South Sudan Appoints Dead Man to Election Panel, as Political Crisis Grows

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Brian O. Otieno and Declan WalshFebruary 18, 2026 at 07:33 PM

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South Sudan's President Salva Kiir is facing accusations of incompetence as the country grapples with a growing political crisis and escalating violence. In February 2026, Kiir announced a panel to prepare for long-delayed elections, but the list included a politician who had died five years prior. This error highlights the chaos within Kiir's government, which has seen numerous officials fired or rotated and the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing a 2018 peace deal. Fighting between government forces and Machar's supporters has intensified, pushing towards the capital, Juba, and leading to accusations of brutal military tactics. The government's actions have also strained relations with the United States, which accuses it of undermining peace efforts.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump ×230% Daniel Akech 40% Upper Nile 40% Jonglei 40% International Crisis Group 40% Doctors Without Borders 50% Juba ×260% United States ×260% Steward Sorobo Budia ×260% Riek Machar ×270% Salva Kiir ×790% South Sudan ×695%

Keywords

south sudan 100% political crisis 90% salva kiir 80% election panel 70% civil war 70% incompetence 60% riek machar 60% government forces 50% peace deal 50% humanitarian aid 40%