South Sudan highlights diplomatic engagement, election preparations

South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says the government intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners during the week, with discussions focused on bilateral relations, the peace process and preparations for the December 2026 elections.

Speaking during a weekly briefing covering Aug. 22-28, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen said President Salva Kiir Mayardit and senior government officials held a series of diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners.

President Kiir traveled to Pretoria on Aug. 23 for talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The discussions covered bilateral relations, the peace process and preparations for the December elections, according to the ministry.

The ministry described South Africa as an important regional partner and said continued engagement with neighboring countries and other African states remains a priority.

Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Dr. James Pitia Morgan continued diplomatic engagements with key international partners, including the United States, Germany, Türkiye and the United Nations.

On Aug. 25, Morgan met Türkiye’s ambassador to South Sudan, Metin Ergin, who conveyed a formal invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for President Kiir to attend the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya in November.

The ministry said the engagements reflected South Sudan’s commitment to maintaining direct diplomatic channels with its international partners.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Akuei Bona Malwal traveled to Nairobi with National Revenue Authority Commissioner General Amb. Muon Deng Ajuet and a government delegation for the second Bilateral Ministerial High-Level Meeting between South Sudan and Kenya.

The talks focused on bilateral relations, particularly trade and South Sudan’s engagement with the East African Community.

The ministry described Kenya as an important neighbor and regional partner and said strengthening economic cooperation remains a key part of the bilateral relationship.

An African Union Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission, led by former Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, concluded its visit to South Sudan on Aug. 28.

The mission met with government institutions and other stakeholders to discuss preparations for the December elections and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

The government welcomed the mission and said it would continue working with the African Union as preparations for the elections progress.

On Aug. 28, Morgan also departed Juba for Luanda, Angola, where he is expected to participate in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly on Aug. 30.

The session will focus on strengthening African mechanisms for conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

On Aug. 27, the Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of Germany, Japan, Norway and the United States following a joint statement issued by the four diplomatic missions.

Morgan conveyed the government’s concerns about the statement and reiterated the importance of addressing sensitive political matters through established diplomatic channels.

The ministry said South Sudan remains committed to constructive relations with its international partners and believes differences should be addressed directly through dialogue.

The ministry also addressed the Aug. 24 attack on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan patrol traveling to Pajut in Jonglei State.

Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven other personnel were injured when the patrol came under attack by armed elements, according to the briefing.

The government condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the government and people of Ethiopia.

It called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with UNMISS to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel serving in South Sudan.

The ministry said the week’s diplomatic activities reflected the government’s continued focus on regional partnerships, the peace process and preparations for the December elections.