This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted visiting South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his delegation to a state banquet at State House, Nairobi. The occasion marked the 8th Anniversary of South Sudan's independence, which was celebrated on July 9, 2011.
President Uhuru Kenyatta urged the South Sudan leadership to seize the opportunity to forge lasting peace, providing internal stability and an enabling environment for the country's economic and social take-off. He emphasized the importance of putting aside differences and delivering unity, peace, and security to their nation.
President Uhuru expressed satisfaction that South Sudan has prioritized the search for a sustainable political solution to the conflicts that have plagued the country for a long time. He noted that the moment has come for the patriotic men and women of Africa's youngest nation to secure their place in the national, regional, continental, and global arena.
“The leadership of South Sudan, across the entire spectrum, have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forge for lasting peace that provides the internal stability and enabling environment for your country's take-off, both economically and socially,” President Uhuru told President Salva Kiir.
He added, “South Sudan, in this moment, can crystallise the optimism and hope that all nations of the world had for it when your nation gained independence on 9th July 2011.”
