President Kiir returns to Juba after South Africa visit

Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: 3 hours ago

President Salva Kiir steps off the aircraft and greets Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga at Juba International Airport on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Photo: PPU

President Salva Kiir returned to the capital on Sunday following a week-long working visit to the Republic of South Africa, where he conducted high-level bilateral talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa focused on South Sudan’s electoral roadmap and bilateral relations.

According to the office of the President, the visit comes ahead of the upcoming African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan (AU C5) engagement, where the country’s peace implementation and electoral preparedness are slated as central discussion points.

In a statement, the President Press Secretary stated that during the diplomatic meetings in Pretoria, President Kiir briefed the South African leadership on key milestones achieved in preparation for South Sudan’s upcoming General Elections, outlined remaining technical and legal prerequisites, and detailed measures required to guarantee a peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive democratic process.

The office said the two heads of state held targeted discussions on deepening economic and strategic cooperation between Juba and Pretoria, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and mutual diplomatic support.

President Kiir was received at Juba International Airport by senior government officials, security chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps.