(Juba) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan departed Juba on Sunday for an official diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a statement from the president’s office. The visit is aimed at deepening economic cooperation and exploring investment opportunities as the country continues efforts to recover from years of conflict and economic instability.
President Kiir was seen off at Juba International Airport by senior government officials, including Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, along with ministers and presidential advisers. With First Vice President Dr Riek Machar still under effective house arrest since March, Vice President Bol Mel is expected to temporarily oversee government affairs in Kiir’s absence.
The presidential office did not say how long the visit would last but confirmed that the trip is part of a wider diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern partners. This is Kiir’s second visit to the UAE in 2025, following a February trip to Abu Dhabi where he held talks focused on cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and economic development.
South Sudan maintains formal diplomatic and trade relations with the UAE. The Gulf nation has also been a key humanitarian partner, supporting South Sudan with aid for populations affected by conflict and displacement.
However, Kiir’s trip comes at a delicate time for regional diplomacy. Just last month, Sudan’s military-led government severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing Abu Dhabi of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict.
Despite the tensions between Sudan and the UAE, South Sudan continues to position itself as a neutral actor in regional affairs, hoping to benefit from international partnerships that could bring economic recovery and infrastructure development.
Presidential Press Secretary David Amuor Majur told reporters that Kiir’s trip will include high-level meetings with Emirati government officials and business leaders. “The president is traveling for a scheduled diplomatic mission and will meet with key partners in the Middle East,” Majur said.
Majur added that President Kiir will use the opportunity to showcase South Sudan’s untapped economic potential and ongoing government reforms intended to make the country more attractive to foreign investors.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced numerous internal crises, including political instability, armed conflict, and economic challenges worsened by overreliance on oil revenue. The country is now trying to diversify its economy and attract international capital to support key sectors such as agriculture, roads, and renewable energy.
