Deputy President Paul Mashatile and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit have wrapped up high-level discussions in Pretoria aimed at bolstering diplomatic relations and advancing the fragile peace process in the world's youngest nation. The talks, held at the Menlyn Maine Hotel on Friday, covered a broad agenda spanning bilateral cooperation, economic partnerships and critical political milestones facing South Sudan in the months ahead.
Economic cooperation and investment plans
Mashatile, who serves as President Cyril Ramaphosa's special envoy on South Sudan, used the working visit to press forward on commitments arising from recent sessions of the Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5 Plus. The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the legal framework underpinning the country's transition from war to stability.
"South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the people of South Sudan as they advance toward sustainable peace, democratic governance, and inclusive development."
A central outcome of the meeting was an agreement to deepen economic engagement across the mining, transport and tourism sectors. Both governments committed to jointly hosting a South Africa–South Sudan Business and Investment Conference, with the inaugural leg pencilled in for Juba between May and June 2026. The initiative is designed to unlock fresh investment opportunities and stimulate trade flows between the two countries.
Progress was also noted on discussions around a possible visa-free travel arrangement between Pretoria and Juba. Government departments on both sides are currently evaluating the feasibility of such a regime, with their recommendations due by the end of April 2026. In a further push to improve connectivity, the two leaders underscored the need for direct flights between South Africa and Juba, with airline engagements reportedly already underway and a comprehensive aviation cooperation plan expected within coming months.
Elections, dialogue and the road to lasting peace
The year 2026 represents a watershed moment for South Sudan, which is set to hold its first-ever elections since breaking away from Sudan in July 2011. The two heads of state discussed several priority areas linked to this historic milestone, including support for inclusive political participation, civil society involvement in the electoral build-up, and potential technical assistance from South Africa's Electoral Commission (IEC). Disarmament efforts and preparations for South Sudan's National Dialogue, scheduled for April 2026, were also on the agenda.
"The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in key economic sectors, including mining, transport, and tourism. In this regard, both parties committed to jointly hosting a South Africa–South Sudan Business and Investment Conference, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Juba between May and June 2026."
South Africa has already pledged to provide facilitators for the National Dialogue and to share lessons from its own experience with national reconciliation processes. The meeting further addressed recent political and judicial developments in South Sudan, including matters relating to Dr Riek Machar. Both parties stressed the importance of respecting judicial proceedings and safeguarding stability during what they described as a critical period.
President Kiir expressed gratitude for South Africa's sustained backing in implementing the R-ARCSS. Mashatile, for his part, reaffirmed Pretoria's intention to maintain a visible presence in South Sudan to support ongoing peace and governance processes, and encouraged South African businesses to explore the investment potential the country offers.
"Both parties emphasised the importance of respecting judicial processes and maintaining stability during this critical period. South Africa reiterated its commitment to the outcomes of the C5 engagements and to continued dialogue with all relevant stakeholders."
As the session drew to a close, both leaders recommitted to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and working together toward durable peace and stability in South Sudan.
