The South Sudan National Congress Party (NCP) has replaced its secretary general as part of a leadership shake-up aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.

NCP Chairperson Agnes Poni Lukudu announced the appointment of Mohamed Almak as the new secretary general, replacing Kur Bangoang.

The change was formally communicated to the Political Parties Council in a letter dated June 24.

Speaking at the party’s headquarters in Juba, Poni said the leadership transition was necessary to improve the party’s effectiveness during this critical pre-election period.

“We are approaching a very important period as we prepare for elections. We need someone who can provide dynamic leadership.”

She acknowledged internal opposition to Bangoang’s removal but stated that he had failed to adequately perform key responsibilities assigned to him as secretary general.

Poni also rejected allegations that the party had been handed over to Islamic organizations, describing the claims as false and warning that they could inflame religious tensions in the country.

“The party has been accused of being handed over to Islamic bodies. I do not understand what this means, and I reject it because it risks importing religious conflict into South Sudan. We have fought against religious conflict, and we do not want to encourage it.”

She further accused the outgoing secretary general of spreading these claims.The leadership change forms part of the NCP’s broader efforts to reorganize and better prepare for the upcoming national elections — South Sudan’s first since independence in 2011.