South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit departed Juba on Sunday for an official diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract foreign investment amid ongoing regional instability.
Kiir was seen off at Juba International Airport by senior officials, including Vice President for the Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who is expected to oversee government operations during the president’s absence. The presidency did not indicate the duration of the visit.
This marks President Kiir’s second trip to the UAE in 2025. During a visit in February, he held talks in Abu Dhabi focused on cooperation in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and trade.
According to the president’s office, the current trip will involve high-level meetings with Emirati government leaders and business executives to promote investment opportunities in South Sudan and discuss regional peace initiatives.
Presidential spokesperson David Amuor Majur stated that Kiir intends to highlight the country’s economic potential and showcase recent reforms designed to attract foreign investors. “The president’s mission is to engage with key partners in the Middle East and explore avenues for sustainable development,” Majur said.
The visit comes at a sensitive time for the region. In May, neighboring Sudan’s military government cut diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing it of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil conflict. While South Sudan has maintained a neutral stance, it continues to call for regional stability and has offered to support mediation efforts.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, remains heavily reliant on oil exports and is seeking to diversify its economy. The government has recently introduced policy reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and expanding infrastructure.
The UAE has been a key humanitarian and development partner for South Sudan, providing aid and support to communities affected by years of conflict and displacement.
President Kiir’s visit is expected to deepen cooperation with the Gulf state and signal South Sudan’s openness to broader economic engagement in the region.