Ramaphosa, Kiir Discuss South Sudan Elections and Fragile Peace Process

PRETORIA, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has held talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on preparations for South Sudan's December elections and efforts to strengthen the country's fragile peace process.

The two leaders met in Pretoria on Wednesday, October 7, during Kiir's working visit to South Africa. Their discussions focused on implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), political dialogue and preparations for the country's planned December 22 elections.

Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, emphasized the importance of fully implementing the 2018 peace agreement and creating an inclusive electoral process based on trust and cooperation among South Sudanese political stakeholders.

South Africa offers electoral support

Kiir reaffirmed his government's commitment to holding the elections on December 22 and briefed Ramaphosa on preparations already underway.

According to South Sudan's presidency, preparations include securing the headquarters of the National Elections Commission, launching civic education programmes, identifying voter-registration centres and beginning the printing of voter-registration materials.

More than 20,000 election workers are being recruited, while more than 25,000 election security personnel are undergoing training, according to Kiir's office.

Kiir also requested South African assistance with ballot boxes, training for election commission staff, uniforms for election security personnel and digital identification cards for election officials and operational staff.

Ramaphosa agreed to support the four areas, with both leaders agreeing that work should begin through South Sudan's independent National Elections Commission.

Concerns over the electoral process

The meeting comes amid continuing concerns about whether South Sudan has completed the political, security, legal and logistical preparations required for credible elections.

At a September 29 meeting of the AU's C5 Plus, regional leaders acknowledged progress under the peace agreement but also expressed concern over renewed hostilities and reported violations of the ceasefire.

The AU called on South Sudanese authorities and political stakeholders to address outstanding requirements and broaden political participation ahead of the December vote. It also urged the government to provide adequate resources to key transitional institutions involved in the electoral process.

Ramaphosa has similarly stressed that an inclusive election based on mutual trust will be important to addressing outstanding political challenges and supporting implementation of the peace agreement.

Peace agreement remains central

South Sudan's 2018 peace agreement remains the main framework for the country's political transition following years of conflict.

Regional efforts led by the AU and other organisations have focused on supporting implementation of the agreement while encouraging political dialogue among the country's competing groups.

The September AU declaration described the agreement as the principal framework for South Sudan's political transition and called for continued regional and international support for a peaceful electoral process.

With the December 22 vote approaching, the discussions between Ramaphosa and Kiir underscore the importance of resolving outstanding challenges while maintaining the peace process.

South Africa's expanded technical and logistical support is expected to form part of wider regional efforts to help South Sudan prepare for the elections and advance its transition toward a more stable political system.