South Sudan’s leadership moment on climate
President Salva Kiir left Juba for Addis Ababa to attend the second African Climate Summit, an event drawing more than forty heads of state, according to the Office of the President (Eye Radio).
Officials in Juba stress that the trip offers a platform to position South Sudan as a constructive voice in continental climate policy, complementing its push for sustainable oil revenue management.
Regional dialogue and bilateral talks
Presidential spokesperson Lily Martin said Kiir will confer with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and several regional leaders on water management, cross-border trade and renewable energy corridors.
Analysts note that closer ties with Addis Ababa could ease logistical hurdles for South Sudan’s Nile basin projects while reinforcing existing peace and security cooperation.
Summit agenda: financing green growth
The summit focuses on unlocking African-led climate financing and advancing carbon credit markets. Delegates are expected to refine a common negotiating stance ahead of COP events later this year.
South Sudanese negotiators will highlight peatland protection in the Sudd wetlands, seeking investment that balances conservation with community livelihoods.
Domestic expectations back home
Civil society actor Joseph Maker told Eye Radio that citizens anticipate tangible outcomes, notably technology transfers for climate-smart agriculture that can cushion rural households against erratic rains.
Economist Susan Deng argues that credible pledges from Addis could help diversify an economy still heavily reliant on oil, while reinforcing budget discipline in Juba.
Continental momentum for a unified voice
African Union officials view the summit as a rehearsal for collective bargaining power in global climate forums. A draft declaration stresses equitable energy transitions and fair access to adaptation funds.
Observers say Kiir’s attendance demonstrates South Sudan’s intent to stay engaged in multilateral arenas, reinforcing its regional footprint barely twelve years after independence.