Russia to train South Sudan election officials in Moscow

By Debora Akur Chol, Brown Land Reporter South Sudan

Russia has announced plans to train South Sudanese electoral officials in Moscow ahead of the country’s December elections, reinforcing growing cooperation with South Sudan.

The development comes shortly after Russia defended South Sudan at the United Nations Security Council in response to criticism from Western nations regarding South Sudan’s political transition.

Speaking in Juba on Wednesday Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gedima held talks with Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Kosmodemyansky to review bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ambassador reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s electoral process, noting that selected officials will undergo training in Moscow. He described the relationship between the two nations as constructive, built on mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference.

Russia also signaled readiness to deepen cooperation beyond politics, extending into business and cultural exchanges.

Presidential Press Secretary Arek Aldo Ajou said the discussions further explored opportunities for economic development and investment.

The engagement follows recent deliberations at the UN Security Council, where Russia emphasized that South Sudan requires “substantive assistance, not criticism,” cautioning that external pressure could weaken the country’s fragile peace process.

During the session, Russia pointed to ongoing election preparations as a sign of progress under the Revitalized Peace Agreement. However, Western members, including the United States, raised concerns over persistent violence, displacement of civilians, and the risk of renewed instability ahead of the polls.