WAU, JUNE 5, 2026 – Thousands of jubilant South Sudanese citizens lined the streets of Wau and packed Wau Stadium on Friday to welcome the President of the Republic, His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, during his visit to Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

Residents from across the state turned out in large numbers, waving flags, singing patriotic songs, and chanting messages of support as the President’s motorcade made its way through the town and into the stadium. The atmosphere was marked by excitement, gratitude, and a strong display of national unity as citizens gathered to receive the Head of State.

The rally was organized by the Government and people of Western Bahr el Ghazal State under the leadership of Governor Hon. Major General Sheriff Daniel Sheriff. Traditional leaders, youth groups, women associations, community representatives, and citizens from across the region joined the event.

Addressing the gathering, President Kiir thanked the people of Wau for the warm reception and conveyed three key messages to the nation.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stressing that peace remains the government’s highest priority.

“Despite what you hear, always remember that peace is our top priority,” President Kiir told the crowd.

On the forthcoming elections, the President emphasized that elections remain the ultimate objective of the peace agreement and the only pathway to a peaceful democratic transition. He urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process by registering in large numbers once voter registration begins.

“Elections are our only pathway to a peaceful transition. Register in large numbers when voter registration begins so that you can exercise your democratic right to choose your leaders,” he said.

President Kiir also called upon citizens to take advantage of the ongoing rainy season by increasing agricultural production to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on external support. “Let us embrace hard work, cultivate our land, defeat hunger, and ensure food security for our people,” the President urged.

The rally was attended by several senior national and state government officials, including His Excellency Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President for the Service Cluster; Hon. Africano Mande, Minister of Presidential Affairs; Hon. Aleu Ayieny Aleu, Minister of Interior; Hon. Wek Mamer Kuol, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Hon. Joseph Mum Majak, Minister of Investment; Hon. Rezik Zakaria Hassan Doko, Minister of Transport; Hon. Peter Lam Both, Minister of Roads and Bridges; Hon. Madut Biar Yel, Minister of Higher Education; Hon. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction; and Hon. Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.

Also, in attendance were the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Hon. Major General Sheriff Daniel Sheriff, Deputy Governor Hon. Achum Daniel, and the Governor of Lakes State, Hon. Madhang Majok.

The gathering concluded with renewed calls for peace, unity, participation in the electoral process, and increased agricultural production as citizens reaffirmed their support for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.