‘Partnership, not pressure’: Kiir warns international partners
JUBA — South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday warned against what he described as foreign pressure on South Sudan, saying the country’s international partnerships should respect its sovereignty and right to determine its own affairs.
Kiir said South Sudan values its cooperation with international partners but stressed that partnership should not be interpreted as acceptance of external directives.
“However, partnership does not mean accepting directives from other countries. South Sudan is a sovereign nation, and its political decisions belong to its people and institutions. International support for the peace process must therefore be grounded in respect for South Sudan’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own political future,” Kiir said in a statement issued on Thursday.
The president’s remarks come amid growing international pressure on the government over the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, preparations for the planned elections, security arrangements, and the country’s economic situation.
He said elections are a national process and an expression of the people’s sovereign right to choose their representatives and determine the country’s political direction.
“Peace means creating conditions for citizens to exercise their political rights and for legitimate elected authorities to govern. This makes the planned elections essential to the people’s sovereign right to choose their representatives and determine the country’s direction.”
“South Sudan values its international partnerships, but partnership must not become external direction. Constitutional, judicial, security and economic reforms must be owned and driven by South Sudanese institutions and citizens. International partners can provide expertise and support, but political decisions belong to the people and institutions of South Sudan,” Kiir said.
Kiir also defended the government’s approach to security-sector reforms, saying the objective is to establish a professional, unified, and nationally representative security sector rather than one shaped by external actors.
“South Sudan recognizes the importance of security-sector reform and the professionalization and unification of its security institutions. But security arrangements are inseparable from national sovereignty and must be undertaken through South Sudanese institutions, in accordance with national laws and political agreements. The goal is a professional, unified, and nationally representative security sector—not one dictated from outside,” he said.
On the economy, he said international partners should support capacity-building and investment while South Sudan retains ownership of its economic transformation and determines how its resources are managed for the benefit of its citizens.
“South Sudan recognizes the need for stronger public financial management, transparency, and accountability. With significant potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and tourism, the country can build a stronger economy if peace and stability are consolidated,” he said.
The president urged international partners to engage South Sudan through cooperation and dialogue, while respecting the country’s sovereignty and national priorities.
“International partners can support capacity building and investment, but South Sudan must own its economic transformation and determine how its resources benefit its people.”
Kiir’s comments come as South Sudan faces increasing scrutiny from regional and international partners over whether it can create the political, security, and economic conditions necessary for credible elections.