By Deng Machol
JUBA, South Sudan — As South Sudan intensifies efforts to consolidate peace and prepare for its first-ever general elections, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, arrived in Juba on Wednesday for an official working visit centered on peacebuilding and regional cooperation.
Kikwete, a former President of Tanzania and one of Africa’s most respected statesmen, was received at Juba International Airport by Hon. Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
According to South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the visit underscores the enduring partnership between the African Union and the Government of South Sudan as the country works to strengthen peace, stability, and regional integration ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
The visit comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, with the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remaining central to the country’s political transition and democratic aspirations.
During his stay in Juba, Kikwete is expected to hold consultations with senior government officials, political leaders, and key stakeholders involved in the peace process. Discussions are likely to focus on advancing the implementation of the peace agreement, promoting national cohesion, and enhancing cooperation between South Sudan and regional institutions.
The African Union has remained a key partner in South Sudan’s peace journey, working alongside regional bodies and international partners to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability and fostering conditions conducive to democratic governance.
Kikwete’s visit is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the AU’s commitment to accompanying South Sudan on its path toward sustainable peace, political stability, and stronger regional partnerships as the nation approaches a historic electoral milestone.
