The Office of the President continues to drive the national agenda under the leadership of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This latest engagement reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing South Sudan’s developmental and peace objectives as the nation prepares for its upcoming democratic transition.

JUBA, July 8, 2026 – His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, the rule of law, and South Sudan’s democratic transition during a high-level meeting with the African Union’s C-5 High-Level Committee currently on a fact-finding mission in South Sudan.

The delegation was led by Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Chairperson of the African Union C-5 Committee. It also included representatives from Rwanda, Algeria, Nigeria, and Chad to the African Union.

During the meeting, President Kiir reiterated his commitment to advancing the peace process, promoting inclusive dialogue, and ensuring continued progress towards the conduct of peaceful, credible, and inclusive general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026.

Addressing ongoing judicial proceedings related to the peace process, President Kiir reaffirmed that South Sudan remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of its judicial institutions.

The President stressed that the judicial process must be allowed to proceed to its lawful conclusion, with the courts making their findings without political interference.

He emphasized that the Government would not set a bad precedent by interrupting or obstructing judicial proceedings. Stating that nothing should undermine the country’s legal system, noting that the rule of law must prevail, the sovereignty of South Sudan must be protected, and those found to have committed offences must be afforded due process in accordance with the law.

At the same time, the President reaffirmed that South Sudan remains fully committed to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, adding that the judicial process and the peace process should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. He noted that, under the guidance and support of the African Union C-5 and other regional partners, the implementation of the peace agreement has continued to progress steadily, while preparations for the December 2026 elections remain firmly on course.

Minister Lamola welcomed the discussions and reiterated the African Union’s continued support for South Sudan’s peace and democratic transition.

“The African Union stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan. We are here to support the implementation of the peace agreement through the AU and all the necessary technical processes that will facilitate inclusive dialogue and preparations for the national general elections,” Lamola said.

The South African minister described the discussions with President Kiir as productive, noting that the delegation had consulted a broad range of stakeholders to assess the country’s political, security, and humanitarian situation.

“We had a very productive engagement with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the consultations we have held with various stakeholders in South Sudan,” he said.

The delegation is in Juba as part of the African Union’s C-5 High-Level Committee mandate to assess progress in implementing the Revitalized Agreement and review the country’s readiness for the December 2026 general elections.

The C-5 is an ad hoc high-level committee established by the African Union Peace and Security Council to support peace efforts in South Sudan. The committee comprises South Africa, Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda, and is mandated to engage national stakeholders, monitor progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and provide recommendations to the African Union on the country’s political transition.

— Analysis and additional reporting by Juba Global News Network.