SPLM Chairman and South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir. [Photo: Courtesy]

JUBA- President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday ordered the reorganization of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), stating that the ruling party must embrace modern ideas and policies as South Sudan prepares for the 2026 general elections.

“We must introduce modern ideas and policies to align the SPLM’s vision with the current expectations of our people,” Kiir told party members during the opening of a five-day summit in Juba.

“We have delinked the processes of the census and constitution-making to clear the path for elections. The roadmap has been amended to finally grant the people their fundamental right to choose their leaders,” he said.

The strategic leadership summit brought together the movement’s leadership, including the deputies of the Chairman, the Secretary General and his deputies, members of the Political Bureau and the National Liberation Council, SPLM State Chairpersons and Secretaries, the Executive and Parliamentary caucuses, and the SPLM Leagues.

President Kiir urged party members to embrace a culture of meritocracy, citing that peace remains the bedrock of his leadership and the only mechanism to secure the fruits of liberation.

Kiir also issued a definitive directive to end the practice of external influence in governance, adding that the SPLM will not function outside of its own structures. Individuals must be screened, vetted, and recommended exclusively by the party for any government appointment.

Akol Paul Kordit,the SPLM Secretary General, said there is a strategic shift towards internal discipline, rigorous membership registration, and the issuance of party IDs.

“The movement is actively bridging the generational gap through specialized cadre training to ensure that the party remains a robust, forward-looking force with no leadership vacuum. All party members must adhere to the new standards where private lobbying is replaced by formal, party-led recommendations,” said Kordit.

Kordit revealed that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement is South Sudan’s ruling party, promoting peace, unity, constitutional governance, democracy, and sustainable national development across the country.

“The SPLM is moving forward as a united front, standing firmly behind its flag bearer Cde. Salva Kiir Mayardit with a renewed commitment to peace and the fulfilment of the liberation struggle’s promise.”