President Salva Kiir returned to Juba on Friday following six days of diplomatic engagements in Kenya and South Africa. Discussions centered on the regional peace process and preparations for elections scheduled for December.
Kiir traveled to Kenya on Sunday, October 4, meeting President William Ruto in Nairobi on Monday. He subsequently flew to South Africa, holding talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on Wednesday, October 7.
Official statements indicated the visits aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and secure technical and logistical backing for the electoral roadmap. Kiir stated that foundational legal measures are complete, while administrative, financial, and logistical efforts proceed alongside final inter-party talks. Both heads of state concurred that successful elections bolster regional stability.
In Pretoria, Kiir thanked Ramaphosa for leading the African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5. He also acknowledged Pretoria’s historical partnership during the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the 2011 independence referendum.
Outlining operational updates, Kiir cited the establishment of National Elections Commission headquarters, civic education campaigns, voter registration site mapping, staff recruitment, security personnel training, and material printing. He requested South African assistance regarding branded ballot boxes, specialized training, security uniforms, and digital identification cards for operational teams.
Ramaphosa welcomed the updates and reaffirmed support for inclusive, fair, and credible elections, with both sides agreeing to pursue technical follow-ups.
Elections remain planned for December 22 following previous delays under the 2018 peace pact. On September 22, Kiir dissolved the transitional government, appointed caretaker officials, and signed amendments to the National Elections Act removing permanent constitution completion and census requirements as vote prerequisites.
Beginning his journey on Sunday, Octo
