President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an immediate end to violence in South Sudan, warning that the country risks sliding deeper into instability unless its leaders act urgently to restore peace and prepare for credible elections.
Speaking at the AU Ad-hoc High-Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit in Addis Ababa, Ramaphosa said the region must “act with urgency, courage and unity” to steer South Sudan away from renewed conflict.
He said while regional leaders stand ready to assist, the responsibility for peace ultimately lies with South Sudan’s leadership.
“It is up to the leaders of South Sudan to act in good faith and demonstrate a willingness to undertake an inclusive process that fosters national cohesion,” the South African leader said.
“The choices made in the coming months will determine whether South Sudan moves towards durable peace or back into cycles of instability.”
The summit, held on the margins of the just-ended AU Assembly, marked the first Heads-of-State-level C5 meeting since 2018.
South Sudan has struggled to implement the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict, signed to end years of civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his then‑rival, Vice President Riek Machar.
Despite the accord, political tensions, sporadic violence and delays in unifying security forces have stalled progress, raising concerns ahead of elections scheduled for December.
Ramaphosa said the agreement “remains the paramount legal instrument” guiding South Sudan’s transition and urged all parties to recommit to its terms.
He outlined key recommendations from the summit, including an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees, inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders and strict adherence to the election timetable.
“The people of South Sudan yearn to live in a peaceful and prosperous country, and elections alone will not guarantee lasting peace,” he said. “A conducive political and security environment is vital.”
The summit also backed the appointment of a former African Head of State to mediate between Kiir and Machar and endorsed a joint oversight mechanism involving the AU, IGAD and the C5 to monitor implementation.
South Africa, recently elected to the AU Peace and Security Council, is expected to play a central role in supporting the mediation process.
JN/APA