JUBA, July 20, 2026 — The President of the Republic His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday held talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan, as South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Kenya’s ruling UDA moved to strengthen political cooperation through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The President received a briefing on the cooperation framework from SPLM Secretary-General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit and Senator Hassan Omar Hassan following a series of high-level party-to-party engagements held in Juba.

The MoU establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the two ruling parties, with a focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting ideological exchanges, leadership training, research, and other areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing party development and regional cooperation.

Officials from both parties said the SPLM and UDA share a common commitment to advancing peace, democracy, and regional integration, reflecting the longstanding historical ties between South Sudan and Kenya.

Speaking after meeting President Kiir, Senator Hassan Omar Hassan described the visit as a significant step in deepening relations between the two parties and the people of both countries.

 “It was an extraordinary honour for me to visit the President of the Republic of South Sudan and extend to him the warm and brotherly greetings from my party leader and President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto,” Hassan said.

He added that the agreement would make cooperation between the two parties more structured and purposeful.

 “The memorandum allows for party-to-party exchanges, making our partnership between the UDA and SPLM more deliberate, more focused and centred on areas of mutual interest and benefit, including research, ideological dialogue, party-building, cadre training and strengthening the historical partnership between our two countries.”

Dr. Akol Paul Kordit said President Kiir, who is also the SPLM Chairman, welcomed the signing of the MoU and directed both secretary-generals to ensure its effective implementation.

“The Chairman welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the SPLM and UDA and urged us to operationalise the framework so that it delivers practical benefits for both parties,” Dr. Akol said.

He noted that the agreement would contribute to enhanced regional integration and closer cooperation between South Sudan and Kenya.

“We all know that the Republic of South Sudan and Kenya enjoy cordial relations, shared cultures, shared traditions, and a common history of struggle for freedom. The SPLM is grateful to the UDA delegation for coming to Juba, and we will continue working together to strengthen regional cooperation and the longstanding partnership between our two countries,” he said.

The new cooperation framework is expected to facilitate regular exchanges between the two parties while reinforcing the strong diplomatic, political, and historical ties that have long existed between South Sudan and Kenya.

Source: Office of the President, Republic of South Sudan. Additional context and analysis by Juba Global News Network.