By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has met with President Cyril Ramaphosa at State House in Pretoria to discuss South Sudan’s electoral preparations and strengthen coordination on priority technical and logistical support.
Welcoming President Kiir with the words, “Welcome home, my President,” President Ramaphosa commended the progress made thus far and asked how South Africa could help advance preparations for fair and successful elections in December 2026, according to a statement released by the presidential press unit on Wednesday.
President Kiir expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality consistently extended to him in South Africa, and expressed appreciation for President Ramaphosa’s leadership of the AU C5 and his continued commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace and transition.
He reminded his counterpart of South Sudan’s deep appreciation for South Africa’s unwavering solidarity, from standing alongside the South Sudanese people during the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement to supporting the 2011 referendum through which they chose independence.
He said South Sudan was once again receiving a brotherly hand from South Africa as it prepared for another defining moment in its national journey.
“President Kiir reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to holding elections on 22 December 2026 and outlined the progress achieved, including securing the National Elections Commission’s headquarters, launching a civic education campaign, identifying registration centers and commencing the printing of the voter registration ledger,” the statement continued.
Recruitment of more than 20,000 election workers is also underway, while over 25,000 election security personnel are undergoing training.
President Kiir highlighted pressing areas requiring South Africa’s support, including the production of ballot boxes, training for NEC staff, uniforms for election security personnel, and provision of digital identification cards for officials and operational staff.
He explained that among others, these urgent priorities had prompted his visit to South Africa, underscoring the need for synergy and close coordination to translate support into timely practical assistance.
President Ramaphosa extended South Africa’s support across all four areas, thanking President Kiir for presenting requests that provided a clear basis for action.
Both Heads of State agreed that work must commence as soon as possible through South Sudan’s Independent National Elections Commission.
The meeting reinforced the strong partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to supporting the South Sudanese people as they prepare to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders.