Kenya: Mudavadi meets South Sudan foreign minister as Juba gears up for landmark elections

Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi with South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, James Pitia Morgan (PHOTO: @MusaliaMudavadi/X)

Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has held high-level talks with South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, James Pitia Morgan, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to supporting peace, democratic governance and regional integration ahead of South Sudan’s long-awaited general elections.

The meeting, held in Nairobi, focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, expanding trade and investment, enhancing regional integration, and reviewing South Sudan’s preparations for its historic elections scheduled for later this year.

Sharing details of the meeting in a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, July 31, 2026, Mudavadi described a peaceful and stable South Sudan as being in Kenya’s strategic interest.

“A peaceful and stable South Sudan is in Kenya’s strategic interest. It strengthens regional security, expands trade, attracts investment and creates greater opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi said the discussions explored new opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure development and economic growth, while reaffirming Kenya’s support for stronger regional integration through the East African Community (EAC).

According to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Morgan also briefed him on South Sudan’s preparations for the country’s forthcoming elections.

“Kenya will continue supporting peace, stability and democratic processes across the region because a more secure neighbourhood is the foundation for shared prosperity and sustainable growth across East Africa,” Mudavadi said.

Kenya’s longstanding role in South Sudan

Kenya has played a central role in South Sudan’s peace process for more than two decades.

The country hosted the negotiations that culminated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which paved the way for South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

Nairobi has also continued serving as a key mediator during periods of political instability and conflict in South Sudan, while maintaining close diplomatic, security and commercial ties with Juba.

Kenyan banks, airlines, logistics companies, educational institutions and businesses have established a significant presence in South Sudan, making stability in the neighbouring country important for Kenya’s economic interests.

Historic elections on the horizon

South Sudan is preparing to hold its first national elections since gaining independence, with the polls currently scheduled for December 22, 2026, after being postponed several times over the past decade due to conflict, implementation challenges and delays in completing key provisions of the country’s peace agreement.

The elections are expected to mark a significant milestone in the country’s democratic transition following years of civil conflict and transitional governance.

President Salva Kiir has indicated he intends to seek another term, while electoral authorities continue preparations, including voter registration, institutional reforms and implementation of outstanding provisions of the revitalised peace agreement.

Renewed diplomatic engagement

Dr. James Pitia Morgan returned as South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister earlier this year after being reappointed by President Salva Kiir during a Cabinet reshuffle. Before his appointment, he served as South Sudan’s ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.

His visit to Nairobi reflects continued diplomatic engagement between the two governments as they seek to strengthen cooperation on regional peace, trade, infrastructure and cross-border investment.

Strategic partnership

Kenya and South Sudan remain key partners within the East African Community, where both countries have committed to promoting the free movement of people, goods and services while expanding regional commerce.

The two countries also cooperate closely on security matters, infrastructure development and regional peace initiatives through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other regional mechanisms.

Source: https://peopledaily.digital/news/mudavadi-meets-south-sudan-foreign-minister-as-juba-gears-up-for-landmark-elections