President, UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, undertakes official visit to Juba, South Sudan

New York, 11 June 2024

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis, will travel to Juba, the Republic of South Sudan, from 12 to 15 June 2024.

The PGA, according to a statement by his Media Office, intends to use the opportunity of his visit to further strengthen and foster cooperation between the Republic of South Sudan and the United Nations and to demonstrate his full support and that of the General Assembly for the ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, security, and development in the country, the Horn of Africa, as well as in the entire African region.

“The PGA will particularly express the United Nations’ support for the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and commend regional efforts in this regard and calling for its full implementation.

“While in Juba, the PGA will pay a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, and hold separate bilateral meetings with the Honorable Mr. Ramadan Abdalla Goc Ayuel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as other Cabinet Ministers.

“The PGA will also hold meetings with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, Ms. Kiki Gbeho, as well as engage in a roundtable discussion with the UN Country Team.

“The PGA further plans to engage with other relevant stakeholders in the Republic of South Sudan including children, university students representing the youth, members of civil society organizations and women peacekeepers.”

The statement said further that “throughout his engagements, the PGA expects to learn firsthand about progress and challenges faced by the people of South Sudan, as well as the plight of refugees and displaced persons in the country. In this context, he will visit a camp for Internally Displaced Persons, highlighting a message of international solidarity and support.

“The PGA will also underscore his full support and that of the General Assembly for the work of UNMISS and the UN system at large, and appeal to all parties for continued collaboration and to unify for peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan and in the region.

“The PGA’s delegation includes his Chef de Cabinet, Special Assistant to the Chef de Cabinet & CSOs and Other Major Stakeholders Engagement Liaison, and a Communications Adviser.”

Travel costs for the visit, the statement concluded, are covered by the Regular Budget.