Written by: Mohammed Omran

The embassy celebrated Russia The Federal Government of South Sudan, for the first time since the opening of its diplomatic mission in the country, celebrated Russia’s National Day in the capital, Juba, in the presence of Vice President Taban Deng Gai, a number of ministers, parliamentary leaders, and representatives of governmental and diplomatic institutions.

The Russian Embassy celebrates Russia Day for the first time in Juba

The ceremony was attended by ambassadors and representatives of the BRICS countries and a number of friendly countries, including Turkey, Sudan, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, as well as representatives of international organizations and the business sector.

In his speech, the Russian Ambassador to South Sudan, Alexander Kozmodemyansky, affirmed that Russia Day embodies the unity of the Russian people and the continuity of their history and culture, noting the development of bilateral relations between Moscow and Juba based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common interests.

For his part, Vice President Taban Deng Gai congratulated the Russian people on the occasion, praising the level of mutual trust and growing cooperation between the two countries, and stressing South Sudan’s keenness to strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation with Russia.

The celebration included the screening of a documentary about the cultural and natural diversity of Russia, before the ceremony concluded with an exchange of greetings and the serving of dishes from traditional Russian cuisine to the guests.

The event received extensive coverage across official state platforms and local and international media outlets.

On Africa Day, the African Union: Institutional reforms to build a stronger union.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, issued an official statement on the occasion of Africa Day 2026, in which he affirmed that the African continent is celebrating this year the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, a historic milestone that embodies a long journey of common struggle for unity, liberation, dignity and development.

The Commission Chair explained that this year’s celebration comes under the slogan: “63 years of unity, integration and development… Let’s celebrate together,” stressing that this slogan reflects the continent’s continued commitment to the goals of Agenda 2063, and to building the Africa we want, based on prosperity, integration and stability.

63 years of unity and integration on Africa Day 2026
The statement noted that Africa Day is an occasion to celebrate the shared heritage of the continent's peoples, as well as to recognize Africa's growing role on the international stage, explaining that the continent has become more present and influential in global issues.

The Chairperson of the Commission affirmed that Africa, guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” continues to promote the values of solidarity, regional cooperation, and joint action in a world experiencing uncertainty.

He pointed out that last year witnessed the strengthening of Africa’s presence on the international stage, especially through its obtaining permanent membership in the G20, which represents a historic step towards enabling the continent to actively participate in global economic decision-making and contribute to issues of peace, climate, food security, trade, health and sustainable development.

He also noted that the African Union continues to implement institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the organization's efficiency and making it more capable of meeting the aspirations of the African people.