South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit returned to the capital, Juba, on Sunday evening after an eight-day visit to South Africa, where talks focused on elections and bilateral ties.
Kiir was received at Juba International Airport by senior government and military officials, including Vice President for the Economic Cluster Dr. James Wani Igga.
Igga, also deputy chairman of the ruling SPLM party, is currently the most senior vice president following the house arrest and suspension of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who faces treason charges before a special court in Juba.
South Sudan has five vice presidents under the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), a power-sharing deal that has been weakened by repeated violations and disputes among its signatories, particularly Kiir and Machar.
A group of supporters, including youth and women, also gathered at the airport, some wearing T-shirts bearing pro-Kiir slogans reading: “I support President Kiir, champion of peace.”
During the visit, Kiir held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and later met Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who serves as Pretoria’s special envoy on South Sudan.
Separately, Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande met South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, on March 17 to discuss bilateral cooperation and follow-up to the C5+ meeting held in February on the sidelines of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
At that summit, regional leaders agreed on key principles, including no extension of South Sudan’s transitional period and the conduct of general elections in December.
In a statement issued after Kiir’s return to Juba, the president’s press unit said the visit followed up on the African Union C5+ engagement led by Ramaphosa and focused on advancing implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, preparations for elections, and strengthening bilateral relations.
It said discussions at the head-of-state level reaffirmed commitments to holding elections as scheduled, maintaining dialogue on electoral issues, and respecting judicial independence.
At the bilateral level, the two sides explored ways to revitalise cooperation in sectors including mining, aviation, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and oil, with plans for a South Africa–South Sudan business summit in Juba.
The statement added that talks emphasised inclusive dialogue, implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement, and preparations for credible elections.
“President Kiir reiterated South Sudan’s readiness to proceed with elections, reaffirming his commitment to peace, security, and democratic progress,” it said.
An observer’s views
Political observer Edmond Yakani said the president’s visit and related engagements in South Africa had helped clarify the government’s position on holding general elections scheduled for December this year.
However, he warned that significant challenges remain, including the need for a clear legal framework, adequate funding for the National Elections Commission (NEC), improved security, and early agreement on the electoral system to guide civic education.
“Elections are the only non-violent approach for a peaceful transfer of power,” Yakani said, adding that inclusive dialogue among signatories to the 2018 peace agreement would be essential to build consensus.
He also cautioned that timelines were tightening, noting a June 22, 2026 deadline for the NEC to publish the final voter register ahead of the planned December 22 polls.
Yakani said public demand for elections remained high, but funding gaps and insecurity in parts of the country could undermine preparations.
Kiir travelled to South Africa 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.
During the trip, speculation circulated on social media that the 74-year-old leader may have travelled for a medical check-up, though no official confirmation was given.
The health of the President is often treated as a state secret, with information typically restricted. Despite official denials of any health issues, President Kiir has in recent years been observed appearing frail and requiring assistance during public functions.