South Sudan President Salva Kiir said on Saturday that his visit to his home region of Warrap State was a private trip, but used a public rally in Kuajok to call for continued support for peace efforts and preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026.
Addressing thousands of residents gathered at Kuajok Freedom Square, Kiir thanked the people of Warrap for their reception and said he had listened to concerns raised by local communities.
“As I said yesterday, my visit is a private one, but I am pleased to see all of you gathered here. I have listened to your concerns, and I have heard your voices,” Kiir told the crowd.
The rally brought together traditional leaders, women, youth representatives, state officials and other community members.
Kiir said the government’s priority remains full implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement and its conclusion through democratic elections.
“What we want as a government in Juba is simple: peace must prevail. Our biggest priority is to ensure that the agreement is implemented and that it ends with elections in December 2026,” he said.
“Elections are the peaceful way through which citizens choose their leaders, and every South Sudanese must prepare to participate.”
Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who introduced Kiir at the event, called for unity and continued support for peace efforts as the country prepares for the polls.
Kiir also urged citizens to increase agricultural production, saying it was key to reducing poverty and improving food security.
“Focus on cultivation and producing food,” he said. “South Sudan has fertile land and enough resources to feed its people. If we work hard on our farms, we can defeat poverty, support our families, and build a stronger economy for our country.”
Representatives of youth, women and traditional leaders welcomed the president’s visit and appealed for greater support for youth programmes.
Warrap State Governor Bol Wek Agoth said security and governance had improved across the state and reaffirmed support for the peace process and election preparations.
Kiir’s visit is part of a private stay in his home region that has included meetings with residents and local leaders.
He left Juba on Friday, travelled via Wau to Kuajok, and proceeded after the rally to his home village of Akon.
Political analyst Jok Madut Jok told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that Kiir’s trip was primarily private rather than an official tour of Bahr el Ghazal.
“We are hearing that this is a private visit, a homecoming to reconnect with family,” Jok said. “There are also reports that the president has not been well, and that family members want to organise a blessing ceremony, likely involving religious and spiritual leaders praying for his health.”
Jok,who also hails from Warrap state, said the gathering also provides an opportunity for communities to raise broader national concerns, including economic hardship, insecurity and national unity.
“The people want answers about the state of the country, and they may see this gathering as a chance to voice those concerns,” he said.
The visit is Kiir’s first to Warrap State since March 2023, when he attended a church centenary celebration in Kuajok before travelling to his home area of Akon.
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