South Sudan’s Kiir in UAE amid regional tensions
June 23, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday for an official diplomatic visit, his second publicly announced trip to the Gulf nation since February. The visit takes place amid heightened geopolitical and regional tensions.
Kiir was seen off at Juba International Airport by Benjamin Bol Mel, recently appointed first deputy chairman of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and vice president and chairperson of the economic cluster in the transitional government. This marked Mel’s first official farewell since First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest, allowing Mel to oversee government operations during Kiir’s absence.
Kiir’s previous visit to Abu Dhabi in February saw him and his delegation hold talks with UAE businesses and officials, focusing on enhancing cooperation in economic, agricultural, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
South Sudan and the UAE maintain diplomatic and trade relations, with the Gulf nation providing humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected East African country.
The current visit takes place as the region grapples with increased tensions. In May, Sudan’s military-led government severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing it of arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and fueling the ongoing war in Sudan.
Presidential press secretary David Amuor Majur told journalists in Juba on Sunday that Kiir is expected to hold high-level meetings with Emirati business leaders and government officials. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities, regional peace, and infrastructure development, according to Majur. The president is also expected to present South Sudan’s economic potential to investors, building on what Majur called “recent reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.”
“The president is travelling for a scheduled diplomatic mission and will meet with key partners in the Middle East,” Majur said. “His Excellency, the President, will use the visit to discuss bilateral matters and to articulate the role of South Sudan on regional matters during this politically and security turbulent time. We have a role to play since we are part of the community of nations and as a sovereign state.”
High-ranking officials indicated that Kiir will also discuss with UAE leadership the need to support peaceful dialogue for resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan, whose ripple effects have impacted neighbouring countries, including South Sudan.