(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Kenya has reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s political transition and preparations for the country’s General Election scheduled for December 22nd.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who represented President William Ruto, attended a virtual meeting of the African Union Committee on South Sudan chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
The meeting assessed the political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, as well as progress towards preparing for the December elections.
Participants discussed measures required to support the conclusion of South Sudan’s transition period and promote peace and stability in the country.
Kindiki said the meeting agreed that the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other international partners will continue supporting South Sudan’s transition.
“It was resolved that the AU, IGAD, and other friends of South Sudan will continue to support the process towards the conclusion of the transition period, assist South Sudan to conduct its scheduled elections and promote all the ingredients of a united, peaceful and democratic Republic of South Sudan,” Kindiki said.
The virtual meeting comes amid continued regional and international efforts to support South Sudan’s political process and promote stability as the country approaches the elections.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced political and security challenges, including a civil war that began in 2013.
A peace agreement signed in 2018 sought to end the conflict and establish a transitional government, with the transition period subsequently extended to allow the implementation of key provisions of the agreement.
The December 22 election is expected to mark an important stage in South Sudan’s political transition.
The African Union and IGAD have continued to engage South Sudanese leaders and other stakeholders on the implementation of the peace process and preparations for the polls.
The meeting brought together regional and continental stakeholders to assess the situation and consider further support for South Sudan.
Kenya has historically played a role in regional peace and mediation efforts involving South Sudan, including through IGAD led initiatives.
The latest meeting comes as regional governments seek to ensure that the transition process proceeds peacefully and that the planned elections are conducted in a manner that contributes to stability.
Participants agreed to maintain support for South Sudan beyond the electoral preparations, with emphasis on peace, unity and democratic governance.
The AU, IGAD and other partners are expected to continue working with South Sudan towards the conclusion of the transition period and the holding of the scheduled elections.
The discussions also noted the importance of addressing the country’s political, security and humanitarian challenges as it prepares for the December vote.
