In addition to calling for the immediate and unconditional release of First Vice President Riek Machar and other opposition leaders who have been incarcerated, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the prompt execution of South Sudan’s renewed peace accord.
Vice President Kashim Shettima presented Tinubu’s viewpoint at the C-5 Plus Summit, commonly known as the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presided over the summit, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
In particular, we want to urge the administration to think about releasing the Vice President and other important opposition leaders from custody immediately and without conditions.
“An inclusive national discussion and reconciliation forum for South Sudan must also be established. Without any conditions, we urge all parties to participate in the mediation process in a positive manner with the authorities,” Tinubu stated.
In support of the South Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace, sustainable development, and a prompt settlement of the ongoing conflict, he emphasised that Nigeria joins other African countries.
“We affirm our doctrinal commitment to support the South Sudanese Transitional Government of Unity and the good people of the country in realising their aspirations for the future, and we support the high aspirations of all parties.”
Tinubu highlighted the importance of national unity and elite consensus during South Sudan’s transitional phase, urging African leaders to prioritise inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections as the foundation for restoring trust and stability.
He also referenced Nigeria’s involvement in the newly launched Regional Partnership for Democracy and warned that insecurity and political tensions continue to undermine key transitional processes, including security sector reforms and constitutional development.
In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that eight years after the revitalised agreement was adopted, implementation has been slow. He described the C-5 Plus Summit as “a demonstration of the commitment of leaders to finding a lasting solution in the interest of the people of South Sudan.”
Djibouti’s President and IGAD Chairman, Ismail Omar Guelleh, reiterated the bloc’s dedication to peace efforts and proposed appointing a lead mediator to oversee implementation and address emerging challenges.
Other attendees included AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and representatives from Chad, Rwanda and other nations.
Separately, Nigeria pledged full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea. Tinubu said the country would provide “office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to ensure the Force remains effective in combating transnational organised crimes and enhancing maritime security across the region.”
