Africa-Press – South-Sudan. President Salva Kiir has returned to Juba following his participation in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding general elections in December this year.
Mr Kiir was received at Juba International Airport by Vice President for the Infrastructure Cluster, Taban Deng Gai, alongside senior government officials.
His return marks the conclusion of a series of high-level engagements at the continental gathering, which brought together African leaders to deliberate on peace, security, governance, and development across the continent.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, President Kiir used the summit as an opportunity to strengthen South Sudan’s diplomatic ties and enhance regional cooperation, including holding several bilateral meetings with fellow African leaders and key partners aimed at consolidating strategic partnerships and advancing mutual interests.
Mr Semaya noted that during the C5 Plus meeting, President Kiir delivered a detailed briefing on the current political situation in South Sudan. The President outlined the progress made under the Revitalised Peace Agreement and highlighted ongoing government efforts to prepare for the country’s long-awaited general elections scheduled for December.
In his address to AU delegates in Addis Ababa, Kiir reportedly emphasised that there would be no further extension of the transitional period. He underscored that the time had come for the people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders through the ballot box.
The President described the forthcoming elections as a critical milestone in the country’s transition from conflict to stability and constitutional governance.
The December polls are expected to be the first general elections since South Sudan gained independence in 2011 and later entered into a transitional arrangement following years of civil conflict.
Preparations for the elections have been a central pillar of the peace roadmap, with regional and international partners closely monitoring progress.
Kiir’s message at the AU summit comes at a time when political and security developments within the country continue to draw both domestic and international attention. His engagement with African leaders signals Juba’s intention to keep regional bodies informed and involved as South Sudan moves toward the next phase of its political transition.
Government officials say the President’s participation in the summit reflects South Sudan’s commitment to playing an active role within the African Union while also seeking continental support for its democratic and peacebuilding processes.
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