President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate and unconditional release of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, and other detained opposition figures, urging swift implementation of the country’s revitalised peace agreement.
Tinubu’s position was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, known as the C-5 Plus Summit, held in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 39th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The meeting was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We wish to specifically call on the government to consider the immediate and unconditional release from detention of the Vice President and other key opposition figures,” Tinubu said. He also urged the convening of an inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation forum, calling on all parties to engage constructively in mediation efforts without preconditions.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the South Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace, stability and development, pledging continued backing for the Transitional Government of National Unity. He stressed that national unity and elite consensus are critical to progress during the country’s transitional phase.
Tinubu also urged African leaders to prioritise inclusive and transparent elections, describing them as essential to building trust and confidence in South Sudan’s future leadership. He warned that insecurity and political tensions continue to hinder key reforms, including security sector restructuring and constitution drafting.
In his opening remarks, Ramaphosa acknowledged delays in implementing the revitalised peace agreement, eight years after its adoption, but described the summit as a demonstration of Africa’s commitment to lasting peace in South Sudan.
The President of Djibouti and Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ismail Omar Guelleh, proposed appointing a lead mediator to monitor progress and address emerging challenges. Other attendees included Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Separately, Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea, including office facilities, vessels, helicopters and personnel, to strengthen efforts against transnational organised crime and enhance maritime security in the region.
