President Kiir returns to Juba after South Africa working visit

Credit: Presidential Press Unit

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has returned to Juba after a week-long working visit to South Africa, where he held high-level talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on preparations for the country’s December 2026 general elections and bilateral cooperation.

Kiir’s visit came ahead of an upcoming African Union C5 engagement, during which South Sudan is expected to be a key focus of discussions.

During his meetings with South African officials, Kiir briefed the leadership on progress made toward the elections, outstanding preparations and measures needed to ensure a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process, according to the Office of the President.

The visit also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between South Sudan and South Africa.

Kiir’s return to Juba comes amid reports circulating on social media and among some local sources of alleged plans by military figures to destabilize the government while the president was in South Africa.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the South Sudanese government or the presidency of an attempted coup or any military plot against the government.

The presidency’s official account of Kiir’s return did not cite security concerns or an alleged coup as the reason for his return.

South Sudan is preparing for general elections scheduled for Dec. 22, 2026, as the country continues efforts to implement the 2018 peace agreement and address political and security challenges ahead of the vote.Source: Office of the President, Republic of South Sudan