South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met in Juba to discuss regional peace and security as political tensions escalated in South Sudan.
The high-level talks come amid growing uncertainty following the reported arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, a development that has raised concerns about the country’s 2018 peace deal
South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, stated that the meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between Juba and Kampala while addressing pressing political and security challenges.
“The discussions focused on fostering cooperation in various sectors and navigating the evolving political landscape in South Sudan,” he said.
Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation,
John Mulimba confirmed that the leaders emphasized the need for stability, not just in South Sudan but across the region.
“Ensuring peace and security is a shared responsibility, and both countries are committed to working together to maintain regional stability,” he added.
The meeting comes at a critical time as South Sudan grapples with internal tensions. The reported detention of Machar has triggered fears of renewed instability, with opposition factions and international observers closely monitoring the situation.
Officials say the talks between Kiir and Museveni are expected to lead to collaborative initiatives aimed at preventing further unrest and ensuring lasting peace in the region.