July 14, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir returned to Juba on Friday after attending a summit of Sudan’s neighbouring states in Egypt to address the ongoing crisis.

South Sudan’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, described President Kiir’s participation as significant. Observers noticed the absence of Djibouti and South Sudan leaders from the IGAD meeting in Addis Ababa.

He explained that Kiir emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue, given that the situation in Sudan undermines the security and stability of neighbouring countries and the region.

“The summit was well attended because it was meant to unify the vision and make decisions to resolve the crisis in coordination with the African Union and the Arab League. It calls for establishing a communication mechanism to engage with all parties directly,” explained Minister Benjamin.

The summit was attended by leaders from the seven neighbouring countries, including the host, Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central Africa, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. The secretary-general of the Arab League and the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson were also present.

Fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out in the capital Khartoum on April 15 and has since spread to the fragile Darfur and Kordofan regions.

The summit, held on Thursday, aimed to “develop effective mechanisms” for peacefully resolving disputes through regional and international efforts.

President Kiir was accompanied by Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak Manime, Minister of Presidential Affairs Barnaba Marial Benjamin, and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Dau Deng Malek.