Russia has reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s planned December 2026 elections and pledged to provide training for electoral officials in Moscow, following high-level talks in the capital, Juba.
South Sudan’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Africano Mande Gedima, met with Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Kosmodemyansky to review bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, the ambassador described ties between South Sudan and Russia as “constructive,” emphasizing principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference.
Kosmodemyansky reiterated Moscow’s full backing for South Sudan’s upcoming elections, which are expected to mark the country’s first since gaining independence in 2011. He also confirmed that South Sudanese electoral officials will receive training in Russia as part of preparations for the vote.
The ambassador further expressed Russia’s readiness to deepen engagement with South Sudan across political, economic, and cultural sectors.
Presidential Press Secretary Arek Aldo Ajou welcomed the commitment, saying the discussions also focused on opportunities for economic cooperation and investment.
South Sudan is preparing for elections scheduled for December 2026 under the framework of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, with international partners closely watching progress toward a credible and peaceful electoral process.