Heavy security ahead of new South Sudan transitional government

JUBA: A heavy security presence was visible in South Sudan’s capital on Tuesday after the president altered the law to keep himself in office while removing the vice presidents in the run-up to the country’s first-ever election.

South Sudan achieved independence in 2011 but soon descended into a five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and the now-jailed Vice President Riek Machar.

Elections are due on December 22, having twice been postponed, but international observers say the huge extent of poverty and corruption means it remains ill-prepared to hold them.

Kiir assented late Monday to the National Elections Act, clearing the way for five vice presidents — appointed under a 2018 power-sharing agreement with the opposition — to be relieved of their duties.

A statement on the government website said Kiir would remain in office through the election for the sake of “continuity.”