Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, now the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, has held separate meetings with President Salva Kiir and allies of detained opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar during a three-day fact-finding visit to South Sudan.

Kikwete arrived in Juba on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in his new capacity, with a mandate to support the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).

On Thursday, April 9, he met President Kiir and senior government officials in the morning, and later in the evening held talks with a delegation from the SPLM-IO faction loyal to Machar.

The SPLM-IO delegation included Joseph Malwal Dong (focal point of the Political Bureau), Yolanda Awel Deng, Deng Deng Akon, Kuong Dak, and Riang Yer Zuor.

According to Joseph Malwal Dong, Kikwete described the visit as exploratory and fact-finding, aimed at understanding the current situation in the country.

“He had not been here before and wanted to find out exactly what is going on,” Dong said.

The SPLM-IO side briefed Kikwete on the stalled implementation of the peace agreement, ongoing ceasefire violations, human rights abuses, harassment, and continued fighting.

However, no concrete proposals or decisions were made regarding elections or the release of Machar.

President Kiir assured Kikwete of the government’s commitment to holding general elections in December 2026 without any extension.

Kikwete welcomed the assurance and stated that the African Union is ready to support South Sudan to ensure the elections are successful.

Kikwete is expected to report his findings to the African Union, after which a joint plan of action will be developed.

The visit comes amid growing international concern over the fragile transitional period, the ongoing house arrest and treason trial of Dr. Riek Machar, and repeated delays in key provisions of the 2018 peace deal.