FILE PHOTO: H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, the African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea - Courtesy

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, CEPO, has welcomed the expected arrival of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in Juba today, describing the visit as an important opportunity to advance South Sudan’s peace process.

Yakani described Kikwete’s engagement on South Sudan as proactive, saying, “We appreciate His Excellency for proactive engagement on South Sudan file that we have seen in the past.”

According to Yakani, Kikwete’s previous consultations with political leaders in Juba and non-signatory groups outside the country have raised expectations for tangible progress during the upcoming visit.

Yakani said CEPO is looking forward to three key outcomes.

He said the organization wants to see “the rollout of the inclusive political dialogue that was proposed by the AUPSC declaration,” including the release of political detainees to enable broader participation in the process.

Yakani added that CEPO also expects progress on preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026 through the development of an election roadmap in collaboration with national electoral institutions.

On security, Yakani said the visit should help secure a recommitment by the parties to the peace agreement and contribute to the “de-escalation of the military confrontation between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO” in parts of the country.

He said South Sudanese citizens are expecting “concrete results beyond consultations and beyond statements” from the visit.

Yakani, however, said the success of the mission will largely depend on the willingness of South Sudan’s leaders to compromise and engage sincerely with proposals that may be presented during Kikwete’s stay.

He maintained that “the primary responsibility for peace in South Sudan rests with our political leaders.”

Jakaya Kikwete is expected to visit South Sudan in his capacity as the African Union Envoy to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.