South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir travelled to Kenya on October 4 for talks with William Ruto on election preparations, regional stability and economic cooperation. His spokeswoman said the visit would seek support for peaceful and credible voting on December 22. The announced agenda also includes cooperation over Kenya’s Lamu refinery; no resulting agreement has been announced.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled to Kenya on Sunday for high-level bilateral talks on elections and economic cooperation.[1], [2]
The meeting agenda with Kenyan President William Ruto also includes regional stability. The trip is his first visit to Kenya since the dissolution of South Sudan’s transitional unity government. The presidency announced the visit as the country prepares for a general election scheduled for December 22.[1]
Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng outlined the agenda at Juba International Airport. She said the talks would address preparations for peaceful, credible and successful voting, alongside cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. Kiir is seeking regional and continental support for the electoral process amid concerns about its security and political conditions.[1]
Deng linked the security and success of South Sudan’s elections to stability in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the wider continent. She described contacts with neighbouring countries and regional leaders as an effort to coordinate that support.[1]
Economic discussions include a refinery project in Kenya’s coastal Lamu region whose launch was announced the previous week. Deng said the countries would examine their respective roles in supporting its operation. Stronger trade, transport and energy links are also on the proposed agenda. No resulting commitments or final agreement were announced in the account of Kiir’s departure.[1]
