudan President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government, legislature, and state administrations on September 22, 2026, to install a caretaker regime ahead of the country's first national elections on December 22. The move removed all vice-presidents, including suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, consolidating power in Kiir's hands. Analysts warn the abrupt legal changes and security crackdown risk destabilizing the country's fragile peace.