Bol Mel receives SA Deputy President expected to meet Kiir

JUBA – South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrived in Juba on Wednesday for a two-day working visit to engage key signatories to South Sudan’s Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Mashatile, who also serves as South Africa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, was received by Benjamin Bol Mel, the Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, alongside senior government officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba; the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro; and South Sudan’s Ambassador to South Africa, Simon Duku Michael.

The high-profile visit comes as the Special Court handling Machar’s murder and treason trial recently postponed its ruling on the admissibility of prosecution evidence, pending the arrival of a South African forensic expert tasked with analysing key digital data submitted in the case.

The timing has added a diplomatic dimension to Mashatile’s mission, highlighting Pretoria’s continued influence and interest in South Sudan’s fragile peace process.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President, Dr Bol Mel welcomed Mashatile’s visit, describing it as “a clear demonstration of South Africa’s continued commitment to supporting lasting peace in South Sudan.”

According to the statement, the discussions between the two leaders centred on consolidating peace efforts, advancing the implementation of the peace agreement, and enhancing regional cooperation. Mashatile is also expected to hold talks with Kiir before concluding his visit.

“We support the leadership and people of South Sudan on the ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, democracy and development, at this critical moment of the country’s history,” Mashatile said in remarks shared with the media.

South Africa’s engagement is particularly significant given its longstanding role in mediating peace in South Sudan and its technical involvement in the ongoing trial through the provision of forensic expertise.

Mashatile’s visit is therefore seen as both a reaffirmation of diplomatic ties and a subtle signal of Pretoria’s interest in ensuring that the judicial and political processes align with the broader peace agenda.

The Revitalized Peace Agreement, signed in 2018, currently faces a critical test since the arrest and detention of Machar in March this year, as clashes between government and opposition forces continue to flare in many parts of the country.

On Tuesday this week, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow warned that if current challenges are not urgently addressed, there is a high risk that the agreement could collapse.

In his keynote address during the opening of the 4th Extraordinary Meeting in Juba, Aggrey called on the parties to the peace deal to urgently take action to de-escalate political tensions and prevent a relapse into civil war.