Russia Reaffirms Support for South Sudan’s December Elections
Posted on
September 6, 2026 • 04:51 AM
JUBA, South Sudan — September 5, 2026
Russia has reaffirmed its support for South Sudan as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 2026, while also seeking stronger cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.
The latest position followed a meeting in Juba between Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly Joseph Ngere Paciko and Russian Ambassador to South Sudan Aleksandr Kosmodemiyanskiy. The talks focused on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation and South Sudan’s upcoming elections.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed plans to establish a South Sudan–Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The proposed group would provide a platform for lawmakers from both countries to strengthen relations and explore areas of development cooperation.
Russia also expressed continued support for South Sudan as it moves toward its planned post-independence elections in December. The vote is currently scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Moscow's support for the electoral process is not new. Earlier this year, Russia offered assistance with election preparations, including training South Sudanese electoral officials. Three senior officials from the National Elections Commission later travelled to Russia for training.
The Russian Embassy has also participated in activities connected to the National Elections Commission's civic and voter education programme.
The latest meeting comes as South Sudan continues preparations for the December vote. Parliament recently passed constitutional amendments intended to remove legal obstacles to holding the elections, including separating the electoral process from completion of a permanent constitution and national census.
However, Friday's announcement did not include a new financial agreement or specific package of Russian assistance. The immediate development is Russia's renewed political support and the proposed expansion of parliamentary cooperation between Moscow and Juba.