The appeal follows a briefing held by the Council in Addis Ababa, where officials expressed concern over escalating violence and political tension across the country.
In a statement released Monday, the AU Council highlighted a significant rise in ceasefire violations, including aerial bombardments and clashes among parties signatory to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
In a statement released Monday, the AU Council highlighted a significant rise in ceasefire violations, including aerial bombardments and clashes among parties signatory to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The Council warned that these incidents place the peace process at a critical crossroads, with the risk of further deterioration if swift measures are not implemented.
The Council emphasized the urgent need to organize national elections by December 2026. Officials described timely elections as a “non-negotiable step” toward meeting citizens’ aspirations and ensuring the end of South Sudan’s transitional period by early 2027.
“The Supreme interests of the people of South Sudan must be prioritized above all else. Political leaders must move away from the ideology of hate and embrace inclusive, genuine dialogue to prevent a total collapse of the peace process,” the statement read.
To strengthen accountability mechanisms, the AU Commission has been tasked with expediting the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
The Council emphasized the urgent need to organize national elections by December 2026. Officials described timely elections as a “non-negotiable step” toward meeting citizens’ aspirations and ensuring the end of South Sudan’s transitional period by early 2027.
“The Supreme interests of the people of South Sudan must be prioritized above all else. Political leaders must move away from the ideology of hate and embrace inclusive, genuine dialogue to prevent a total collapse of the peace process,” the statement read.
To strengthen accountability mechanisms, the AU Commission has been tasked with expediting the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
The Council issued a stern warning to perpetrators of sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings, declaring that they “will be held accountable for their heinous acts.”
Central to the Council’s appeal was the release of the First Vice President and other political detainees, which it described as essential for reinvigorating dialogue and restoring trust among key stakeholders.
Central to the Council’s appeal was the release of the First Vice President and other political detainees, which it described as essential for reinvigorating dialogue and restoring trust among key stakeholders.
“Sustained and harmonized engagements by IGAD, AU, and the UN with the RTGoNU are crucial to keep the fragile peace process alive,” the statement added.
It stressed that meaningful dialogue can only resume when political and security obstacles, including the detention of key leaders, are resolved.
The Council also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan, attributing it to localized insecurity, climate change, and the influx of refugees from neighboring Sudan.
The Council also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan, attributing it to localized insecurity, climate change, and the influx of refugees from neighboring Sudan.
Humanitarian access remains restricted in several regions, prompting the AU to demand “unfettered access to all affected populations.”
Political reforms were another focus of the Council’s briefing. Officials urged the South Sudanese government to adhere strictly to the provisions of the R-ARCSS, accelerate the unification of security forces, and advance the permanent constitution-making process.
Political reforms were another focus of the Council’s briefing. Officials urged the South Sudanese government to adhere strictly to the provisions of the R-ARCSS, accelerate the unification of security forces, and advance the permanent constitution-making process.
The AU also called on authorities to equip the National Elections Commission (NEC) with adequate resources to ensure transparent and credible elections in 2026.
Observers noted that the AU’s statement reflects growing regional concern over South Sudan’s fragile political environment.
Observers noted that the AU’s statement reflects growing regional concern over South Sudan’s fragile political environment.
Political analysts have warned that continued delays in implementing key components of the R-ARCSS, coupled with rising inter-party tension, could undermine years of peace-building efforts.
“The AU Peace and Security Council is sending a strong message that the status quo is unsustainable,” said political analyst Esther Ajok.
“The AU Peace and Security Council is sending a strong message that the status quo is unsustainable,” said political analyst Esther Ajok.
“Immediate action is needed to prevent the country from slipping back into widespread conflict.”
The Council’s directive also underscores the importance of prioritizing the welfare of South Sudan’s citizens above political agendas.
The Council’s directive also underscores the importance of prioritizing the welfare of South Sudan’s citizens above political agendas.
With hundreds of thousands displaced due to conflict and climate-related disasters, the AU stressed the need for inclusive governance and proactive measures to mitigate humanitarian crises.
Civil society organizations in South Sudan have welcomed the AU’s call, urging local leaders to respond constructively.
Civil society organizations in South Sudan have welcomed the AU’s call, urging local leaders to respond constructively.
Several advocacy groups highlighted the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as the only viable means of achieving lasting stability.
“The appeal for immediate release of political detainees is a critical step in restoring confidence among stakeholders,” said James Lado, a local peace activist.
“The appeal for immediate release of political detainees is a critical step in restoring confidence among stakeholders,” said James Lado, a local peace activist.
“South Sudan’s leaders must now demonstrate commitment to the peace process and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.”
0 Comments