Francis’ first visit to South Sudan one year after his election aimed to shore up efforts to consolidate peace, security and development in the youngest nation.
The visit from 12 to 15 June 2024, will see him hold meetings with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Ramadan Abdalla Goc Ayuel, the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation and other cabinet ministers.
“The visit is intended to further strengthen and foster cooperation between the Republic of South Sudan and the United Nations and to demonstrate President Francis’ full support for ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, security, and development in the country and the African region,” A statement issued in Juba on Wednesday by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said.
UNMISS noted that during the visit Francis’ will express the United Nations’ support for the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), commend regional efforts in this regard, and call for its full implementation.
“President Francis will also hold meetings with senior leaders from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, women peacekeepers, and the UN country team to express his support, and that of the General Assembly, for the work of the peacekeeping mission and the wider UN family,” it disclosed.
It also noted that Francis will also hold discussions with a wide range of stakeholders in the peace process, including children, university students, civil society, and displaced families, to share his message of international solidarity and support, and appeal to all parties to unify for peace and stability.