The message was delivered on Tuesday by the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Amb. Moussa Djama Ali, who was accompanied by the IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, Dr. Victoria Anib, during a meeting that focused on the country’s ongoing political transition and preparations for the 2026 elections.
The discussions centred on recent political developments, progress in implementing the Revitalised Peace Agreement, election preparations, and broader efforts to advance what IGAD described as “a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic transition.”
Both sides, the statement noted, “underscored the importance of sustained political dialogue, confidence building, and adherence to the provisions of the Agreement in advancing peace, stability, and national cohesion.”
IGAD further reiterated its commitment to continue supporting South Sudan through the implementation process. The delegation “reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to accompanying South Sudan in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and in creating conditions conducive to peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.”
President Kiir, for his part, welcomed IGAD’s engagement and restated his government’s commitment to the peace process, saying South Sudan would continue to work with regional and international partners to ensure successful implementation of the agreement.
The meeting comes amid a visit by an African Union delegation led by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, which is assessing progress on the peace agreement and preparations for the December 2026 general elections.
The AU mission is also reviewing the implementation of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit declaration adopted in Addis Ababa in February 2026, which, among other issues, called for the release of political detainees, especially First Vice President Riek Machar.
The IGAD visit also comes amid growing regional attention on the pace of political reforms, with concerns raised over reported amendments to certain provisions of the peace agreement in relation to electoral preparations, including issues around the census and the permanent constitution process ahead of the elections.
