The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Thursday expressed deep concern over the reported detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar.
Wednesday’s house arrest of Mr Machar and his wife has effectively ended the peace deal of 2018, according to the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLMIO).
A statement from the African Union underscored the imperative for all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation, uphold the spirit and letter of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the cornerstone for sustainable peace, stability, and national reconciliation.
In view of the developments in Juba, the AU Chairperson said he will deploy a Panel of the Wise to the South Sudanese capital as part of efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Earlier in March Machar supporters in the unity government were arrested over fighting in oil-rich Upper Nile State between government troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and White Army militiamen.
The White Army have fought alongside Machar during the country’s first civil war.
The arrest of Mr Machar is seen as a recipe for a return to open conflict in South Sudan.
The African Union urged all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from any actions that could exacerbate tensions, and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any outstanding issues through peaceful and legal means.
The well-being of the South Sudanese people must remain the foremost priority, and all efforts must be directed towards ensuring an environment conducive to lasting peace and development, the AU statement stated.
The African Union said it stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and reiterated its unwavering support for the full and timely implementation of the peace agreement.
In this regard, the AU remains ready to work closely with the government of South Sudan, regional and international partners, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to foster stability and inclusive governance in the country.
The AU Chairperson called upon all parties to recommit to the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and respect for human rights as essential pillars of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.
MG/as/APA