Government says it will not seek another extension of transition period

The Transitional Unity government said on Tuesday that it will utilize the recently extended transition dubbed the “road map” to complete all the outstanding issues within the 2018 revitalized peace deal.

This was revealed by Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information and Communication after meeting of members of the high-level standing committee charged with assessing peace progress in Juba.

“Let me assure you that this time we are implementing (peace) and we are going for elections in time. There is no question of the revitalized roadmap as some of you put it,” Makuei told journalists.

In August 2022, the parties agreed to extend the transitional period of the government by two years to allow the peace signatories enough time to settle outstanding issues such as graduation of the 83,000 forces, enactment of permanent constitution among others.

Makuei said the government will implement the agreement and hold elections in December 2024 as prescribed in the extended roadmap which kicks in on Wednesday.

“This is what most of you have in mind that this is a government of people who have decided to rule, and they are not ready to step down for election,” Makuei said.

In addition, he downplayed fears that the parties are not committed to implement the peace deal due to fear of election.

Enactment electoral laws and the permanent constitution are some of the critical things needed in place to enable conduct of free, fair and credible poll.

Makuei assured that no changes will be made within the transitional unity government following allegations that national parliament will be downsized to 250 members, Vice Presidents reduced to two positions and also cabinet downsized to 19 members.

“We are not touching any part of the provisions of the agreement, we are not violating the agreement but extending the period only in order to enable us to implement the unimplemented parts,” he said.