JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – October 8, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, was received in Juba today by South Sudan’s Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, marking the start of a two-day working visit focused on reinforcing the nation’s fragile peace.
The high-level meeting, held on Tuesday, underscores South Africa’s sustained role as a key international partner in South Sudan’s journey toward stability. Deputy President Mashatile is visiting in his capacity as South Africa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, with a mandate to engage key signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Vice President Bol Mel led the South Sudanese delegation, which included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba; the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro; and South Sudan’s Ambassador to South Africa, Amb. Simon Duku Michael.
During their discussions, Vice President Bol Mel warmly welcomed his counterpart’s visit, characterizing it as a “clear demonstration of South Africa’s continued commitment to supporting lasting peace in South Sudan.” The sentiment highlights the importance Juba places on regional support for its ongoing peace implementation.
The working visit is set to continue with a scheduled meeting between the South African Special Envoy and H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The anticipated discussions are expected to centre on consolidating peace efforts and strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.
This visit is seen as a critical step forward in South Sudan’s political process, as international partners like South Africa continue to encourage dialogue and compromise among the parties to ensure enduring stability and progress for the South Sudanese people.
