South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit returned to Juba on Sunday evening, March 22, 2026, following an eight-day official visit to South Africa that focused on advancing the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), preparations for scheduled elections, and deepening bilateral ties.
Upon arrival at Juba International Airport, Kiir was received by senior government and military officials, including Vice President for the Economic Cluster Dr. James Wani Igga, as well as a crowd of supporters—primarily youth and women—wearing white T-shirts with pro-Kiir slogans reading: “I support President Kiir, champion of peace.”
He waved to the gathering as he exited the plane.
Kiir departed Juba on March 14, accompanied by senior officials including Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande, his daughter and presidential envoy Adut Salva Kiir, and press secretary Arek Aldo Ajou.
In Pretoria, Kiir held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile (South Africa’s special envoy on South Sudan).
Discussions, as per a statement from presidential press secretary Arek Aldo Ajou, followed up on the African Union C5+ engagement (led by Ramaphosa) and emphasized:
- Inclusive dialogue and full implementation of the R-ARCSS.
- Preparations for credible general elections in December 2026, with no extension of the transitional period.
- Respect for judicial independence and commitments to peace, security, and democratic progress.
- Strengthening bilateral cooperation in mining, aviation, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and oil.
- Plans for a South Africa–South Sudan Business Summit in Juba.
Kiir reiterated South Sudan’s readiness to proceed with elections, reaffirming his commitment to peace and sustainable development.
Minister Africano Mande also met South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on March 17 to discuss bilateral cooperation and follow-up to the February C5+ meeting on the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa.
The visit occurred amid speculation on social media about a possible medical check-up, though no official confirmation was given; the presidency has previously denied health concerns despite Kiir’s occasional frail appearances in public.
Political observer Edmund Yakani noted the trip clarified the government’s position on December 2026 elections but highlighted challenges including legal frameworks, funding for the National Elections Commission (NEC), security, electoral system agreements, and the June 22, 2026 deadline for the final voter register.
“Elections are the only non-violent approach for a peaceful transfer of power,” Yakani said, stressing high public demand but risks from funding gaps and insecurity.
The return comes as South Sudan faces ongoing tensions in the power-sharing government, including the house arrest and treason trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, renewed fighting in regions like Jonglei and Upper Nile, and stalled R-ARCSS implementation.
