Peace & Dialogue

PRETORIA/JUBA — President Salva Kiir Mayardit and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded high-level bilateral talks. They met in Pretoria on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The talks resulted in concrete pledges of electoral support. They also spurred renewed economic cooperation between the two nations.
The summit marks a critical diplomatic milestone. Juba attempts to solidify regional backing for its transitional roadmap. This comes ahead of the highly anticipated general elections.
Securing the 2026 Electoral Mandate
The presidential dialogue primarily focused on whether South Sudan’s upcoming democratic transition is logistically viable.

Firm Timeline: President Kiir used the platform to unequivocally reaffirm his government’s commitment. He promises to hold the country’s first general elections in December 2026. He explicitly stated that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the guiding framework for the transition.

Logistical Pledges: Acknowledging the severe technical deficits facing South Sudan’s electoral institutions, Kiir formally requested South African assistance. President Ramaphosa responded positively to specific requests. He pledged South Africa’s readiness to assist with the printing of ballot papers. The provision of voter registration materials was also included.

Regional Endorsement: Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of “inclusive and credible” elections. He noted that Pretoria’s support aligns with broader African Union positions. This helps stabilize the world’s youngest nation.
Economic Invitations and Foreign Investment
Beyond the political transition, the summit served as a strategic pitch for foreign direct investment.

“Open for Business”: President Kiir formally invited South African corporate entities to expand their footprint in South Sudan. He is attempting to pivot the bilateral narrative from peace brokering to mutual economic benefit.

Target Sectors: The South Sudanese delegation specifically highlighted untapped opportunities within the mining, tourism, air transport, and oil sectors. They aim to leverage South Africa’s advanced industrial capabilities. This is intended to stimulate Juba’s struggling macro-economy.
Mourning a Diplomatic Veteran
The talks also carried a solemn diplomatic note. President Kiir expressed his formal condolences to the government of South Africa. He mourned the passing of Nicholas Haysom. Haysom was a veteran South African diplomat and former Special Representative of the Secretary-General. He was also Head of UNMISS. Kiir officially recognized Haysom’s instrumental role in navigating South Sudan’s complex peace process over the years.

JOHANNESBURG/JUBA — President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Saturday, March 14, 2026, commencing an official state visit to South Africa. The diplomatic mission aims to deepen historical ties. It also seeks to secure expanded economic cooperation with the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Senior South African state officials officially received the president upon arrival. Simon Deng Akook, the chargé d’affaires of the South Sudanese Embassy in Pretoria, joined them.

The Diplomatic Agenda

Speaking to the press at Juba International Airport prior to the president’s departure, Press Secretary Hon. Arek Aldo Ajou outlined the strategic objectives of the trip. He framed it as a crucial step in South Sudan’s current foreign policy. It is also important for institutional development.

• Addis Ababa Follow-Up: The Johannesburg talks continue the high-level bilateral discussions. These discussions were initiated between Kiir and Ramaphosa last month. They began on the sidelines of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Addis Ababa.
• Economic & Capacity Building: The official agenda focuses heavily on expanding cooperation in the economy. It also emphasizes institutional building and capacity development. This signals Juba’s intent to leverage South African expertise in statecraft and infrastructure.
• The “Special Program” Groundwork: Notably, Hon. Arek confirmed that the foundation for this presidential visit was recently laid. This happened during a preliminary diplomatic mission. The mission was conducted by the senior presidential envoy on special programs, Hon. Adut Salva Kiir.

“The talks between the two sides are expected to focus on strengthening the historical ties binding the peoples of both nations… a visit that will contribute to deepened bonds of relationship between the two countries to serve their mutual interests.” — Hon. Arek Aldo Ajou, Press Secretary

The Juba-Pretoria Axis

The relationship between South Sudan’s ruling SPLM and South Africa’s ANC is deeply rooted in historical liberation-era solidarity. South Sudan is navigating the complexities of its extended transitional period. The country also faces severe domestic economic pressures. Securing concrete developmental partnerships with regional economic powerhouses like South Africa is a critical priority for the Kiir administration.