South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the official presidential residence in Pretoria, on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting took place on October 7, 2026, less than three months before South Sudan's scheduled elections on December 22. Ramaphosa chairs the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, which has been leading regional efforts to support the implementation of the peace agreement and South Sudan's political transition.
During the meeting, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of adherence to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). He emphasized the need for an inclusive electoral process based on trust and cooperation among South Sudanese political stakeholders to address outstanding challenges and support the implementation of the peace agreement. This comes as South Sudan prepares for elections and follows the dissolution of the country's transitional government on September 22.
President Kiir arrived in South Africa on October 6, after traveling from Nairobi, where he had held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto. He left Juba on October 4 for a two-day visit to Kenya before traveling to South Africa. According to the South Sudan presidency, the visit aimed to provide an opportunity for follow-up discussions with Ramaphosa after the C5's latest declaration on South Sudan.
The C5, comprising South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, has been actively involved in supporting South Sudan's peace process. At its virtual meeting on September 29, convened by Ramaphosa, the committee assessed developments in South Sudan ahead of the elections and considered areas requiring further regional and continental support. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition in South Sudan.
President Kiir reaffirmed his government's commitment to holding elections on December 22 and outlined preparations, including securing the National Elections Commission's headquarters, launching civic education, identifying voter-registration centers, and beginning the printing of voter-registration ledgers. His office also reported that more than 20,000 election workers are being recruited, and over 25,000 election security personnel are undergoing training.
During the meeting, Kiir requested South African support for several key areas, including ballot boxes, training for elections commission staff, uniforms for election security personnel, and digital identification cards for election officials and operational staff. Ramaphosa agreed to support these areas, and both leaders agreed that work should begin as soon as possible through South Sudan's independent National Elections Commission.
Kiir's visit to South Africa and his previous trip to Kenya come amid reports circulating on social media about his health. However, his office has not publicly commented on these reports. Kiir also visited South Africa from August 23 to August 30, when he held talks with Ramaphosa. The two leaders continue to work together to ensure a successful electoral process in South Sudan.
Key points
- Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of adhering to the 2018 peace agreement as South Sudan prepares for elections.
- Kiir reaffirmed his government's commitment to holding elections on December 22 and outlined ongoing preparations.
- The C5 committee continues to play a crucial role in supporting South Sudan's peace process and political transition.
