South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Juba for a two-day working visit aimed at bolstering South Sudan’s fragile peace process ahead of national elections scheduled for December 2026.
The deputy president was received by South Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister Monday Kumba.
Acting as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy, Mashatile is set to meet with President Salva Kiir and key political stakeholders to assess progress on the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS).
Signed in September 2018, the RARCSS outlines critical steps for South Sudan’s transition to democratic governance, including the drafting of a new constitution, transitional security arrangements and preparations for elections.
Mashatile’s visit comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan navigates lingering political tensions and logistical hurdles in the lead-up to the vote.
South Africa has played a longstanding role in supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in South Sudan, drawing on historical ties rooted in shared struggles for independence and freedom.
The bilateral relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership focused on conflict resolution, development cooperation and institutional strengthening.
JN/APA