In a statement seen by Sudans Post, the embassy said the training is being fully funded by the Russian government and is aimed at strengthening South Sudan’s capacity to organise what would be the country’s first-ever general elections since independence in 2011.
“As a result of the agreements reached, and at the expense of the Russian side, three leading specialists from the National Elections Commission of South Sudan were sent to Moscow for specialised training, where they are currently undergoing studies,” the statement read.
The Russian embassy expressed confidence that the expertise gained by the officials in Moscow would contribute significantly to the electoral preparations ahead of the polls scheduled for December 2026.
“We believe that the skills and expertise acquired in the Russian capital will prove highly valuable in the preparation and conduct of elections in the Republic of South Sudan in December 2026,” it added.
Moscow also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Sudan’s electoral institutions as the country moves toward the long-delayed vote.
“The Russian side intends to continue supporting its South Sudanese partners in organising the country’s first-ever electoral process,” the statement said.
The announcement follows Russia’s pledge in April 2026 to assist South Sudan’s electoral process, including training personnel from the National Elections Commission in Russia ahead of the elections.
Russia has recently taken an increasingly supportive diplomatic stance toward Juba, urging the international community to engage constructively with the government rather than resorting to what it described as “harsh criticism.”
The development comes at a time when Western governments, particularly the United States, have intensified pressure on President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration over concerns surrounding the implementation of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.
Critics have accused the government of restricting political space, detaining opposition figures, and altering key provisions of the peace deal to pave the way for elections without completing crucial benchmarks such as a permanent constitution and a national population census.
Among the concerns raised internationally is the continued detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, a key signatory to the peace agreement and leader of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
South Sudan’s transitional government has repeatedly maintained that preparations for the December 2026 elections are underway despite mounting political and security challenges.
