South Sudan poll delay overshadows growing instability

Significance

Although President Salva Kiir appeared enthusiastic about holding polls that he believed would consecrate his rule, many elites feared losing the positions allocated to them under the 2018 peace deal. Moreover, there was no money to hold the polls and crucial preparations remained incomplete.

Impacts

• The extension will further fray the government’s relationship with international donors.
• The extension places ongoing peace talks with holdout rebel groups on an uncertain footing.
• Clashes between communities, and attacks on government forces by community militias, will likely intensify.