South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled to Pretoria on Sunday for talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral relations, the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for South Sudan’s planned general elections in December 2026.
According to the South Sudanese presidency, Kiir is expected to hold high-level discussions with South African officials as his government seeks regional backing for the elections. The visit comes as Juba intensifies diplomatic engagement with regional partners ahead of what would be South Sudan’s first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
South Africa has already expressed willingness to support the electoral process, including through assistance with ballot papers and other election materials. During previous talks between Kiir and Ramaphosa in March, the South African president also emphasised the importance of inclusive political dialogue and credible elections.
The planned December elections, however, continue to face significant political and logistical challenges. Concerns have been raised over delays in preparations, limited resources available to electoral institutions and continuing political tensions within the country. International organisations and rights groups have also expressed concern about whether the political and security environment is sufficiently conducive to free and credible elections.
A major point of contention remains the suspension and ongoing trial of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). Machar and seven co-accused are currently facing proceedings before a special court in Juba in connection with the Nasir conflict. Charges include treason, murder, terrorism-related offences, destruction of public property and crimes against humanity. The charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
The SPLM-IO and other critics have questioned whether elections can proceed credibly while key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement remain incomplete and senior opposition figures remain embroiled in legal and political disputes. The government, however, has maintained that the elections will proceed as scheduled, with Kiir repeatedly expressing confidence that South Sudanese citizens are ready to choose their leaders through the ballot box.
South Sudan had originally been expected to hold elections several years after independence, but repeated political crises and armed conflict forced successive postponements. Fighting that erupted in December 2013 between forces loyal to Kiir and those aligned with Machar developed into a devastating civil war, followed by years of instability and a fragile peace process.
The current transitional arrangements were extended until February 2027, with national elections now scheduled for December 2026. If held, the vote would represent a major milestone for the world’s youngest country, but questions remain over political participation, security, electoral preparations and implementation of outstanding elements of the peace agreement.
President Kiir is being accompanied on his South African visit by senior government officials, including presidential envoy Adut Salva Kiir.
