South Sudan, South Africa Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Pretoria Talks

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan 

Officials from South Sudan and South Africa met in Pretoria to reinforce diplomatic relations and discuss key regional priorities, according to statements released by both governments.

Representing South Sudan, Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gedima held talks with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared commitments to peace and stability across the region.

According to South Sudan’s Presidential Press Unit, the discussions reviewed outcomes of the recent C5+ engagement held in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the African Union Summit. Leaders at that gathering underscored the importance of conducting timely elections in South Sudan, maintaining the agreed transitional roadmap, and upholding the principle of non-interference in national affairs.

Also present at the meeting was South Sudan’s Chargé d’Affaires in South Africa, Ambassador Simon Deng Akook, who continues to support diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Talks further explored areas where South Africa could extend support, particularly in election preparedness, institutional capacity-building, and facilitating inclusive dialogue processes.

The South African government reaffirmed its role as a committed partner in supporting peacebuilding efforts, democratic governance, and sustainable development in South Sudan.

In a separate communication, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed the meeting via its official platform on X (formerly Twitter), noting that discussions centered on peace initiatives and the electoral process in

South Sudan.