South Sudan President Kiir briefs cabinet on election preparations

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir briefed an expanded caretaker government in Juba on Saturday regarding his recent diplomatic missions to Kenya and South Africa. The visits, which included meetings with President William Ruto in Nairobi and President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and securing support for the country’s upcoming elections scheduled for December.

Kiir provided operational updates on electoral preparations, noting the establishment of the National Elections Commission headquarters, the launch of civic education campaigns, voter registration mapping, and staff recruitment. He specifically requested assistance from South Africa for technical needs, including branded ballot boxes, specialized training, security uniforms, and digital identification cards.

During the meeting, Kiir also reiterated a directive requiring officials holding constitutional offices to obtain permission before traveling abroad. This follows the recent dissolution of the transitional unity government and legislative assemblies, leaving a caretaker administration to manage government affairs and oversee the political transition.