Jakaya Kikwete, the former president of Tanzania, has arrived in South Sudan’s capital Juba and met President Salva Kiir, a statement from the Sudanese presidency has said.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit received and held discussions in his office with the Former President of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, and his accompanying delegation.
“The President and his guest discussed matters of common interest, and issues pertaining to South Sudan’s political situation, as well as various issues across the continent,” the statement added.
The meeting was attended by South Sudan’s presidential affairs minister Barnaba Benjamin; deputy foreign minister, Deng Dau Malek; as well as president Salva Kiir Mayardit’s special envoy Albino Aboug.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Hon Benjamin said “Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has been a very instrumental person in solving the political problems of South Sudan.”
For his part, the former Tanzanian president said he “applauded President Kiir for making a milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.”
Recall that in 2015, Kikwete – who was then President of Tanzania – led talks mediated by his government to resolve a nearly yearlong conflict among warring factions within South Sudan’s ruling party, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) officials said on Tuesday.
At the time, delegates from rival groups within SPLM met in Tanzania’s northern city of Arusha at the invitation of Kikwete to address the internal power struggle.