Kiir returns to Juba after Russia summit
Russia increased scholarship places for South Sudanese students to 40 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir returned to Juba on Saturday after attending the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. During the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an increase in scholarship allocations for South Sudanese students to 40 places for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Putin stated that Russia would continue to assist in training personnel for South Sudan, noting that the two countries marked 15 years of diplomatic relations this year. He also mentioned exploring ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic engagement, acknowledging that the full potential of their relationship had not yet been realised. The summit, which concluded on Thursday, October 29, saw participation from 48 African countries.
On the sidelines of the summit, South Sudan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a Letter of Acceptance for the transfer of former Petronas shares in the Dar Petroleum Operating Company and Greater Pioneer Operating Company to Russia's Zarubezhneft. President Kiir had earlier invited Russian and other foreign investors to South Sudan, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, petroleum, mining, and tourism.
Why it mattersSouth Sudanese students will have more opportunities for higher education in Russia.