Government of South Sudan
572 officials listed, each linked to its source.
South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, has its capital at Juba and a population of 12,188,788 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a presidential republic. President Salva Kiir Mayardit (in office since 9 Jul 2011) is head of state. The legislature, the National Legislature, a bicameral body with 550 seats in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and 100 seats in the Council of States, was dissolved on 22 Sept 2026 and no chamber has sat since. The next national election is confirmed for 22 Dec 2026. Elections are run by the National Elections Commission (NEC). Addis Ababa Othow is listed as central bank governor. The directory below lists 19 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.
National Legislature
Bicameral. Source: IPU Parline, Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan
No legislature is sitting. Dissolved on 22 September 2026, when President Salva Kiir issued a Republican Order that dissolved the transitional unity government, both chambers of the National Legislature, the ten state governments and the three administrative-area councils, and appointed a caretaker administration until the general election fixed for 22 December 2026 — the first national election since independence in 2011. The president remains in office until a newly elected president is sworn in. The National Elections Act amendments assented to on 21 September 2026 set the incoming Assembly at 270 members, down from 550, and state assemblies at 58, down from 100. Both chambers were appointed rather than elected: the Assembly was reconstituted on 10 May 2021 and the Council of States on 2 August 2021 under the 2018 peace agreement. The outgoing Assembly published its own roll naming 550 members; it is not reproduced here, because the chamber no longer sits and its successor will be differently composed. The figures below describe the two chambers as last constituted.
Status checked 19 Oct 2026
As last constituted, before dissolution:
| Chamber | Seats | Last constituted |
|---|---|---|
| Transitional National Legislative Assembly | 550 (all appointed) | 10 May 2021 |
| Council of States | 100 (all appointed) | 2 Aug 2021 |
South Sudan Transitional National Legislative Assembly: list of members
Seats by party
Both chambers were dissolved on 22 September 2026 and no legislature is sitting; a caretaker administration runs the country until the general election of 22 December 2026, when a new 270-seat Assembly is to be elected. The outgoing Assembly's own roll named 550 appointed members and is not reproduced here. Checked on 19 October 2026.
Cabinet
| Portfolio | Holder | Appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Minister in the Office of the President (Presidential Affairs) (Minister of Presidential Affairs) | Africano Mande Gedima | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Cabinet Affairs | Martin Elia Lomuro | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation | Cecilia Adut Manyok | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs | Ayor Akuoch Anok | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Interior | Rizik Zakaria Hassan | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs | Wek Mamer Kuol | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of National Security | Oboto Mamur Mete | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Finance and Planning | Athian Ding Athian | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Petroleum | Daniel Awou Chuang | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Trade and Industry | Margret Labanya | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services | Ateny Wek Ateny | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of East African Community Affairs | Michael Makuei Lueth | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Peacebuilding | Stephen Par Kuol | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation | Phillip Jada Natana | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs | Marial Chanuong | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Deputy Minister of Interior | David Marial Gumke | 22 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of General Education and Instruction | Kuyok Abol Kuyok | 28 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management | Peter Mayen Majongdit | 28 Sept 2026 |
| Minister of Health | Dak Duop Bichok | 1 Oct 2026 |
Sources: Office of the President of South Sudan (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), state broadcaster (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); Radio Tamazuj (news report, not yet checked against an official page) and CIA World Leaders (list updated 9/24/2026) (retrieved 10 Oct 2026); Radio Tamazuj (news report, not yet checked against an official page) (retrieved 10 Oct 2026).
List as of 11 Oct 2026.
Parliament, courts and independent offices
| Office | Holder | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Central bank governor | Addis Ababa Othow | 29 Jul 2026 |
Sources: Bank of South Sudan (retrieved 25 Oct 2026).
South Sudan election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028
Next national election: 22 Dec 2026, general election.
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 2026 | General election | Scheduled | - | - |
Sources: National Elections Commission (NEC) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).
Economy at a glance
Full economy page- GDP
- US$12bn
- 2015
- GDP growth
- -10.8%
- 2015
- Remittances received
- US$1.2bn
- 2023
- Foreign direct investment
- US$73m
- 2025
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Commission a study in South SudanMore data for South Sudan
- Election calendar and results
- Economy of South Sudan
- Development jobs in South Sudan
- Constitution of South Sudan
- Statistics office and surveys in South Sudan
- Exams and universities in South Sudan
- Research permits and data protection in South Sudan
- Paid polls in South Sudan: join the waiting list
- Inflation and unemployment in South Sudan
- Debt of South Sudan: debt to GDP and largest creditors
- Natural resources in South Sudan
- South Sudan and the rest of East Africa
Population of South Sudan
South Sudan had 12.2 million people in 2025, 32nd largest of 53 in Africa. The IMF projects 13.5 million by 2030. African countries by population.
Population (2025)
12.2
32nd largest of 53 in Africa
Population growth since 2015 (2025)
9.7 %
49th fastest-growing of 52 in Africa
Projected population 2030 (2030)
13.5
30th highest of 52 in Africa
People per sq km (2025)
19
46th most crowded of 53 in Africa
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | South Sudan |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 11.1 |
| 2016 | 10.8 |
| 2017 | 10.3 |
| 2018 | 10.1 |
| 2019 | 10.4 |
| 2020 | 10.7 |
| 2021 | 10.9 |
| 2022 | 11.0 |
| 2023 | 11.5 |
| 2024 | 11.9 |
| 2025 | 12.2 |
| 2026 | 12.4 (partial) |
| 2027 | 12.7 (partial) |
| 2028 | 12.9 (partial) |
| 2029 | 13.2 (partial) |
| 2030 | 13.5 (partial) |
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Inflation and unemployment in South Sudan
Prices in South Sudan rose 91.4% in 2024, 3rd highest of 52 in Africa. The ILO estimates unemployment at 12.4% (2023) and 18.5% among people aged 15 to 24. South Sudan's own survey put it at 12.3% in 2008. Inflation in Africa · Unemployment in Africa · South Sudan's economy.
Inflation (2024)
91.4 %
50th lowest of 52 in Africa
Unemployment (2023)
12.4 %
41st lowest of 53 in Africa
Youth unemployment (2023)
18.5 %
37th lowest of 53 in Africa
Unemployment, national survey (2008)
12.3 %
National survey
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | South Sudan |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.2 |
| 2011 | 46.9 |
| 2012 | 45.5 |
| 2013 | -0.1 |
| 2014 | 1.7 |
| 2015 | 52.8 |
| 2016 | 380.0 |
| 2017 | 187.9 |
| 2018 | 83.5 |
| 2019 | 87.2 |
| 2020 | 29.7 |
| 2021 | 10.5 |
| 2022 | -6.7 |
| 2023 | 2.4 |
| 2024 | 91.4 |
| 2025 | Not published |
| 2026 | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | ILO modelled estimate |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12.5 |
| 2011 | 12.6 |
| 2012 | 12.8 |
| 2013 | 12.7 |
| 2014 | 12.6 |
| 2015 | 12.5 |
| 2016 | 12.9 |
| 2017 | 13.0 |
| 2018 | 12.9 |
| 2019 | 12.7 |
| 2020 | 14.3 |
| 2021 | 14.0 |
| 2022 | 12.5 |
| 2023 | 12.4 |
| 2024 | Not published |
| 2025 | Not published |
| 2026 | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Life expectancy and infant mortality in South Sudan
A child born in South Sudan can expect to live 57.7 years (2024). 97 of every 1,000 children die before age five. Life expectancy in Africa, all countries ranked.
Life expectancy (2024)
57.7
52nd longest of 54 in Africa
Child deaths under five (2024)
97
50th lowest of 54 in Africa
Health spending per person (2023)
73
29th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | South Sudan | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 45.6 | 61.8 |
| 2015 | 39.8 | 62.3 |
| 2016 | 36.7 | 62.8 |
| 2017 | 35.4 | 63.1 |
| 2018 | 51.9 | 63.2 |
| 2019 | 58.1 | 63.3 |
| 2020 | 57.6 | 63.7 |
| 2021 | 57.0 | 62.5 |
| 2022 | 57.2 | 64.6 |
| 2023 | 57.6 | 65.6 |
| 2024 | 57.7 | 65.8 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | South Sudan |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 183 |
| 2015 | 241 |
| 2016 | 273 |
| 2017 | 292 |
| 2018 | 134 |
| 2019 | 97 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 97 |
| 2022 | 97 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 97 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Literacy rate in South Sudan
26.8% of adults in South Sudan can read and write (2008, World Bank). This is the latest survey, and it is old. Literacy rate in Africa by country · Universities and exam bodies in South Sudan.
Adult literacy (2008)
26.8 %
52nd highest of 52 in Africa
Youth literacy (2008)
36.7 %
53rd highest of 53 in Africa
Education spending, % of GDP (2016)
1.6 %
49th highest of 52 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Human development and internet access in South Sudan
South Sudan's Human Development Index was 0.388 in 2023, 193rd of 193 countries in the world (low human development). Human Development Index in Africa · Tech and internet in Africa · Learn digital skills with SR Academy.
Human Development Index (2023)
0.39
54th highest of 54 in Africa
Internet users (2019)
6.7 %
54th highest of 54 in Africa
Mobile subscriptions (2023)
47
52nd highest of 54 in Africa
Access to electricity (2024)
5.4 %
54th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | South Sudan | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Not published | 0.44 |
| 2001 | Not published | 0.45 |
| 2002 | Not published | 0.45 |
| 2003 | Not published | 0.46 |
| 2004 | Not published | 0.46 |
| 2005 | Not published | 0.47 |
| 2006 | Not published | 0.47 |
| 2007 | Not published | 0.48 |
| 2008 | Not published | 0.49 |
| 2009 | Not published | 0.50 |
| 2010 | 0.42 | 0.50 |
| 2011 | 0.42 | 0.51 |
| 2012 | 0.39 | 0.52 |
| 2013 | 0.39 | 0.52 |
| 2014 | 0.34 | 0.52 |
| 2015 | 0.32 | 0.53 |
| 2016 | 0.30 | 0.53 |
| 2017 | 0.29 | 0.54 |
| 2018 | 0.37 | 0.54 |
| 2019 | 0.40 | 0.55 |
| 2020 | 0.40 | 0.55 |
| 2021 | 0.39 | 0.56 |
| 2022 | 0.39 | 0.57 |
| 2023 | 0.39 | 0.57 |
Source: UNDP, Human Development Report, composite indices time series. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Is South Sudan safe?
The US State Department rates South Sudan at level 4 of 4: do not travel. The homicide rate is 14 per 100,000 people (2012). Safest countries in Africa.
US travel advisory level (2026)
4
46th safest by advisory of 54 in Africa
Homicide rate (2012)
14.0
33rd lowest of 37 in Africa
Conflict deaths (2024)
2
29th highest of 30 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Coups, democracy and stability in South Sudan
South Sudan has had no successful coup, but 2 failed attempts or plots. Coups in Africa: every country.
- 29 February 2024: Coup plot
- 15 December 2013: Failed coup attempt
Voice and accountability (2025)
23
52nd highest of 54 in Africa
Political stability (2025)
39
41st highest of 54 in Africa
Control of corruption (2025)
6
54th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
South Sudan's debt
Government debt was 64.2% of GDP in 2025 (IMF). South Sudan's debt and creditors in full · Debt in Africa.
Reading on South Sudan
Where South Sudan ranks in Africa
Its place among the 54 African countries on each of our Africa rankings. Each tile opens the full ranking with its source.
- GDP per person53rd of 53$454, 2025Richest countries in Africa
- Size of the economy42nd of 53$5.54 billion, 2025Largest economies in Africa
- Population32nd of 5312.2 million, 2025African countries by population
- Area18th of 54646,883 sq kmLargest countries in Africa
- Life expectancy51st of 5457.7 years, 2024Life expectancy in Africa
- US travel advisory47th of 54Level 4, do not travelSafest countries in Africa
- President's time in office9th longest of 51Salva Kiir Mayardit, 15 yearsLongest serving presidents
- President's age14th oldest of 5175 years oldOldest presidents in Africa
Cite this
PollsAfrica (2026). Government of South Sudan. Retrieved 26 Oct 2026 from https://pollsafrica.com/countries/south-sudan