Africa-Press – Kenya. South Sudan has welcomed Kenya’s offer to support its electoral process as part of its commitment to regional peace and stability, State House, Juba, has announced.
South Sudan is expected to hold its general election in December this year, the first one since its independence from the North in 2011.
The elections were initially scheduled to be held in 2015 but have since been postponed at least five times to 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024, and finally the currently scheduled date in 2026.
President Salva Kiir Maryadit on Monday received a detailed briefing from a delegation following their recent engagements with Kenyan authorities in Nairobi on matters of regional peace, security, and electoral cooperation.
While in Nairobi, the delegation, which was led by Presidential Advisor on National Security Tut Gatluak Manime, held high-level talks with Kenyan authorities, including President William Ruto, on matters of strategic interest to the two nations and the wider region.
In a statement to the press, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Monday Semaya Kumba, said President Kiir has directed relevant institutions to carry out effective follow-up on the outcomes of the Nairobi meetings.
Minister Kumba highlighted that the talks were centred on matters of regional peace and security and preparations for South Sudan’s upcoming general elections, where Kenya reiterated its readiness to support South Sudan’s electoral process, as part of attaining regional peace and stability.
Ambassador Kumba further said the talks also explored ways of deepening the existing bilateral relations between Juba and Nairobi, with all parties underlining the importance of a shared commitment to enhanced cooperation in various sectors.
During the Nairobi meeting, Kenya is said to have pushed for inclusive peace talks in South Sudan that would bring together all parties and stakeholders, with the aim of concluding an inclusive peace process culminating in elections.
The proposal was discussed during high-level talks held in Nairobi in the presence of Tumaini Initiative Chief Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo. The Tumaini Initiative was suspended in February last year.
In a statement issued by the State House after the meeting last week, President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security as a foundation for shared prosperity in the region.
The President noted that strengthening electoral institutions was key to ensuring credible and peaceful democratic processes.
“We are ready to support capacity building and institutional preparedness of South Sudan’s electoral agency ahead of the elections scheduled for later this year,” Ruto said in a statement.
He added; “The support reflects our shared responsibility to strengthen democratic processes and ensure credible and peaceful electoral outcomes.”
