Swift Visit Marks Dam Inauguration
President Salva Kiir Mayardit returned to Juba on Wednesday afternoon after a brisk visit to Addis Ababa, where he joined fellow African leaders for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam inauguration.
Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel, ministers and diplomats welcomed him at Juba International Airport, underscoring the trip’s domestic significance.
High-Level Talks Reinforce Bilateral Agenda
Before departure, Kiir met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a closed-door discussion on trade, security, infrastructure and energy cooperation.
Presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny said both leaders “reaffirmed commitment to practical projects that bind our peoples.”
Electricity Deal Could Transform Juba
Kiir announced South Sudan’s intention to finalise a power purchase agreement allowing Juba to draw electricity from GERD, reviving 2022 plans stalled by technical and political hurdles.
Officials argue affordable hydropower could cut diesel costs, stimulate light manufacturing and widen access beyond the capital.
Signal Amid Nile Diplomacy
Juba’s public endorsement of Ethiopia’s dam comes amid ongoing Egyptian and Sudanese concerns over Nile water management, positioning South Sudan as a pragmatic neighbour.
Analyst Deng Kuol notes the gesture “signals confidence in regional solutions rather than distant arbitration.”
Outlook for Regional Stability
Beyond energy, Kiir and Abiy exchanged views on fragile Horn of Africa security dynamics, pledging dialogue to ease tensions from Sudan to Somalia.
The presidency framed the visit as part of South Sudan’s drive to diversify partners and project a cooperative diplomatic profile across East Africa.