President Salva Kiir in South Africa: Diplomacy, Election Preparations, and Health Rumors Debunked

By Majur Chol Khor

President Salva Kiir Mayardit is in South Africa for a nine-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing South Sudan’s political transition ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026.

President Kiir traveled to the Republic of South Africa on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for high-level diplomatic talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, focusing on bilateral cooperation and the country’s upcoming transition process, according to a statement from the Office of the President. He was seen waving prior to boarding his plane at Juba International Airport bound for high-level meetings.

The visit, which runs from August 23 to 31, 2026, marks his second official engagement in Pretoria this year. The first was an eight-day working visit in March during which he held consultations with President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile regarding economic ties, security, and AU C5 commitments.

President Kiir is accompanied by Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande and his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, who serves as a senior presidential envoy for special programmes.

On Thursday, August 27, President Ramaphosa hosted President Kiir for a bilateral meeting at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, his official residence in Tshwane, Gauteng. According to the South African Presidency, the visit was published as taking place on August 28, 2026.

In a statement, the South African Presidency said the engagement “builds on the longstanding partnership between South Africa and South Sudan, with South Africa continuing to support the country’s peace, state-building, and institutional development efforts”.

The agenda for the talks is centered on four key pillars. First, the review of the General Cooperation Agreement (GCA) that has guided bilateral cooperation since 2013, after formal diplomatic relations were established in September 2012. Second, the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan (C5), which is chaired by President Ramaphosa. Third, economic cooperation, institutional development, and capacity building between the two nations. Fourth, and most pressing, preparations for South Sudan’s general elections.

The Office of the President in Juba stated that the meeting was expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to “review national electoral timelines, foster ongoing political dialogue, and strengthen mutual support for a peaceful democratic transition”.

Fact-Check: Health Situation

Amid the diplomatic visit, social media has been awash with unverified reports about President Kiir’s health in South Africa.

As of August 30, there has been no official medical report, hospital statement, or briefing from the South African Presidency or any South African health facility indicating that President Kiir is receiving medical treatment during this visit. The available images and official statements show him conducting official diplomatic duties.

The rumors follow a familiar pattern. In the past week, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has had to issue a denial. The Ministry stated it “categorically and strongly denies the false and malicious reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has passed away”. In a related statement, the ministry said the President “continues to carry out his presidential duties with vigor, commitment, sound health and complete fitness”.

Analysts, however, have long pointed to concerns about the 73-year-old leader’s health. Analysts say Kiir, 73, is struggling with health issues and has been seeking to ensure his succession. The International Crisis Group recently wrote that “President Salva Kiir, with his health in visible decline, has upended his regime”.

Previous extended trips abroad have fueled speculation. Members of his entourage, speaking on condition of anonymity, previously told AFP he was in the United Arab Emirates for medical tests, even as state media said he had been “exploring new avenues for economic cooperation”.

For now, both Juba and Pretoria maintain that the August 23-31 visit is strictly a working diplomatic visit focused on peace, elections, and bilateral cooperation.

By Majur Chol Khor
Award-Winning Investigative Journalist | Author | PR Specialist | Documentary Filmmaker |
majurcholkhor@gmail.com