South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir left on Friday for Addis Ababa for talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the presidency said.
In a statement, Kiir’s office said the visit was part of bilateral engagements between South Sudan and Ethiopia aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening ties.
Presidential Press Secretary Arek Aldo Ajou said the trip reflects continued engagement between the two countries.
“This visit is a continuation of the ongoing bilateral engagements between the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, reflecting the shared commitment of both leadership to deepen cooperation and strengthen ties,” she said.
She added that relations between the two countries remain “vital” and are anchored on mutual respect, regional stability and economic cooperation.
“Ethiopia is a key partner to South Sudan, and this engagement highlights our collective interest in advancing peace, development, and prosperity for our people and for the region,” she said.
Arek said further details would be provided after Kiir returns to Juba following the bilateral discussions. She did not say how long the visit would last.
It is Kiir’s second visit to Ethiopia this year. The trip comes as a delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council, led by Ethiopia, is in Juba for a three-day visit to engage key stakeholders on South Sudan’s peace process.
The delegation is led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene Kassa, Ethiopia’s permanent representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Kiir last visited Addis Ababa on Feb. 13 to attend the 39th African Union Summit. On the sidelines, a C5 High-Level Ad Hoc Committee meeting on South Sudan was held.
The C5, a group of African countries mandated to support South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal, discussed implementation of the revitalised agreement (R-ARCSS), the security and political situation, and preparations for planned elections in December 2026.
Ter Manyang, a South Sudanese civil society leader and peace observer, told Radio Tamazuj that Kiir’s trip could be aimed at engaging Ethiopia and explaining delays in the release of opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar, despite earlier agreements reached in South Africa and South Sudan.
“For South Sudan to restore peace and security, President Kiir needs to work with his colleagues. Otherwise, the situation risks deteriorating further in the coming months,” he said.
Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO and a key signatory to the 2018 peace deal, has been detained since March 2025 and faces treason charges in a special court in Juba over his alleged role in violence last year.
The opposition SPLM-IO is being run on an acting basis by Machar’s deputy, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, who is in exile.
Tensions between Kiir and Machar have slowed implementation of the peace agreement, which international actors warn risks collapse.
The security situation has also worsened, particularly in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, where fighting continues between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters.
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