Kiir Heads to South Africa for Election Support Talks

PRETORIA, South Africa — October 6, 2026
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled from Nairobi to South Africa on Tuesday for follow-up talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on peace and preparations for South Sudan’s December 2026 elections.
The South Sudan Presidency said the discussions will follow up on the recent declaration by the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5, which Ramaphosa chairs. The talks are expected to focus on practical electoral support, including possible technical, financial and logistical assistance and election-related materials.
South Africa’s Presidency has scheduled a bilateral meeting between Kiir and Ramaphosa at Mahlamba Ndlopfu Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on October 7. The Presidency
The visit comes as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. The C5 has acknowledged progress while saying significant political and electoral work remains.