President Salva Kiir waves goodbye to members of his Cabinet before departing for South Africa. (Photo: PPU)

JUBA — South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Sunday left Juba for Pretoria, South Africa, where he is expected to seek regional support for the country’s planned December 2026 general elections.

Kiir’s trip comes as the government steps up diplomatic engagements with South Africa ahead of the polls, which are expected to mark a major milestone in South Sudan’s long-delayed political transition.

The president is expected to hold talks with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, on bilateral relations, regional affairs, and South Sudan’s peace process, with the upcoming elections likely to feature prominently in the discussions.

“The visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the progress made so far in South Sudan’s electoral preparations, exchange views on the political and electoral process, and discuss continued cooperation in support of a peaceful, credible, and democratic transition,” the Office of the President said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Kiir is also expected to follow up on understandings and commitments reached during his previous engagements with the South African leadership.

The discussions will further look ahead at the next steps for South Sudan as the country moves closer to the December elections, with an emphasis on peace, stability, national dialogue, and strengthening the democratic process.

The visit underscores the strong and longstanding relations between South Sudan and South Africa and the importance of continued regional partnership as South Sudan advances toward the completion of its transitional period through democratic elections.