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, October 1, 2026 — His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has met with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, for discussions on the country’s political transition, humanitarian situation, security and preparations for the upcoming elections.

The discussions reflected the priorities outlined in President Kiir’s recent national address, in which he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing the electoral process, promoting political dialogue and maintaining peace and stability as South Sudan moves toward elections.

Gbeho said the meeting provided an opportunity for a broad exchange on the elections, the importance of dialogue, the humanitarian situation and the overall security environment, particularly in relation to the electoral process.

She also sought the President’s guidance on how the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) could support the Government in strengthening election-related security and advancing dialogue around the priorities set out in the peace roadmap.

“We had very good assurances from the President to work with the roadmap that we submitted,” Gbeho said, also noting South Africa’s support for efforts to move the process forward.

President Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to continued cooperation with the United Nations and other international partners in support of the country’s transition. He stressed that these partnerships should reinforce South Sudan’s national priorities, including peaceful elections, security, humanitarian action and inclusive political engagement.

The newly sworn-in Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Cecilia Adut Manyok, attended the meeting. Her participation underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and continued coordination between the Government, the United Nations and South Sudan’s regional and international partners during the electoral period.

Gbeho acknowledged the difficult humanitarian conditions facing the country and emphasised the importance of Government leadership, while reaffirming the international community’s continued support for the people of South Sudan.

“We are engaging, discussing and working together so that we are working towards the vision of the President and the country,” she said.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government and the United Nations to continued engagement on the peace roadmap, humanitarian priorities, national dialogue and the creation of a secure environment for the upcoming elections.

— Analysis and additional reporting by Juba Global News Network.