South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has wrapped up a two-day working visit to South Sudan, during which leaders of the transitional government reaffirmed their commitment to holding credible elections in December 2026 and fully implementing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
During the visit, Mashatile met with President Salva Kiir, Vice-President Benjamin Boi Mel, and other signatories to the 2018 peace accord, which aims to end years of civil conflict. The agreement outlines major reforms, including the drafting of a new constitution, transitional security arrangements, and preparations for national elections.
According to a statement from the South African Presidency, the parties “expressed confidence in the Revitalised Agreement as the only existing instrument to facilitate the transition to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.”
South Sudanese leaders also pledged to avoid political tensions that could undermine national security and emphasized the importance of creating conditions conducive to free and fair elections.
South Africa has long supported South Sudan’s peace and reconciliation efforts through mediation, capacity building, and diplomatic engagement. Mashatile’s visit sought to assess progress on the ground and reinforce South Africa’s ongoing commitment to the country’s democratic transition.
During his visit, Mashatile also paid a courtesy call on Vice President Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, widow of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the founding leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. She appealed to South Africa to maintain its active involvement in the peace process.
Source:Africa Publicity
