The African Union (AU) Commission said it is dispatching a high-level delegation of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to deal with escalating tension in the fragile country.
In a statement issued Monday, the pan-African bloc stated that after cordial direct talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the Commission, addressed the evolving political situation and the recent violence in Nasir County in the country’s Upper Nile State.
Machar, his wife and other political allies have been under custody since the escalation of tensions following the attack on a military base in the state in early March. A government spokesman last week said there is evidence that Machar played a role in the attacks by his allies known as the White Army and he would face prosecution.
The Panel of the Wise—a conflict prevention body made up of senior African elders and states people—will engage with key stakeholders to “de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue,” the statement said.
Expressing solidarity with the government and people of South Sudan, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the country, said the statement.
To enhance mediation efforts and support the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the AU Panel of the Wise is heading to Juba to engage with all stakeholders to defuse the tension, de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, the statement noted.
The AU further calls on all parties to uphold all terms of the peace deal and ensure their full implementation.
The AU said it remains actively engaged with regional and international partners, including Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), and the United Nations, to support South Sudan’s transition to durable peace and democracy, said the statement.
South Sudan has been plunged into political uncertainty after renewed violence in Nasir culminated in the house arrest of first vice-president Riek Machar, his wife and two bodyguards, a situation threatening the 2018 peace deal.
The world’s newest country seceded from Sudan in 2011 following decades of armed struggle for greater autonomy and independence.
Since December 2013 when Mr Machar was accused of orchestrating an abortive coup against President Kiir, the country has navigated a precarious path between restoring peace and enduring instability.
Kiir and Machar as arch political foes have been at opposing ends of the conflict.
MG/as/APA