President Salva Kiir received briefing from his foreign minister who recently visited the United States – and held governance meetings with Jonglei Governor and Abyei chief administrator, on Wednesday.
Kiir briefed by foreign minister
The president’s office said Kiir received a comprehensive briefing from foreign minister Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba on his recent visits to Ethiopia and the United States.
South Sudan is seeking warmer ties with the U.S., taking in Washington’s “worst of the worst” criminal deportees rejected by their own home countries in a bid to see consequential targeted sanctions against its officials lifted.
It is said that following the briefing, Kiir instructed the continuation and follow-up of these engagements to foster mutual global benefits.
He reportedly appreciated Kumba’s efforts in representing South Sudan internationally towards strengthening its diplomatic footprint.
In a media statement, Minister Kumba highlighted that the visits focused on enhancing bilateral relations with both the United States and Ethiopia, particularly in areas of economic development, peacebuilding, and regional security.
Kiir meets Abyei administrator after Misseriya attack
Kiir met Abyei chief administrator Charles Abyei Jok and commended his local leadership in restoring calm following an attack by armed Mesiriya men from neighbouring Sudan, which killed two community police officers.
The assailants reportedly stormed Abyei and forcibly removed a detainee from the local prison, raising serious concerns about cross-border security.
Abyei chief administrator Jok provided a security briefing where he noted that the area had remained largely peaceful until the recent incident, the president’s office said.
Kiir meets governor of volatile Jonglei state
President Kiir also met Governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, and directed him to ensure a sustained maintenance of the current peace and unity in the state, where the government’s aerial bombing continues to terrorize civilians in Fangak County.
A statement from Kiir’s office said Kok noted “significant improvement” in local security situation due to absence of cattle raiding, child abduction and long-standing issues that have historically affected the state.
Head of state then instructed Kok to collaborate closely with local leaders to preserve security and promote unity among all communities within the Greater Jonglei region.
