Arabic version: روتو يتعهد بدعم كينيا لانتخابات جنوب السودان

According to Allafrica, President William Ruto has pledged Kenya’s support for South Sudan’s preparations for general elections scheduled for December 22, while urging political leaders to pursue dialogue and consensus.

Ruto made the commitment during talks with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit at State House in Nairobi on Monday. Kiir had arrived in Kenya a day earlier for his first foreign trip since dissolving South Sudan’s transitional unity government and establishing a caretaker administration.

“Kenya stands ready to support South Sudan in this endeavour while encouraging dialogue and consensus among all parties,” Ruto said. The vote is intended to end South Sudan’s prolonged transitional period, though elections have been repeatedly delayed since the country gained independence in 2011.

Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government on September 22 after amendments to the electoral law removed legal hurdles to the December polls. The move also dissolved the national legislature and state governments. The African Union has called for a peaceful conclusion of the transition and for credible, inclusive and transparent elections.

The leaders also discussed stronger economic ties, trade and investment opportunities, and regional economic cooperation. Ruto thanked Kiir for South Sudan’s participation in the launch of the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu last week. South Sudan’s presidency said the talks covered bilateral relations, electoral preparations and measures for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.