South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is expected to visit Warrap State, travelling via Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, a state official said on Thursday.
William Wol Mayom, Warrap State’s information minister, told Radio Tamazuj that Kiir would fly from Juba to Wau on Friday before proceeding to Kuajok, the capital of Warrap State.
“He will be landing in Wau and then proceed to Kuajok. Further details of the programme will be communicated later,” Wol said.
The minister did not specify how long the president would remain in Warrap State.
Ahead of Kiir’s visit, First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit arrived in Aweil, the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, on Thursday before travelling to her home area of Akon in Gogrial West County of Warrap State.
Wol said officials from Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes states were expected to take part in receiving the president.
“Government officials from the neighbouring states will join the reception because this is a visit by the head of state to the region,” he said.
Prof. Jok Madut Jok, a South Sudanese political analyst and academic, said Kiir’s planned trip to Warrap appeared to be primarily a private visit rather than an official state tour.
“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 hails from Warrap State, said the gathering could also provide an opportunity for local leaders and community members to raise concerns about the country’s future, including questions of political succession, economic hardship, insecurity and national unity.
“People want answers about the state of the country, and they may see this gathering as a chance to voice those concerns,” he said.
He added that the visit comes amid tensions fuelled by a recent social media dispute involving members of the Gogrial community, from which Kiir hails, and people from the Aweil area.
“There has been concern over exchanges on social media following comments made by an individual who some people in Aweil believe may be connected to members of the First Family or government, although there is no evidence to support those claims,” Jok said.
The visit would be Kiir’s first trip 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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