South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit South Sudan, from October 8 and 9, 2025, in his capacity as Presidential Special Envoy, to assess progress on the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement.
The country’s Presidency said in a statement the working visit aims at consolidating political efforts and contributing to deepening the implementation of the peace process, to ensure a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period.
Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, Keith Khoza, noted that South Africa and South Sudan share a strong historical bond dating back to the days of the struggle for independence and freedom, which forms the basis of their mutual bilateral cooperation.
“In this regard, the Deputy President will hold primary consultations with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardi, and key signatories to the Revitalised Agreement, as well as other stakeholders, to find lasting peace, development, and stability for the people of South Sudan,” said Khoza.
Khoza described these milestones as vital for a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period.
“The Deputy President will therefore utilise the opportunity during this Working Visit, to assess progress on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement,” Khoza said.
Khoza confirmed that the Deputy President would be accompanied by senior government officials during the visit.
A UN official has warned that South Sudan “is at a turning point,” adding that the revitalized peace agreement “remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence” and achieve the country’s first democratic elections.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, said without concrete steps, the “risk of a relapse into widespread violence will only grow”.
A peace observer noted in August that the political and security situation in the country has substantially deteriorated following fighting in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
