Juba meeting focuses on South Sudan security and polls
The Vatican’s envoy to South Sudan, Archbishop Seamus Patrick Horgan, has called for renewed efforts to reduce violence and strengthen peace across the country, arguing that long-term development depends on stability.
He spoke after meeting Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga in Juba on Wednesday. Their discussions covered the national security situation and preparations for the December 2026 general elections, according to remarks carried by the state-owned broadcaster SSBC.
Holy See urges de-escalation and national unity
In comments to SSBC, Archbishop Horgan said the Holy See remains concerned about continued violence in some parts of South Sudan and encouraged leaders at every level to take practical steps that advance peace and national unity.
“We spoke about the Holy See’s concern for peace in South Sudan,” Horgan said. “That peace… needs to be prepared for by a de-escalation, particularly of all the unfortunate violent conflicts that are still happening around the country” (SSBC).
Catholic community encouraged to sustain peace advocacy
Archbishop Horgan said the Holy See hopes the Catholic community will continue to amplify calls for peace, while authorities create conditions that allow stability—and therefore development—to take root.
“We spoke of the Holy See’s hope that the Catholics of this country would give voice to that wish for peace,” he added, linking de-escalation to a wider national agenda for development (SSBC).
Vice President Igga says government remains committed to peace
Archbishop Horgan said Vice President Igga assured him of the government’s commitment to peace and of his personal resolve to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions nationwide.
“The Vice President assured me of his heartfelt wish to see movement toward peace and de-escalation,” Horgan said, adding that Igga pledged to use his voice in that direction (SSBC).
Officials cite contained incidents as election preparations continue
Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga reiterated that the government remains committed to maintaining peace across South Sudan, while acknowledging what he described as isolated insecurity-related incidents in some areas.
He said those incidents have been contained and stressed that authorities are focused on sustaining stability as preparations continue for the December 2026 general elections (SSBC).
Outlook: stability framed as foundation for development
Taken together, the exchange in Juba presented peacebuilding as both a security priority and a prerequisite for development, with religious diplomacy and government messaging converging on de-escalation.
For young South Sudanese watching the country’s political calendar, the emphasis from both Archbishop Horgan and Vice President Igga places national unity and stability at the centre of the run-up to the 2026 vote (SSBC).