The family of President Salva Kiir on Wednesday afternoon hosted thanksgiving prayers at their official Amarat residence in Juba following his return from South Africa.
The prayers, organised by the family, were attended by church leaders, First Lady Mary Ayen Mayadit, Gen. Gregory Deng Kuac, Kiir’s brother-in-law, Kiir’s private secretary, women’s groups, and youth. The prayers and speeches were delivered in the Dinka language.
Kiir did not attend the prayers due to other commitments and meetings, including a swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed officials and discussions with Vice President for Infrastructure Gen. Taban Deng Gai, among other engagements. He returned home while the prayers were ongoing but could not participate, his private secretary said, as he was tired following work in the office.
Mary Ayen Mayardit organised the thanksgiving ceremony to honour Salva Kiir Mayardit after his bilateral visit and successful medical treatment in South Africa.
Speaking during the ceremony, Achol Chier Rian, adviser to the First Lady, expressed gratitude and relief on behalf of the First Family, describing the president as the “father of the nation” who had returned safely to his family and the people of South Sudan.
“The First Lady wishes to thank everyone for their prayers during the President’s time in the South African hospital, as well as the entire team who accompanied him, for their strong solidarity with the President,” she said. “Today’s gathering is to appreciate your efforts and thank you all very much.”
Mary Nyirou, chairwoman of Women in the Office of the First Lady, emphasised the spiritual significance of national prayers and unity.
“By encouraging prayers for Salva Kiir Mayardit, the focus is on seeking wisdom, peace, and effective leadership for the nation’s future. For many South Sudanese, faith plays a central role in public life, and collective prayer is seen as a way to strengthen resilience and shared purpose,” Nyirou said.
Santo Akol Arech, private secretary to President Kiir, expressed appreciation for the turnout and unity shown by South Sudanese who gathered for prayers and thanksgiving following the president’s return from South Africa.
“As we gather here, he (Kiir) is listening to our speeches and dances. I really appreciate your presence, and I look forward to more occasions like this in the future. It shows that, despite allegations on social media that we hate ourselves, we are still united as South Sudanese under Mama Ayen and our father, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“For those who have gathered, I didn’t expect such a turnout; I presumed it would be a small gathering, but your attendance has impressed me.”
He added that the president had intended to attend in person but, due to fatigue from earlier duties, was advised to rest. The president therefore asked that his greetings and appreciation be conveyed to those present.
“To give thanks to Almighty God together. We recently left for South Africa and returned successfully. That is why we gather to thank God for the safe trip. I appreciate your presence and welcome you to pray together. Our President, Salva, would have come, but I allowed him to rest because he was tired. He started work around 7 a.m., and when he heard the sound of people, he asked why they were dancing at home. I told him people had gathered to give thanks to God for his successful return from South Africa. He then asked me to tell the crowd that his heart and soul are with you in this celebration.”
Peter Malek Gar, a pastor in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, said the prayers were dedicated to the happiness of the people of God and the president’s recovery following his treatment in South Africa.
“Truly, no leader can stand strong without the support of a good wife. Women are the foundation of leadership, just as they are the foundation of the family. We take pride in all women for their vital role in society,” he said.
“Today, we gather to honour our President and our mother, Mary Ayen, for their long and challenging journey during his treatment, and we are grateful for his safe and successful return. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady for organising this meaningful gathering,” he added.
He said believers should remain steadfast in faith, noting that leadership is guided by divine principles.
“We deeply appreciate everyone who has come today to welcome our President home. We believe that God appoints leaders, and we have witnessed meaningful development and progress since our independence. We thank our President for his leadership during the struggle that led to South Sudan’s independence from Sudan.
“We are gathered here to preach the Word of God and to express our gratitude and joy to the family of our President, Salva Kiir. Today, we honour him and compare him to King Solomon of Israel, a leader blessed with wisdom and guided by God.”
Gen. Gregory Deng Kuac, Kiir’s brother-in-law, sent a message of reassurance and reflection during the prayers.
“Kiir Mayardit has always been with us, and his blessing has never left us. Pastors, women, and the people of South Sudan who have gathered here, he has been blessed since his time in the bush until now, including the plane crash,” he said.
According to Gen. Gregory, the president was not seriously ill, citing a 1993 plane crash during the Sudanese civil war that left Kiir with a knee injury.
“It was a plane crash that caused a knee injury. Even if you climbed a tree and fell, survival would be uncertain. So it was the plane that created the issue. For plane-related risks, pray harder that such incidents end in South Sudan. Let it end with our late father Dr. John Garang and Kiir, a plane crash survivor. Today is a thanksgiving; there is nothing more to say,” he said.
Gregory added that the gathering carried both joy and sorrow.
“Today’s gathering celebrates family happiness, offers thankful prayers, and bids farewell to the late Tina Aring Madut, who passed away earlier this week. We offer condolences and comfort, along with other government officials, relatives, and friends, as her body is flown to Gogrial East County for burial. The prayers include moments of reflection as family, friends, and officials pay their respects in her honour.”
President Kiir departed Juba for South Africa on March 14 and returned on March 22. During his trip, he also held meetings with his South African counterpart and Deputy President in Pretoria.